In a significant move towards improving transparency and accountability, the Dagupan City Water District (DCWD), along with other Local Water Districts (LWDs), took part in a pivotal conference organized by the Commission on Audit (COA) on November 5, 2024 at the KLC Room of the DCWD Administrative Building in Tambac, Dagupan City.
The event was a key platform for collaboration between the COA Audit Team and the water districts under audit. The conference, which was led by COA Audit Team 4, brought together prominent leaders from various LWDs, including Dagupan City Water District’s General Manager (GM) Gretchen G. Buena, Lingayen Water District’s GM Joewelito S. Gonzales, Bugallon Water District’s GM Aldrin Z. Aquino, and Binmaley Water District’s GM Louella A. Cano. These water districts are currently in a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with a private entity, and the conference aimed to clarify and align audit objectives, mandates, and processes.
COA’s team, under the guidance of OIC-Supervising Auditor Cristina M. Lopez, was joined by Audit Team Leader Julie Agnes M. Honsayco, along with team members Jodierose F. Urbano and Anthony Christian Failoga. The auditors expressed their appreciation for the cooperation and active participation of the water districts in facilitating a smooth and productive audit process.
The session, which was both informative and collaborative, focused on the objectives and scope of the audit, COA’s role, and the expected outputs. The discussion emphasized the importance of mutual responsibility between COA and the water districts in ensuring proper governance and accountability.
The COA Audit Team made it clear that the audit would not only provide a thorough review of financial and operational practices but would also serve as an opportunity to strengthen the practices of the water districts themselves. One of the highlights of the conference was the open forum, which provided a valuable space for participants to voice their questions and seek clarifications on audit-related concerns.
As the event concluded, all parties expressed optimism about the future of their collaboration. The conference fostered not only a better understanding of the auditing process but also a stronger partnership between the COA and the Local Water Districts, ultimately contributing to the collective goal of efficient and transparent public service delivery.
