COA vows protection for women auditors

MANILA, Philippines - Recognizing the important role of women in government, the Commission on Audit (COA) has vowed to continue protecting women auditors as they perform their sworn duty to safeguard public funds.

COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo led the launching of activities for the Women’s Month celebration.

“I am proud to work with the women in COA as they are among the brightest, bravest and professional people I have ever met in government service,” Aguinaldo said at the launch on Feb. 29.

The COA started this year’s National Women’s Month celebration with the opening of the exhibit called “Women Power” at the COA main building.

Commissioner Isabel Agito said the COA has achieved gender equality.

Assistant Commissioner Lourdes Castillo, head of the COA Gender and Development (GAD) Technical Working Group, said this year’s theme, “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda,” seeks to empower women in public service.

Castillo gave the opening remarks during the launch of Women’s Month activities.

These include a seminar on the revised COA-GAD Framework, a livelihood seminar sponsored by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and a “lunch for a cause” on March 30.

COA officials and employees will participate in the celebration dubbed “Sama-samang Pagsulong sa mga Agenda ni Juana” at the Quirino Grandstand on March 16.