Ensuring efficient use of public resources, the Commission on Audit (COA-9) and the City Government of Zamboanga convened for the CY 2025 Audit Exit Conference held at a local restaurant Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The meeting was led by Regional Director Matthew Rey M. Magno, together with the COA-9 technical team, and focused on the audit of accounts and observations, findings, and corresponding recommendations. The session also provided a venue for city officials to present management comments and responses to audit issues raised.

In his message, Mayor Khymer Olaso expressed gratitude to COA-9 for their relentless commitment to supporting the local government in promoting transparent and accountable governance.

A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of results from the compliance audit of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Fund, underscoring the importance of transparency and proper utilization of disaster-related resources.

The exit conference marked the culmination of audit-related discussions, following an earlier session held Monday, May 4, in another venue, where initial findings and concerns were discussed in detail.

Present during the activity were Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary Celso Lobregat, City Administrator Percival Ramos, City department heads, COA-9 Asst. Regional Director Eileen Bernardo, and members of the COA-9 technical team, reflecting a coordinated effort to strengthen accountability and improve governance.( Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)