Bacolor, Pampanga – Marking the 123rd founding anniversary of the Commission on Audit (COA), Regional Office No. III held a two-day celebration consisting of various activities and competitions for all employees. With the theme “COA ng Makabagong Panahon; Kaagapay sa Pag-ahon at Pagsulong”,  Regional Director (RD) Mr. Omar S. Roque 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.

COA’s celebration was highlighted by the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) 2022 honoring exemplary COA officials and employees for their unwavering display of courage, integrity, and loyalty in the performance of their duties as public servants. The recognition program was held at the Don Honorio Venture State University GYM, in Bacolor, Pampanga on May 5-6, 2022.

Team R3-10 (SUCs and other NGS SAAs), headed by OIC-Supervising Auditor Virginia A. Yacat bagged the “Incentive for an Audit Team with Outstanding Audit Report” award for the Regional Level. She is joined by Audit Team Leader Thelma S. Timbol and Audit Team Member Rosario I. Dequina. COA established PRAISE through COA Resolution No. 2002-007 dated 3 October 2002, in its efforts to recognize, acknowledge and reward productive, innovative and growing acts of its human resource.

Moreso, COA Region III also awarded the Service Awardee for CY 2022 during the celebration and was conferred to the following:

1. Flordeliza D. Torres – LGS B-Bataan                 14. Evangeline B. Pamintuan.-NGS Clusters 6&8
2. Florabelle D. Buan – LGS B-Bataan                  15. Teresita M. Gequinto – CGS Clusters 3,5&6
3. Ma Rosario G. Mateo -LGS B-Bulacan             16. Leticia B. Alingig – CGS Clusters 3,5&6
4. Remedios P. Soto – LGS B-Bulacan                  17. Luzviminda C. Canlas- CGS Clusters 3,5&6
5. Angelita T. De Jesus – LGS NE-A                      18. Carmen M. Palec – CGS Clusters 3,5&6
6. Grace P. Tan – LGS E-Pampanga                      19. Mirasol B. Liwanag – SAA and SUCs
7. Eduardo C. Aguirre – LGS E-Pampanga            20. Sofia V. Velasco – SUC/Other NGA SAA
8. Leoncia M. Herico – NGS Clusters 1,2&4           21.Yolanda O. Dominguez -SUCs/Other NGA SAA
9. Olivia B. Quiambao – NGS Clusters 1,2&4         22. Edelina O. Goseco – SUCs/Other NGA SAA
10. Teresita D. Sason. – NGS Cluster 5                  23. Jaime C. Moulic, Jr.- Regional Tech.Services
11. Josephine R. Catap.- NGS Cluster 5                24. Juanita D. Dimaun – Regional Tech.Services
12. Carmela H. Santos – NGS Cluster 5                 25. Jonathan E. Sevidal – Regional Tech.Services
13. Laila G. Ramos – NGS Clusters 6&8

The COA Service Award is being given to individuals with exceptional length of public service and outstanding contribution to the Commission. They were given plaque with citation for their exemplary performances.

In addition, the bar examinations passers for year 2020/2021 were also recognized during the event. They are Atty. Johnson M. Palomares, State Auditor I, from Nueva Ecija Province, Atty. Meliza Joy P. Manalo, State Auditor II and Atty. Michael John O. Dimarucut, State Auditor I, both assigned at Tarlac Province.

The occasion likewise served as a venue in showcasing the talents of COA personnel after a two-year hiatus brought about by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Positivity is felt during the performance of each Province’s version of the “Paro-Paro G” dance number and different types of sports games.

The winners of the said competition and tournament are:

Dance Contest:
1st place – Bataan; 2nd – Pampanga; 3rd – Tarlac

Singing Contest:
1st place – Bulacan; 2nd – Bataan; 3rd-Tarlac

Fun Run
1st – Ryan Calma, Regional office; 2nd-John Garcia, Regional Office; 3rd-Alexis Crus-NE-A

2-Point Shootout (women)
1st – Sheila Marie Tadique-NE-A; 2nd Cherrie Ann Cacap-Zambales; 3rd Rose Javier-Bataan

3-Point Shootout (men)
1st – Ivan Musni-Pampanga; 2nd Oscar Jacinto, Jr.-Regional Office; 3rd John Patrick Meneses-Bulacan

Badminton Women
1st – Daphie Raiz; 2nd Jacqueline Cayanan-Regional Office; 3rd Joana Gozun-Pampanga

Badminton Men
1st – John Carlos Guiao-Pampanga; 2nd Robert Dan Aquino-Zamblaes; 3rd Danilo John Leano-Bataan

Darts
1st – Edgar Abalos and Mary Angelica Vicencio-Aurora and NE; 2nd Edwin Cayanan and Arjane Malit-Pampanga; 3rd Ebenezer Batul and Trixie Reyes-Bataan

Chess
1st – Joseph Caliso Jr-Aurora and NE; 2nd William T. Marty, Jr.-Zambales; 3rd Maribel Agtane-NE-A

Table Tennis (men)
1st – Jaymark Marayag-NE –A; 2nd Raymark Dela Cruz-Bulacan; 3rd Paul Justin Munoz-Pampanga

Table Tennis (women)
1st – Charmaine Aranes-Pampanga; 2nd Carmen Siron-Regional Office; 3rd Ingrid Cuento-NE B and A

Aside from the sumptuous food, raffle prizes were also drawn to lucky winners.

In her closing remarks, Assistant Regional Director Chona P. Laxamana thanked the whole COA Region III family for the successful celebration and reminded everyone to always strive for the best amidst any challenges that comes our way.