TACLOBAN CITY – Upholding its commitment to transparency and accountability, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) convened with the Commission on Audit (COA) for the CY 2024 COA Exit Conference on March 18, 2025, at the NMP Conference Room. The session focused on key audit findings and strategic measures to enhance financial management, strengthen internal controls, and promote sustainable governance.

The conference served as a platform for NMP, led by Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario, and COA auditors, headed by Atty. Helen O. Fabra, Supervising Auditor, to engage in a constructive dialogue. The exchange went beyond compliance, focusing on proactive solutions for financial discipline and regulatory adherence.

Reflecting on the significance of the activity, Executive Director Del Rosario underscored COA’s crucial role in guiding institutions toward best practices in financial governance: “This is an opportunity to be guided by COA as we review the findings and recommendations alongside management comments, ensuring that we take the necessary actions to achieve full compliance with COA rules and regulations,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Atty. Fabra commended NMP’s responsiveness, particularly in addressing Notices of Suspension (NSs) and Notices of Charge (NCs), stating: “We recognize NMP’s diligence in resolving audit observations, which demonstrates its strong commitment to responsible financial management and adherence to auditing standards.”

Beyond technical assessments, the conference also highlighted the evolving landscape of financial governance. COA auditors encouraged NMP to sustain its efforts in policy enhancements and strategic risk management—key factors in ensuring efficiency and adaptability in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

Ultimately, the dialogue reaffirmed that fiscal integrity is not a one-time accomplishment but a continuous process of learning, improvement, and adaption. As NMP moves forward, it remains steadfast in fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and operational excellence, reinforcing its mission to advance maritime training and research for the global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers.

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