Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines

Annual National Convention

Bohol Tropics Hotel, Tagbilaran City
October 19-22, 2016
Summary of Proceedings
DAY 1: October 19, 2016 (Wednesday)
Introduction
This year marks another milestone in Association of Government Accountants of
the Philippines (AGAP) as it celebrates its 66 th anniversary. This years theme is
Financial Management Practitioners: Rising to the Challenge of Change.
Opening Ceremonies
Entrance of Colors
Singing of Doxology and of National Anthem (by Loboc Childrens Choir)
Declaration of Opening of AGAP Convention by Ms. Tina Rose Marie L. Canda,
Convention Chairperson
Production Number rendered by the Loboc Childrens Choir
Introduction of Participants per regionby Ms. Tina Rose Marie L. Canda
Presidents Message:
Mr. Gregorio C. Rulloda, AGAP National President
The 66th anniversary of AGAP chooses the theme, Financial Management
Practitioners: Rising to the Challenge of Change. This convention-seminar aims
to see how financial management functions can meet the growing challenges for
more responsive government services. AGAP Board has also decided to update
its vision and mission to take stock of how the organization has evolved.
Vision:
The reputable and dynamic association of government financial
management practitioners
Mission: To organize government financial management practitioners into highly
competent and accountable professionals

The thrusts of the AGAP revolve around membership satisfaction, use of

Information Technology, linkages with other organizations, and corporate social
responsibility. The AGAP President reminded the participants that public service
is a public trust and urged everyone to do his/her part in making good
governance a reality.
Welcome Address:
Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap of Tagbilaran City
Mayor Yap gave the welcome remarks to the participants and officers. He said
that the organizations desire goes in parallel with the goals of their province. To
have world-class government accountants/financial practioners, they have to
adopt a continuing education. He conveyed his best wishes and welcomed
everyone to the beautiful city of Tagbilaran, Bohol.
Keynote Address:
Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, Department of Budget and Management
The Secretary relayed the key fiscal reforms. First, there is the anchoring of
reforms in just and disciplined fiscal policies that invest heavily in infrastructure,
human capital development, and tax reforms. Second, there is also the lowering
of debt ratio. Third, there will be the removal of redundant practices for a more
effective bureaucracy. Fourth, to expedite budget implementation the what you
see what you get policy will be implemented. There will also be expeditious
procurement and upgrades in the Monitoring and Evaluation policies such as
offering of a one-year MA program. Lastly, in the spirit of accountability and
transparency all these principles will be reinforced by the assurance of the
Freedom of Info Bill.
Awarding Ceremonies:
CY 2015 Outstanding Accounting Offices
Criteria for Awarding:
Director Marietta M. Lorenzo of Commission on Audit (COA)
Director Lorenzo discussed the following criteria in the selection of the
outstanding accounting offices for CY 2015:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Timeliness in the submission of the financial reports

Reliability
Accuracy and completeness; and
Unqualified audit opinion of the FS

Message to the Awardees

Asst. Commissioner Susan P. Garcia as represented by Director Cecilia B.
Camon, COA National Government Sector (NGS)
Director Camon expressed her deep appreciation and extended her
congratulatory greetings to the awardees of Outstanding Accounting Offices who
have shown their dedication to their sworn duties and responsibilities in the name
of service to the Filipino People. She also reiterated the criteria in the selection
and management responsibility with regard to the financial operations and
submission of timely, accurate and complete financial statements and other
reports as well as the Unqualified or Unmodified Audit Opinion issued by the
auditor.
Awarding of Outstanding Accounting Offices for CY 2015
There were19 awardees who were able to received the awards/trophies:
HALL OF FAME
National Youth Commission
LGU Baler, Aurora
Outstanding Accounting Office Awardees:
Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization
Government Procurement Policy Board
National Book Development Board
National Tax Research Center
Institute of Labor Studies
Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines
Governance Commission for GOCCs
Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
Mariano Marcos State University
Employees Compensation Commission
Home Development Mutual Fund
Philippine Heart Center
LGU Aurora, Isabela
LGU Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya
LGU Gloria, Oriental Mindoro
LGU Asturias, Cebu
LGU Tabuelan, Cebu

DAY 2: OCTOBER 20, 2016 (Thursday)

Starting the Day the AGAP Way
Mrs. Teresita R. Albert, Team Building Expert/HR Consultant
The speaker shared with the participants the power of thinking and power of
intentions. She highlighted the lesson that what we give is exactly what we get
back, and when we give we should share without conditions. She also
encouraged everyone to make it as peoples intention to embrace all the
changes. Lastly, she emphasized that the AGAP way is that it is like a family.
Change Agenda: Faster and Better Government Services
An Overview of the Integrated Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Program
Director IV Maria Luisa S. Agamata, Civil Service Commission
The speaker tackled the salient points ofRA 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act
(ARTA) in relation to improving the frontline government services, which reflect
the kind of bureaucracy there is. The said lawis the best weapon of government
against red tape and corruption in front-line services. The lead implementing
agency is CSC. She encouraged all financial management practitioners to apply
the integrative approach, making use of the following measures that complement
one another: Citizens Charter, Report Card Survey and Contact Center ng
Bayan. She identified the nature of ARTA-related reports namely slow process,
failure to attend to clients concern, unclear procedures, discourtesy, imposition of
additional cost, fixing, and unattended hotline number. She also mentioned the
Project Repeal: The Philippine Red Tape Challenge, which includes crowdsource
proposals, establishment of repeal system, and cutting of regulatory cost.
The PBB: Relevance, Improvement & Future Direction
SVP Magdalena L. Mendoza of DAP
The speaker discussed the relevance and future directions of performance-based
bonus (PBB). She explained in detail the performance challenges in the Public
Sector, Results-based Performance Management, Performance-Based
Incentives, Highlights of Implementation (FY 2012-2015), Enhanced PBB for FY
2016, and Gains, Lessons and Future Directions. In a nutshell, she accentuated
the idea that the results of government agencies matter to the citizens; thus, the
need for evaluation of performance.

Responsive Approach to Audit Observations & Notices of Disallowances

Assistant Comm. Elizabeth S. Zosa
Commission on Audit
The speaker first explained the functions of COA as an enabler and its close
partnership with auditees. She explained in detail the revision of outdated audit
rules and regulations, dissemination and uniform application of audit rules,
regulations and jurisprudence, disallowable transactions, determination of
persons liable, appeals from disallowances, liability for disallowances, and
enforcement of liability. She also discussed necessary terms such as Audit
Observation Memorandum (AOM), Notice of Suspension (NS), Notice of Charge
(NC) and Notice of Disallowance (ND)
Day 3: OCTOBER 21, 2016 (Friday)
Latest Innovations on Government Procurement
Atty. Jose Tomas C. Syquia, Procurement Specialist
The guest speakers talk revolved around the theme of innovations as applied in
the Procurement Service specifically on innovations in our thinking and in
services and goods. He first gave an overview of what public procurement is and
why it matters. He reminded everyone that the primary objective is to be a good
steward of public funds. He encouraged the strategic approach which highlights
the need for planning well in the process of procurement. Procurement planning
is the governments fiduciary responsibility to protect the taxpayers interest and
to safeguard the resources. Service and goods fail not because of procurement
but the lack of planning. He promoted the green or environmental public
procurement. Lastly, he gave some examples of innovations in goods and
services offered by PhilGEPS such as purchase of airline tickets and ICT
equipment.
Features of the Latest IRR of RA 9184: Procurement Updates
Atty. Dennis S. Santiago
Executive Director of Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB)
The speaker explained in detail the 5 Rights present in the entire procurement
process, and these are the following: Right source, Right quantity, Right quality,
Right price, and Right time and delivery. The highlight of his talk featured the
2016 revised IRR or RA 9184 taking into consideration some of existing issues
such as varying interpretations of RA 9184, poor planning, lack of members to
constitute BAC, lack of training, poor specifications, non-refundable fee for bid
docs, difficulty in preparing technical specifications, poor quality of works, strict
rules on marking, bid rigging, period of action per procurement activity, retention
5

money, termination of contract, different guidelines for alternative method of

procurement, among others.
Issue
Role of TWG
Lack of training of HOPE, BAC,
Secretariat & TWG
Poor specifications

Non-refundable fee for bid docs

Difficulty in preparing technical
specifications

Varying interpretations of RA
9184

Poor planning; delay in budget

approval; delay in procurement;
underspending

Lack of members to constitute

BAC

Lack of full-time BAC Secretariat

members to support BAC

Role of TWG
Lack of training of HOPE, BAC,
Secretariat & TWG
Poor specifications
Non-refundable fee for bid docs
Difficulty in preparing technical
specifications

Revision
Duties clarified
Personnel to attend relevant
procurement
training
and
capacity development program
Bid documents to reflect the
specifications required to meet
the needs of the PE
Provide instances when bid doc
fairness in fees may be refunded
Reference to brand names is
allowed for items that are
compatible with existing fleet or
equip of the same make
Enumerated activities that are
not considered as procurement
undertakings (e.g. participation
in scholarships)
MYOA for Multi-year proj;
preparation of Indicative APP
upon issuance of budget call;
undertaking Procurement Short
of Award; submission of APP &
changes thereto to GPBB
Allows designation of an officer
of the next lower rank, in case of
unavailability of 5th ranking
official
In case of ad hoc BAC
Secretariat, the HOPE shall
assign full-time support staff in
its BAC Secretariat
Duties clarified
Personnel to attend relevant
procurement training and
capacity development program
Bid documents to reflect the
specifications required to meet
the needs of the PE
Provide instances when bid doc
fairness in fees may be refunded
Reference to brand names is
allowed for items that are
compatible with existing fleet or
equip of the same make

Impact
Avoid
pinpointing
of
responsibilities
Procurement professionalization

Quality of goods for the lowest

prices
Fairness in procurement
Ensure compatibility, performance
& functionality

Clarification on the applicability of

RA 9184

Improved linkage of budget to

procurement; avoid splitting of
contracts

Increases the pool from which

HOPE select its BAC members

Fast-track procurement

Avoid pinpointing of
responsibilities
Procurement professionalization
Quality of goods for the lowest
prices
Fairness in procurement
Ensure compatibility, performance
& functionality

GSIS Services: Whats New for Members?

Atty. Joseph Philip T. Andres, VP Visayas Office of GSIS
The speaker explained the differences of the new life insurance policy, the
Enhanced Life Policy (ELP) from the old Life Endowment Policy (LEP). Bulk of
the talk was about the highlights of accomplishments of GSIS which are as
follow: reduction in volume of unposted payments, reduction in Suspended
Agencies, eGSISMO, improved Posting Efficiency, more Responsive Turnaround
Time (TAT), non-suspension of loan privileges of employees in suspended
agencies, claims and benefits paid, improved processing efficiency, financial
performance specifically increase in fund assets, increased minimum pension,
removal of Annual Renewal Active Status (ARAS), restoration of survivorship
benefits, and additional benefits.
ECC Services: Whats New for Members?
Exec. Director Stella Z. Banawis of Employees Compensation Commission
The guest speaker gave a background on the Employees Compensation
Commission (ECC) and the Employees Compensation Program (ECP) they
offer. The State Insurance Fund (SIF) or the total assets of the agency is
P53.98B. She also discussed the major challenges their office is facing such as
low benefits, slow processing of claims, and low awareness of the agencys
benefits. For future improvements the ECC seeks to continue primacy of
prevention of work-related accidents and diseases, new ways of facilitating EC
claims,increase in monthly pension, increase in careers allowance and coverage
of self-employed workers under ECP, establishment of an Industrial
Rehabilitation Center for PWRDs, strengthened information dissemination to
expand actual coverage, and lastly on-line/proactive application for EC claims.
OCTOBER 22, 2016 (Thursday)
AGAP Business/Assembly and Elections
Summary of Proceedings was presented and followed by Elections.