To mark the 122nd founding anniversary of the Commission on Audit (COA), Regional Office No. IV-A held a weeklong celebration consisting of various activities and competitions for all employees. On May 3, 2021, Regional Director (RD) Mr. Mario G. Lipana officially opened the festivities with an inspirational message where he greeted everyone on the joyous occasion and thanked all employees for their tireless dedication to their work even during these trying times.
RD’s message was followed by an online presentation of all entries to the Tiktok Competition with the theme of “Work in the New Normal,” and thereafter, the Cheerleading Competition with the theme “Resilience and Innovation in the New Normal.”
A Eucharistic celebration was held on May 4, 2021 led by Rev. Fr. Arturo Arnaiz and participated in by all Catholic faithful of Region IV-A. The following day, a virtual Zumba activity was conducted which aimed to promote regular exercise as part of everyone’s healthy lifestyle especially during the pandemic. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has indeed posed precarious challenges and restricted many from attaining their fitness goals, so the Region found it necessary to encourage everyone to stay committed to keeping their bodies strong and healthy by doing cardio exercises like zumba. The two (2) hour virtual event was led by Mr. Jay Aviles Danao, a licensed Zumba Instructor. All participants energetically danced to varying music like pop, modern, hiphop, disco, techno and even k-pop, wearing their best Zumba outfits as there were contests for Best in Zumba Outfit, Best Zumba Performers and Best in Zumba Pose.
On May 6, 2021 a webinar was held about sports-related activities. There were two guest speakers, namely: Ms. Maria Carmela C. Taob, who discussed about the benefits of exercise, and Ms. Mary Grace Banal, who talked about Sports Nutrition. Ms. Taob enumerated the top three benefits of exercising, such as: positive impact on mental health which mitigates the adverse effects of isolation like anxiety, stress and sedentarism, management of healthy body weight and lastly, less pronounced immunosenescence characteristics. Ms. Banal, on the other hand, explained how exercise and proper nutrition may improve body composition, musculoskeletal health, as well as, physical and cognitive performances and prevent metabolic diseases. She highlighted the need for Vitamin C supplementation as it appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections.
The awarding of prizes to the winners of the Tiktok and Cheerleading competitions was held in the morning of May 7, 2021. The winners for the Tiktok Competition are the following:
1st Place LGS – C LAGUNA
2nd Place LGS- E QUEZON
3rd Place LGS- B CAVITE
3 Consolation Prizes LGS- A BATANGAS
LGS -D RIZAL
REGIONAL OFFICE
Meanwhile, the winners for the Cheerleading Competition are the following:
1st Place LGS- C LAGUNA
2nd Place LGS – B CAVITE
3rd Place LGS- A BATANGAS
3 Consolation Prizes @ P1,000 each LGS- D RIZAL
LGS – E QUEZON
REGIONAL OFFICE
The overall champion for both competitions was LGS-C Laguna, while LGS-B Cavite was first runner up and LGS-E Quezon was second runner-up.
In the afternoon of the last day of the weeklong celebration, the Region’s retirees and loyalty awardees were presented with virtual plaques of appreciation. The eight loyalty awardees who have served COA for more than 40 years were: Ms. Teodora J. Landicho, Ms. Maribeth M. Dionisio, Ms. Melanie P. Ruidera, Mr. Jaime B. Roxas, Mr. Jesus B. Luistro, Ms. Celia B. Arzadon, Ms. Merle D. Morales, and Mr. Bernardo A. Cangao. Meanwhile, the 25 retirees who were acknowledged are the following:
Ma. Delia B. Semana
Francisco H. Borgonia
Buenaventura F. Lim, Jr.
Ronaldo S. Maguyon
Benedicto F. Zoleta
Manuel A. Mari
Gladita P. Manongsong
Marilou A. Alarcon
Emiliano S. Alarcon
Sonia V. Amada
Marilyn N. Andino
Agripina D. Palioto
Merlita D. Castillo
Vilma M. Martin
Aurea A. Guerra
Anita G. Macahia
Rosita M. Medina
Bernardo M. Cajigas
Rogelio E. Santos
Brenda D. Natanauan
Anastacia V. Argente
Maria Oliva V. Ortega
Priscila N. Pahutan
Rodelia C. Buenviaje
Marilyn M. Celemin
Most of the awardees were generous enough to impart words of encouragement and wisdom from their memorable experiences as seasoned auditors to those who are still with the Commission.
Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc also delivered a short message during the closing program. He thanked all COAns for “always living true to the organization’s vision and in upholding a reputation as an institution that insures the betterment of the government and its people.” He stressed the importance of the commission’s core values in its pursuit of relentlessly serving the people, and he urged COAns to let those values be true in their work, not only as civil servants but also in their daily activities as well.
Before the festivities officially ended, COA Chairperson Hon. Michael G. Aguinaldo delivered a short message for the Region IV-A family. He congratulated everyone on the successful conduct of the various activities in celebration of the COA anniversary, and wished everyone good health amidst the pandemic. The Region’s beloved Assistant Regional Director (ARD), Ms. Teodora J. Landicho followed with her closing remarks. She also commended everyone for a job well done during the intense 5-day virtual celebration. She said that despite the challenging times, COAns, who always strive to commit to quality audit performance, still managed to participate in the festivities. This pandemic, she added, reminded everyone that life is but a fleeting moment – we must work hard but we should also enjoy making it worthwhile.
The virtual celebration was spearheaded by RD Mario G. Lipana, with the assistance of OIC-ARD Teodora J. Landicho and Office of the Regional Director Service Chief, Mr. Juniel D. Sadiasa. Likewise, different committees lent invaluable support for the success of the virtual celebration which was participated in by over two hundred ninety (290) Region IV-A employees coming from the Regional Office, as well as the Provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon and Rizal. Mr. Dexter L. Clamor and Mr. Carlos R. Garcia were the masters of ceremony during the weeklong festivities.