KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato | The Commission on Audit (COA) has commended the Provincial Government of South Cotabato for its compliance with government requirements on the allocation and utilization of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF), as well as for ensuring that its disaster risk reduction and management programs are properly aligned with its plans and budget.
In a Management Letter addressed to Provincial Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., COA reported that the Provincial Government of South Cotabato complied with the allocation requirements for its LDRRMF in accordance with Section 21 of Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and Section 4 of COA Circular No. 2012-002.
The audit likewise confirmed that the Annual Investment Program (AIP), financial plan, and budget for Calendar Year 2025 were properly aligned with the Provincial Government’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (LDRRMP).
The assessment was conducted in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions on compliance auditing (ISSAI 4000), which require auditors to plan and perform the audit to obtain a reasonable basis for their conclusions.
According to COA, the Provincial Government demonstrated compliance not only in allocating the LDRRMF but also in ensuring that its Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) were consistent with its plans, financial resources, and medium-term disaster risk reduction and management goals.
COA specifically commended the Provincial Government for its compliance with the guidelines governing the allocation and utilization of LDRRMF, as provided under RA No. 10121 and COA Circular No. 2012-002.
The Commission also recognized management’s efforts to ensure the PPAs align with the Annual Investment Program, financial plan, budget, and medium-term LDRRM goals.
This alignment ensures that funds intended for disaster risk reduction and management are programmed according to identified needs and are directed toward activities that support preparedness, prevention and mitigation, response, and recovery.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rolly Doane C. Aquino, RN, said the recognition from COA reflects the Provincial Government’s commitment to ensuring that public funds intended for disaster risk reduction are properly accounted for and utilized for their intended purpose.
“Ang pinaka maayo nga natabo sa OPDRRMO-South Cotabato, amo ang maayo nga pag utilize sang pondo, well accounted kag nagamit sang husto kag sa dapat pakadtuan,” Aquino said.
For Aquino, proper utilization of the LDRRMF translates directly into actual government work and delivery of services to communities, particularly in times when disaster preparedness and response are crucial.
“Kung na-utilize ang aton pondo, buot silingon nakatrabaho kita, kung naka trabaho kita, naka serbisyo kita. Kag ina ang rason kun ngaa ang Commission on Audit, gin commend ang Provincial Government of South Cotabato sa pagpanguna ni Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. sa idalum sang opisina sang OPDRRMO-South Cotabato,” he added.
He emphasized that proper financial management is an important component of effective disaster risk reduction and management, as available resources must translate into concrete programs, equipment, services, and interventions for the people.
Aquino further underscored that the COA findings demonstrate that the province’s disaster funds are being managed according to established government rules and are being monitored through the appropriate financial and accountability mechanisms.
“Na-plastar ang aton pondo kag wala sang korapsyon nga natabo sa PDRRMO-South Cotabato, na monitor sang COA nga properly aligned kag properly utilized,” Aquino said.
The COA commendation reinforces the Provincial Government’s continuing efforts to uphold transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility in the management of resources intended for disaster risk reduction and management.
Through the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO), the province continues to implement programs and activities designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, response capabilities, risk reduction, and community resilience.
The proper alignment of the LDRRMF with the province’s investment program, financial plan, budget, and LDRRM Plan allows the government to maximize available resources while ensuring that disaster-related interventions remain responsive to the needs of communities.
The COA commendation also highlights the importance of sound financial management in achieving effective public service. Beyond complying with statutory requirements, the proper allocation and utilization of disaster funds help ensure that government resources are used for meaningful interventions that protect lives, communities, and properties.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato expressed its continuing commitment to responsible governance by ensuring that public funds are properly planned, accounted for, monitored, and utilized in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
COA likewise expressed its appreciation for the support and cooperation extended by the officials and employees of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato to the Audit Team during the conduct of the audit.
The latest commendation underscores the province’s continuing pursuit of “Tama kag Maayo nga Serbisyo para sa Katawhan sang South Cotabato,” anchored on responsible use of public resources and effective delivery of services to the people.
