Department of Foreign Affairs and Commission on Audit Launch Candidature of Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba for UNESCO External Auditor

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (top) and Commission on Audit (COA) Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba (bottom) delivered speeches during the DFA and COA co-hosted diplomatic reception for the launch of COA’s candidature as UNESCO External Auditor for term 2024-2029.
(Photos courtesy of DFA-OPCD Royce Pantua)

MAKATI 05 September 2023 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Commission on Audit (COA) co-hosted a diplomatic reception to launch the candidature of COA for the position of the UNESCO External Auditor for the term 2024-2029 at the Manila Polo Club, Makati City, on 31 August 2023. The event was attended by Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives of UNESCO member countries with embassies in Manila.

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and COA Chairperson Gamaliel Asis Cordoba presented the achievements and qualifications of COA as candidate for UNESCO External Auditor. 

“Building on long-standing national expertise and tradition, the Commission on Audit has an impressive track record of working with the United Nations and its specialized agencies – testament to COA’s internationally recognized, tried-and-tested standard of excellence,” stated Secretary Manalo.  He requested for the valuable support of UNESCO Member States for the Philippine candidature.  

COA has contributed a vital role in the governance of the United Nations and its specialized agencies as External Auditor for an accumulative period of thirty-nine (39) years. He served as a member of the UN Board of Auditors for three (3) consecutive terms, External Auditor of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), International Labor Organization (ILO) and of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Secretary Manalo reiterated the commitment of the Philippines “to UNESCO’s principles and objectives of building the foundations of peace in the hearts and minds of women, men, and children through education, the sciences, and culture.” 

The Philippines is an active member of the UNESCO Executive Board where it has championed equitable and inclusive governance.

COA Chairperson Gamaliel Asis Cordoba presented a 10-point agenda on his plan as UNESCO External Auditor. He mentioned that he will ensure that external audit services are delivered in conformity with international audit standards and particularly with the highest level of integrity and independence. If elected, COA will implement an integrated risk-based audit methodology to focus the limited audit resources to critical aspects of UNESCO’s operations; conduct comprehensive audits to cover financial, compliance, and performance, with periodic visits to field offices; and employ advanced audit methodologies and technology such as data analytics, computer-assisted audit techniques, amongst others.

The livestream of the event can be revisited through the link below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-xOWSwWjTg

COA’s audit approach will be geared towards developing a partnership with UNESCO in order to better assist the organization in achieving its strategic objectives while maintaining its independence in performing its functions as External Auditor. END