Bangladesh Delegation Concludes Week-Long Exposure Program on Philippine Public Sector Internal Audit

Bangladesh Delegation Concludes Week-Long Exposure Program on Philippine Public Sector Internal Audit

A delegation from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh participated in the Foreign Exposure Program on Internal Audit Reforms and Practices in the Philippine Public Sector, held from March 2 to 6, 2026 through the joint initiative of the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIA-P) and the Association of Government Internal Auditors (AGIA). The week-long program brought together 14 Bangladeshi delegates for a series of institutional visits and learning sessions designed to strengthen internal audit systems and governance in the public sector.

The second day focused on key governance and audit practices in the Philippine public sector. Atty. Rowena Candice Ruiz, Undersecretary for Procurement and Finance Oversight at the Department of Education, discussed the System on Annual Procurement Plan and Post-Procurement Review, highlighting how strategic procurement planning and evaluation strengthen transparency and accountability in government spending. Representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also shared their insights, with Atty. Ana C. Miranda-Rimonte, Director of Audit Services Group II, and Mr. Ricardo Rigo, Bank Officer V from the BSP Internal Audit Office, presenting on smart resourcing strategies and the institution’s risk-based internal audit process—from planning and risk assessment to execution and reporting.

Day 3 of the Foreign Exposure Program on Internal Audit Reforms and Practices in the Philippine Public Sector brought the Bangladeshi delegation to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), where a full day of learning, dialogue, and cross-country exchange further deepened their understanding of audit practices in the Philippine setting. The delegates were warmly received by Undersecretary Omar Alexander Romero on behalf of the DILG Internal Audit Service, setting the tone for a collaborative and insightful engagement. Director Mary Rose L. Vilchez-Mariano then led a comprehensive presentation on the department’s internal audit programs and initiatives, highlighting how risk-based auditing, compliance monitoring, and advisory services are implemented to enhance governance and operational efficiency within local government units. Expanding on the policy framework, Ms. Maria Concepcion B. Perez of the Department of Budget and Management provided a detailed discussion on the legal and institutional foundations of internal audit in the Philippine public sector, emphasizing the role of national guidelines, budget policies, and accountability mechanisms in strengthening audit functions across agencies. In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to B Hotel for another learning session, where Director Emma V. Moises of the Commission on Audit discussed the critical coordination between external and internal audit, illustrating how collaboration, information-sharing, and aligned audit objectives contribute to stronger oversight, transparency, and public accountability in government institutions. The day concluded with meaningful exchanges and reflections, reinforcing the shared commitment of both Philippine and Bangladeshi counterparts to advancing audit governance and reform.

The fourth day featured discussions on risk management and governance structures within government financial institutions. Ms. Josie Jane C. Ablir of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation presented on internal audit risk issues, including the preparation of risk registers and the execution and reporting of risk-based internal audits. This was followed by Ms. Liezl F. Entrata-Pangan of the Philippine Guarantee Corporation, who discussed the role of Internal Audit Committees in the public sector. IIA-Philippines President and Chairperson Ms. Maria Rosell Gomez also expressed her appreciation for the shared learning experience, noting the value of collaboration among internal audit professionals. Later sessions included a presentation by Mr. Ryan Gabinete of the Development Bank of the Philippines on the Internal Audit Charter and Risk-Based Internal Audit Manual, while Agusan del Sur Governor Hon. Santiago B. Cane Jr. delivered an inspiring message describing internal auditors as “guardian angels in governance.”

The program concluded with a certificate ceremony graced by His Excellency Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Philippines. Certificates were awarded as Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Program Executive Director of the Scheme of Internal Audit and Audit Follow-Up of the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance, read the names of the delegates, assisted by Ms. Maria Rosell Gomez, President and Chairperson of IIA-Philippines, and Atty. Maria Teresa Alvarez, President of AGIA. As a parting gesture, each delegate received a jacket courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The successful completion of the program marked a meaningful exchange of knowledge and experience between the Philippines and Bangladesh, strengthening professional ties and reinforcing the shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and strong internal audit practices in the public sector.