DFA Hosts Inaugural Internal Audit Week 2022

Left photo: IAS personnel in action during the Internal Audit  Week 2022 opening ceremony. Right photo: Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. showed his support to the IA Week celebration via video recorded message. (DFA-OPCD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)

PASAY CITY 20 May 2022 – The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Internal Audit Service (IAS), launched the inaugural Internal Audit (IA) Week 2022, with the theme “IAS@12: Nurturing a Responsive Audit Culture for a World-Class and Resilient Foreign Service”, through an opening ceremony on 16 May 2022.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., in his video message, highlighted the value of internal auditing in improving the Department’s management and operations. He said that despite the many challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department continued to strengthen the internal control system of its Home Office units, Consular Offices, and Foreign Service Posts.

In his opening remarks, Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Administration Antonio A. Morales said that the DFA is committed to building an audit culture that will benefit the Department’s stakeholders in the Philippines and abroad. While IAS Assistant Secretary Julius Caesar A. Flores shared that the DFA is continually searching for ways to improve its operations and make the organization fit-for-purpose.

Acclaimed violinist Mr. Joseph Brian Cimafranca serenaded guests with his performance of classical and contemporary pieces during the opening ceremony. Special guests included Department of Budget Management Undersecretary Kim Robert C. de Leon and Association of Government Internal Auditors (AGIA) President Marissa N. Fabricante.

Internal Audit Week 2022 includes an art exhibit in celebration of National Heritage Month featuring paintings from Mr. Aris and Mr. Dale Bagtas, forums and other audit-related trainings. It will be held from 16 to 20 May 2022, with activities, forums and trainings conducted through onsite and virtual platforms. Click here for more information: IA Week 2022 Activities Schedule. END

IAS Assistant Secretary Julius Caesar A. Flores during the presentation of the Certificates of Appreciation to keynote speakers: (from left) Acting Undersecretary Antonio A. Morales, AGIA President Marissa N. Fabricante and DBM Undersecretary Kim Robert C. de Leon. (DFA-OPCD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)

The ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened the DFA-IAS Milestones and Art Exhibit led by Acting Undersecretary Antonio A. Morales, joined by Heads of Offices and guest speakers. (DFA-OPCD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)