COA Regional Office VI inaugurated another Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) in the island province of Guimaras last May 16, 2022. The inauguration was led by Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc together with: Director Roberto D. Mabagos, Chief of Staff and Representative of Commissioner Mario G. Lipana; Assistant Commissioner Roland A. Rey of the Local Government Audit Sector; Assistant Commissioner Lorna D. Cabochan of the Administration Sector; Director Amelia P. Valdez of the General Services Office; former Regional Director Merne T. Peñaranda ; and Regional Director Marilou M. Rizarri. They were also joined by the region’s SAs, RSAs, Service Chiefs and Auditors.

The momentous event was also attended by local government officials of Guimaras led by Governor JCRahman A. Nava, former Governor Samuel T. Gumarin who is now incumbent Mayor of the municipality of Buenavista, Representative Ma. Lucille Ledesma-Nava of the Lone District of Guimaras, Vice-Governor Edward G. Gando, and Vice-Mayor Cyril C. Beltran of the municipality of Buenavista. Fr. Alex Serania of the St. Michael the Archangel Parish of Jordan led the blessing rites for the building.

The two-storey PSAO sits on a 1,000 sq.m. property within the government center in San Miguel, Jordan which use was generously approved by the provincial government for 50 years. The building shall be the official station of all audit teams whose auditees are located in Guimaras and also provides dormitory facilities for teams on visitorial audit. The PSAO was initiated by then Director Chona P. Labrague in 2019 , constructed under the administration of Director Peñaranda in2022 and became fully operational under Director Rizarri. Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo led the groundbreaking rites and construction started on January 23, 2022 and completed on November 9, 2022.

In his speech, Commissioner Pondoc emphasized that the building not only symbolizes COA’s independence but that independence should be embedded in the hearts of every COAn; and that as an independent constitutional body, COA can also work interdependently with the local government of Guimaras.

“This new building serves as a beacon of our deep aspiration as public servants. This also comes hand in hand with new challenges, just as maintaining a building requires attention to various aspects like strengthening organization relationships of the work order system. We will make this building a home for everyone, a happier place second to your home.”