BY GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA

The Commission on Audit (COA) inaugurated its new Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) Annex Building in Barangay Cabawan, Tagbilaran City, on June 10, 2025, further strengthening audit operations and public service delivery in the Province of Bohol.

The annex building stands on a city-owned lot granted for free use through a usufruct agreement by the City Government of Tagbilaran and the Tagbilaran City Local School Board.

This gesture underscores the city’s commitment to supporting institutions that uphold accountability and transparency.

COA 7 Regional Director Visitacion Mendoza expressed her gratitude to Mayor Jane Yap and the city government for the continued partnership, emphasizing that the new facility will enhance the safekeeping of audit records and provide a more functional space for audit teams across the province.

Key officials present at the ceremony included COA Regional Director Visitacion Mendoza, Chief of Staff Cathelyn Torremocha representing Mayor Yap, Bohol Supervising Auditors Almira Bastes and Fe Concepcion Cerino, OIC Center Director

Ma. Gracia Soliva-Pungay of the Agricultural Training Institute and barangay officials.

In her message, Mayor Jane Yap stressed the importance of collaboration between local and national agencies.

“The City Government of Tagbilaran believes in building institutions that promote transparency, accountability, and good governance. By supporting the Commission on Audit, we affirm our shared values of integrity and public trust. This annex building will not only strengthen audit operations in the province but also reinforce our collective efforts to ensure that public resources are well-managed and wisely used,” she said.

The inauguration marks another milestone in the city’s efforts to enable more efficient, transparent, and people-centered governance through strong inter-agency cooperation.