MANILA, Philippines — For the fourth consecutive year, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has obtained the highest audit rating given by the Commission on Audit (COA).
BFAR Director Elizer Salilig said in a statement that COA’s unmodified opinion reflects the agency’s commitment to fiscal integrity and clean governance.
"We thank the Commission on Audit for recognizing the bureau’s efforts to utilize public funds in an honest and transparent manner. This achievement honors the hard work of our personnel in the central office and across the region to uphold the highest standards of public service,” Salilig said.
"We remain committed to sustaining these standards as we continue to fulfill our mandate of serving the Philippine fisheries sector," the BFAR chief added.
He said COA’s highest level of audit approval affirms that BFAR’s spending of public funds is above board and its financial reports are reliable, accurate, and free from material misstatements.
The commission rated BFAR’s consolidated annual audit report, including financial operations of its central office and all its 16 regional field offices nationwide.
“This recognition is a stamp of approval signifying an agency’s fair presentation of financial statements and adherence to government accounting standards,” Salilig said.
He credited the achievement to the dedication and integrity of its entire workforce which he described as the backbone in its pursuit of institutional excellence.
Reaffirming the bureau’s commitment to fostering sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, and livelihood support in fishing communities across the country, Salilig vowed that every peso of public funding for BFAR would directly benefit the sector.