𝐂𝐎𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The Commission on Audit conducted an Exit Conference for J.H. Cerilles State College to discuss audit observations, recommendations, and the status of implementation of prior years’ audit recommendations concerning the accounts and transactions of the institution for Calendar Year 2025. The conference was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, College President, and was facilitated by Mr. Wilfredo M. Barnido Jr., Vice President for Administration and Finance, together with Ms. Jesu Marie Reducto, Finance Director. The activity was held on May 11, 2026, at the JHCSC Pagadian City Annex in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, in compliance with COA Memorandum No. 2014-011 dated October 21, 2014.

Leading the discussion were Mr. Arman H. Asnawi, State Auditor IV and Supervising Auditor, and Mr. Alvin Rey N. Buot, State Auditor IV and Audit Team Leader, who presented the Summary of Audit Observations and Recommendations (SAOR), including management comments, auditor’s rejoinders, and updates on the implementation of previous audit recommendations.

Participants in the activity included personnel from the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance (OVPAF), the finance and accounting offices, and the budget office. Also in attendance were Vilma C. Grengia, Moises Glenn G. Tangalin, Trinidad C. Abapo, and School of Nursing (SON) Dean Marjo S. Malabanan, together with officials, heads of offices, and staff members whose offices were involved in the issued Audit Observation Memoranda.

Mr. Asnawi delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of audit conferences in strengthening transparency, accountability, and compliance with government auditing standards. An open forum followed the presentation, allowing participants to raise concerns, clarify issues, and provide suggestions for the effective implementation of audit recommendations. The collaborative discussion highlighted the commitment of both COA and JHCSC officials toward maintaining sound financial management and institutional integrity.

In his message, President Rosales expressed his appreciation to the COA team for their guidance and recommendations. He emphasized the importance of the exit conference in helping the institution identify areas for improvement and further strengthen its governance, administrative systems, and financial operations.

The conference concluded by encouraging continued cooperation between the audit team and JHCSC officials to promote good governance, accountability, and excellence in public service.