The Commission on Audit (COA) and the Dagupan City Water District (DCWD) conducted an exit conference today, June 25, 2025, to formally discuss the results of the audit conducted on DCWD’s operations for the previous fiscal year.
The conference was held at the DCWD Board Room, Executive Building and was attended by representatives from both COA and DCWD. The COA team was led by Ms. Cristina M. Lopez, OIC Supervising Auditor alongside Audit Team 4 headed by Ms. Julie Honsayco, Audit Team Leader. Also present were COA audit staff namely Mr. Anthony Christian G. Failoga, Audit Team Member, Ms. Joedirose F. Urbano, Audit Team Member, Mr. Sunny Jr Mallo, Administrative Aide, Mr. Ghie Mike Angelo Valencia, Administrative Aide, Ms. Cesaramarie Cuares, Administrative Aide, and Ms. Jenine Isha May Bedonia, Administrative Aide.
Representing the Dagupan City Water District was General Manager Gretchen G. Buena, who was joined by members of the DCWD Management team and key personnel namely: Mr. Renato N. Mundo, Construction and Maintenance Division Manager, Mr. Jason G. Estrada, Administrative & Human Resource Division Manager, Mr. Michael A. Fabe, OIC Cash Management Division Manager, Ms. Steely Ann P. Raga, Senior Corporate Planning Specialist, and Ms. Denise D. Aquino, Senior Industrial Relations Management Officer A.
The exit conference focused on COA’s audit observations and recommendations covering DCWD’s financial transactions and compliance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between DCWD and Pamana Water Corporation (PAMANA), particularly on the audit implications and the need for improved documentation, transparency, and monitoring of the JVA’s implementation.
Ms. Lopez and Ms. Honsayco emphasized COA’s role in ensuring accountability in the use of public funds and commended DCWD for its cooperation throughout the audit process. General Manager Buena assured COA of the agency’s commitment to act on the recommendations and to strengthen internal controls, especially in the management and oversight of joint venture projects.
The conference concluded with both parties agreeing to maintain open lines of communication and work collaboratively towards improving systems and processes in line with good governance and public accountability.
