In the center of the city known as the “Spring Resort Capital of the Philippines” because of its numerous hot spring resorts, COA’s new Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) serves as a home symbolic of COA’s independence and interdependence for the audit teams of the different cities and municipalities in the Province of Laguna.

      On February 10, 2022, the PSAO building was inaugurated with COA OIC-Chairperson Roland C. Pondoc and Commissioner Mario G. Lipana, alongside newly appointed COA Regional Office No. IV-A OIC Atty. Resurreccion C. Quieta, OIC-Assistant Regional Director Juniel D. Sadiasa and key officials from the COA Central Office leading the ceremony which included the unveiling of the PSAO markers and the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

         Also present during the inauguration rites that was held inside the new PSAO building in the New City Hall Complex, Chipeco Avenue, Real, Calamba City are Governor Ramil L. Hernandez of the Province of Laguna, who welcomed all the guests in attendance, as well as Mayor Justin Marc SB. Chipeco of the City of Calamba who delivered a short message.

        Mayor Chipeco said that the PSAO project would not have been possible if not for Chairman Michael Aguinaldo and Commissioner Lipana, who both approached him about COA’s need for a lot where the PSAO building would be built, and he remembered immediately offering the vacant lot near the City Hall of Calamba.

     “This building is a symbol of the collaboration between COA and the City of Calamba, together with the other LGUs of Laguna,” Commissioner Lipana said in his speech during the inauguration.  He further said that, “[T]he PSAO is seen as a symbol of independence as it allows the relocation of our auditors from the agency auditing premises.  It will also enhance our capacity to carry out our Constitutional mandate as guardians of public funds and property.”

      According to Commissioner Lipana, the PSAO Laguna is so far the biggest PSAO in the country, being the only one that is four storeys high, with [several] training rooms and ten semi-executive rooms.

        Then OIC-COA Chairperson Roland C. Pondoc in his turn thanked all those who were instrumental in the completion of the PSAO Laguna project.  First off, he expressed his gratitude to the City Officials of Calamba who donated the lot for the project, the members of the Project Management Team and the beloved COAns from Region IV-A which used to be headed by Commissioner Lipana.

       Commissioner Pondoc said that COA started off the year with a series of inaugurations and ground-breaking ceremonies around the country.  According to him, the completion of PSAO buildings show the COA employees’ high degree of commitment and passion for work,and the ability to overcome various challenges in order to achieve a goal.  He likewise said that the development and completion of PSAO buildings show the support of COA’s partners including the Calamba, Laguna government in helping the Commission attain its objectives.

       Director Resurreccion C. Quieta delivered the closing remarks.  He thanked everyone who attended the inauguration and blessing of the PSAO Laguna, and urged everyone “to show their gratitude above all to God Almighty for continuously guiding us and inspiring us in our daily endeavors”.

         The strictly Filipiniana affair was hosted by Mr. Dexter Clamor and Ms. Maria Luisa Aganan.