22/05/2026
The Internal Audit Service Unit (IASU) recently concluded its three-day Internal Audit Month capacity-building seminar, titled “Building Excellence in Internal Audit, Driving Innovation and Continuous Improvement” on May 19 to 21, 2026, at Dohera Hotel, Mandaue City. The event brought together representatives, division chiefs, and administrative staff from various departments to collaborate on strengthening governance, accountability, and internal control systems.
In his message of support, Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, represented by Executive Secretary Atty. Riczen Gingoyon, underscored the vital role of internal audit in maintaining efficient and responsive government operations. Anchored in the principles of One Mandaue, the Mayor noted that while internal audit work often operates behind the scenes, it is fundamental to ensuring that city plans are executed effectively and that public resources are managed with discipline and purpose.
Program Highlights
Day 1: Fundamentals of Internal Control: The event opened with a presentation from the DBM Regional Director, Maricor U. Baquial, who provided participants with a comprehensive overview of internal control frameworks, compliance mechanisms, and governance practices essential to the local government setting.
Day 2: Best Practices and Knowledge Exchange: Representatives from the Cebu City Internal Audit Service Office headed by OIC Jufrena Tomakin and Atty. Juliefe Cuenca, shared their expertise and operational experiences. By facilitating open dialogue, this session enabled participants to share valuable insights on audit processes and collaboratively address the governance challenges arising within their departments.
Day 3: Stakeholder Consultation: The final day focused on collaborative feedback. Participants identified operational concerns and proposed priority areas for future audit reviews. This session was designed not only to deepen technical knowledge but also to foster a culture of shared responsibility across city offices.
Looking Ahead
IASU affirmed that the seminar's core objective is to equip participants to serve as agents of change. By cascading the knowledge and insights gained, attendees are called to become advocates for transparency and stewards of continuous improvement in their departments.
As part of its ongoing commitment to professional development, IASU announced plans for future learning initiatives, including specialized training on the Baseline Assessment of Internal Control Systems (BAICS) and dedicated learning sessions for department heads, in coordination with the DBM Systems and Productivity Improvement Bureau (SPIB).
The success of this activity reaffirms the City Government’s dedication to the One Mandaue vision—striving to build a culture of accountability, excellence, and robust governance in public service.
