DAVAO CITY — To further strengthen the Ministry’s ongoing efforts towards good environmental governance and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) convened its Audit Entrance Conference with the Commission on Audit (COA) from August 5 to 6 in Davao City. The conference, organized by the Finance Division of MENRE, brought together regional and provincial auditors as well as the ministry officials.
In his speech, MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim expressed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing its management practices. “We recognize the critical importance of effective oversight in ensuring that public funds are managed with the highest standards of accountability and integrity,” Minister Brahim underscored.
“In our shared commitment to moral and environmental governance, we must work together to uphold the principles of transparency, efficiency, and ethical environmental stewardship,” he added.
The terms of the Specific Audit Thrusts, the mandatory reports, and the Ministry’s submission for the calendar year 2024 were discussed, ensuring that financial statements will be fairly presented and in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
COA Regional Director Rasdy Mitmug Guiling noted that the audit conference is also an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration.
“Our objective is not just to scrutinize and evaluate, but to partner with MENRE in its mission to protect and manage our natural and energy resources,” RD Guiling expressed.
Further, he discussed the salient features of the eNGAS and eBudget System. The commission’s audit observations, issues, and concerns were also reviewed to further improve the ministry’s performance and operations. The COA also provided updates and an overview of the commission’s issuances, focusing on the Rules and Regulations on Settlement Accounts (RRSA) and the Irregular, Unnecessary, Extravagant, and Unconscionable Expenditure (IUEEU).
“Undoubtedly, the audit process may present challenges. But let us view these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and innovation,” said MENRE Deputy Minister Muslima Asmawil.
During the conference, an engagement letter was signed between MENRE and COA formalizing the audit engagement.
Following the conclusion of the Regionwide Audit Entrance Conference, the Ministry also conducted the Laws and Rules on Government Expenditures Seminar (LARGE) on August 7 to strengthen the MENRE’s officials’ understanding of the framework surrounding government expenditures.
Present at the event were Bangsamoro Director General for ENR, Atty. Badr E. Salendab, Bangsamoro Director General for Energy Nasiri Abas, Administrative and Finance Director, Al-Sharif M. Tamburani, Chief Accountant Atty. Jawhara K. Ali, CPA, PENREO Maguindanao Lauban S. Abdul, PENREO Basilan Marietta R. Ladjiman, PENREO Lanao del Sur Asmarie M. Labao, OIC PENREO Sulu Engr. Nur-Padzri S. Pao, and CENREO Tawi-Tawi Abdulmukim J. Maruji, as well as other officials, auditors, and accountants from COA and MENRE.
The event and LARGE conference concluded with messages from Provincial ENRE Officers, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to compliance, transparency, and accountable environmental and financial management practices.
