04 March 2016 – On February 26, the Internal Audit Service (IAS) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) successfully held a day-long seminar on the National Guidelines on Internal Control Systems (NGICS) and Rules on Accountability.

Aiming to strengthen accountability and good governance not only in the Home Office but also at Foreign Service Posts, some 170 ambassadors, consuls general and other foreign service personnel from 48 consulates and embassies in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa gathered together to listen to the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Internal Audit Office of the Office of the President, Honorable Alberto A. Bernardo, who delivered the lecture.

Deputy Executive Secretary Bernardo emphasized the critical goals of internal audit to safeguard government assets, check the accuracy and reliability of accounting data, promote adherence to managerial policies, uphold compliance with law, rules and regulations, and ensure economical, efficient and effective operations. The Department is strengthening its internal control system with the gracious support of the Deputy Executive Secretary. This is the fourth time that Deputy Executive Secretary Bernardo has lectured before DFA officials.  END