Manila, Philippines – Marking a significant milestone in financial management collaboration, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA successfully conducted the first-ever Municipal Accountants Conference from March 17-19, 2025, at Ramada Hotel Manila.

Palawan was selected as the pilot cluster for the conference, serving as the benchmark for upcoming sessions in other provinces.

The Financial Management Division, led by Regional Accountant Reynold Wilbert L. Tongdo, initiated the event, bringing together key financial officers and technical staff from the local government sector.

Further, the Protective Services Division (PSD), through the Capacity Building Section (CBS), led the facilitation and documentation of the event and fund support from the Social Pension (SOCPEN) Program and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program.

 

The conference was also participated by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), technical staff from the province and municipal level, and regional staff who provided knowledge, policy updates, and strategies to strengthen coordination between the financial officers of various municipalities in the region.

Ensuring accurate and transparent reporting of fund transfers was a primary objective, alongside resolving financial discrepancies, addressing delays, strengthening LGU-DSWD collaboration, and promoting sound fiscal administration in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Leonardo C. Reynoso, CESO III delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing clarity, teamwork, and commitment to efficient fund management.

“We gathered our municipal accountants to strengthen financial management and ensure that every peso entrusted to us is properly accounted for. Transparent and accountable fund transfers are non-negotiable—LGUs must ensure proper management and liquidation of DSWD program funds so that aid reaches beneficiaries without delays. Our senior citizens deserve timely support through the Social Pension Program, nutritional assistance for children must be sustained through proactive budget management, and the AKAP Program must uphold fairness in procurement. Unresolved fund liquidation hinders progress, and we will work closely with COA to ensure proper resolution. Lastly, securing COMELEC exemptions with complete documentation is crucial to the uninterrupted implementation of regular programs.” Director Reynoso said. 

To deepen the discussions, Russel C. Castañeto from the Commission on Audit IV-B conducted an in-depth orientation on proper documentation guidelines for fund transfers to NGOs/POs, emphasizing the significance of internal controls and financial accountability in handling public funds. He also highlighted COA Circular 2021-006, which details the use of electronic documents, electronic signatures, and digital signatures in government transactions.   

Meanwhile, Jennifer Canlas, Information Technology Officer I from the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Cybersecurity Bureau, enriched the conference with a presentation on the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI).  She emphasized its importance in securing electronic communications and transactions across government agencies and for the public.

As of this writing, DSWD MIMAROPA has collaborated with LGU Accountants on nearly 50% of the targeted fund reconciliation, marking significant progress in addressing financial concerns raised during the conference.

This initiative highlights DSWD’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that social welfare funds are efficiently managed to directly benefit communities and foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service.