DOT vows compliance and transparency in 2024 audit review

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reiterated its commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline during the Calendar Year 2024 Commission on Audit (COA) Exit Conference, held on June 4 at the DOT Central Office in Makati City.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the DOT delegation at the annual meeting, where COA presented its latest audit findings, observations, and recommendations. The Exit Conference is a key mechanism for reinforcing public accountability and improving operational and financial systems within government agencies.

This year’s session included a detailed discussion of the Summary of Audit Observations and Recommendations (SAOR), the Status of Implementation of Prior Year’s Audit Recommendations (SIPYAR), and key points from the 2024 audit. The gathering was attended by DOT Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Regional Directors (virtually), and finance and administrative officials, along with the COA audit team.

In her remarks, Secretary Frasco thanked COA for its continued guidance, emphasizing that audit oversight plays a crucial role in ensuring responsible public spending.

“We truly appreciate the guidance because it allows us to fully comply with audit rules, particularly on procurement. Please be assured that our priority is to ensure full transparency and to demand discipline and fiscal prudence across all DOT operating units—here at the central office, among our attachés abroad, and within our regional offices,” she said.

Frasco underscored the DOT’s ongoing efforts to maximize the impact of public funds by focusing on projects and services that yield measurable benefits for the tourism sector and the Filipino people. She also acknowledged the challenges the agency faces but reaffirmed her commitment to aligning resources with national development goals.

The COA team was represented by Supervising Auditor Brenda Degala, Officer-in-Charge Audit Team Leader Atty. George Almeda, State Auditor Gladys Gregorio, and State Auditing Examiner Sittie Aynah Manda.