May 2018

COA
Chronicle
A publication of the Philippine Commission on Audit

Exemplary COAns
honored during
COA's 119th
anniversary
 What's inside?
COA Week opening: work hard, play hard 3

Mindanao clinches historic 4-peat in men’s basketball 4

Luzon Volleyball women’s and men’s teams

win back-to-back titles 5

Team Mindanao’s Larayos wins individual chess

championship; powerhouse Mindanao wins team event 6-7

Team NCR dominates badminton games 8

Mindanao’s dynamic siblings

dominate table tennis event 9

Team NCR gets overall win for Lawn Tennis 10

CO/NCR is overall champion in billiards 11

Team Luzon hailed as new bowling Champion 12

Team Mindanao dominates COA nationwide darts

tournament 13

Exemplary COAns honored during COA’s 119th

anniversary 14 - 17

Mindanao dance group wins 2018 COA cultural dance

competition 18

NCR wins title in 2018 National COA Choir Competition 19

Journeying to self-discovery 20

In good hands 21

Team Mindanao repeats as over-all champions

in nationwide sportsfest 22

Editor: Jonathan B. Beltran
Associate Editor: Liza C. Cabalfin
Lay-out Artist: Dondi S. de Luna
Writers: Liza C. Cabalfin, Dennis B. Cariño, Cristy
M. Roxas, Edzel M. Canon, Dondi S. de Luna,
Gaerly L. Sison, Karen R. Recio
Photographers: Jun E. Patacsil, Jimmy D. Adanza,
Dondi S. de Luna, Rod S. Reyes
COA Chronicle
Production and Circulation: Miles G. Pacheco,
Helen Grace A. Dela Cruz, Ramon A. Caro, Juan
C. Asne
COA Chronicle is published by the Public
Information Office - Office of the Chairperson,
Commission on Audit, Commonwealth Avenue,
Quezon City. Telefax No. 951-0934. Send your
comments, suggestions, and articles to: press@
coa.gov.ph
Send issues and concerns to:
COA CITIZENS’ DESK
Text line: +63917 320 6543
citizensdesk@coa.gov.ph
(This line is under the direct supervision of the
Chairperson. Concerns forwarded to the Citizens’
Desk will be treated with utmost confidentiality.)

COA CHRONICLE 2 MAY 2018

EVENTS

COA Week opening: work hard, play hard

BY DENNIS CARIÑO
Officials and employees of the Commission on Audit (COA) are known for being passionate, even risking their lives in
the performance of their duties. COAns work hard. But they also play hard with much passion and heart as evident dur-
ing the yearly COA national sports competitions where teams from COA National Capital Region (NCR) (designated as
Green Team), COA Luzon (designated as Red Team), COA Visayas (designated as Blue Team), and COA Mindanao (desig-
nated as Yellow Team) vie for the chance and be called champions.
As the athletes and delegates were ing together. And let us not only work officially declared the opening of the
filled with unbound energy and antici- hard but also let us work harder so that games to signal the start of the sports
pation for the week-long event, COA we may play harder,” Commissioner competitions. The oath of sportsman-
jumpstarted its 119th year celebra- Fabia said. ship was led by Philippine Government
tions on 2 May 2018 with simultaneous Meanwhile, new Commissioner Audit Service Employees Association
ecumenical services, followed by the Roland C. Pondoc said he was excited President Atty. Heidi T. Espuelas while
parade of players with the Philippine about the games and how COA cel- the lighting of the tournament flame
National Police Band, and the opening ebrates its anniversary as this was his was led by Auditor Ed Phlorenz O. Basis-
ceremony held at the COA Sports and first time to witness and attend the ter from Team Mindanao. Chairperson
Cultural Center. event. “I hope everyone will help each Aguinaldo led the ceremonial ball toss
Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo other and encourage one another to and Commissioners Fabia and Pondoc
inspired the athletes to give their best give their best. Together with the entire drew lots for the team match-ups for the
and just enjoy the games before they CP, we will always support what is good different sports events. •
go back to working hard. “I hope you for the entire COA
all have fun. I hope you play hard but personnel,” Com-
always remember to play fair,” the missioner Pondoc
Chairperson advised. assured.
Commissioner Jose A. Fabia, for his After the inspi-
part, reminded everyone that despite rational messages
being from different regions, and even from the Commis-
islands, COAns should treat each other sion Proper, Assis-
like family. “Let us always act like one tant Commissioner
COA family, playing together and work- Lourdes M. Castillo
Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo tells COAns to have fun during the
opening ceremony of the 119th COA Anniversary.

Athletes take part in the parade to cignal the start of the 119th COA Anniversary.
COA CHRONICLE 3 MAY 2018
EVENTS
Mindanao clinches historic 4-peat in men’s
basketball
BY DONDI DE LUNA
Team Mindanao marched to their fourth consecutive championship in men’s basketball by defeating Team Luzon 89 –
61 on 5 May 2018 at the COA Sports and Cultural Center.
It was a rematch of last year’s title
match but this time Team Mindanao
showed dominance in all fields. The
team took the initiative early with an 11
– 0 run in the first quarter. They then
went on a murderous stretch to take
a seemingly formidable 32-11 lead by
the end of the first quarter. They never
relinquished the lead to Team Luzon.
Mindanao dictated the whole game
with their ferocious defense, offensive
rebounds, fast breaks and three point-
ers that overwhelmed the defense of
Team Luzon. Team Luzon had a hard
time finding the bucket inside the paint
because of Mindanao’s dominant bigs
led by Eric Matthew Cabigas and vet-
eran Najim B. Juanday who each tallied
eight blocks.
It was also a hot shooting night
from behind the arc for Ed Phlorenz
Bassiter and Jordan B. Pintoy who both
Mindanao Men’s Basketball Team clinches historic 4-peat after defeating Team Luzon, 89-61.
made six three pointers. Pintoy came
off the bench to provide hustle plays
and added four steals.
Mindanao showed they are at their
best in the offensive side with their
fluid ball movement compared to Team
Luzon who relied more on isolation
plays.
Credit to Luzon’s Rhadzmir Cedrick
Jamsuri for almost single handedly car-
rying the team all the way to the fourth
quarter, leading the team in scoring
with 26 points.
Acmad Ampa, John Philip San Juan,
Steven John Yap, Joefel Yap, Francis
Togonon, Alain Lumakang, John Reyes,
John Julius F. Pardillo, William Jay
Remolar and Eric Jay Inok complete
Team Mindanao’s roster. The team was
coached by Adonis S. Doronilla with
coordinators Eduardo Bassister and
Annie E. Valles.
COA CHRONICLE 4 MAY 2018
Joing Jamsuri in Team Luzon were
Rommel Perciano, Mark Xyrus S. Cauilan,
Mark James Dulin, Maynard Maribbay,
Kirby Donato, Lloyd Danilo Benitez,
Nessel Pintucan, Juan Carlos De la Peña,
Mark Joseph De la Peña, Raymond Vil-
lanueva, Maynard Barbosa, Delfin Cay,
Jr. and Jose Maria Honorato Madriaga.
Karl Eric S. Reyes coached the team with
coordinators Bismarck R. Turingan and
Jovito T. Ilagan.
Meanwhile, Mindanao’s basketball
supremacy continued as they also won in
the 3 vs. 3 women’s basketball finals with
a 6-5 score. They did it through their suf-
focating defense and held NCR to just one
point at the end of the first half.
Amor Mae Tan led the way for
Team Mindanao with three points while
Vanessa Mordeno and Amefil E. Lu-
suego combined for the additional three
points. •
EVENTS
Luzon Volleyball women’s and men’s teams
win back-to-back titles
BY DONDI DE LUNA
For the second consecutive year, the Team Luzon volleyball women’s and men’s team proved to be the best in the COA
nationwide sports competition volleyball scene.
Luzon women’s volleyball team
displayed their entire arsenal in the fi-
nals as they overcame team Mindanao,
21-25, 25-14, 25-15, 27-29, 15-5, to
secure a second consecutive women’s
volleyball championship.
Luzon’s athletic duo Angelica
Charise Perez and Jhiesel Agudia were
unstoppable, particularly in the last
set when Perez led the onslaught. She
scored 39 points to go with 29 kills,
five blocks and four aces, while Agudia
also scored 36 points with 28 kills,
three blocks and five aces.
After winning two in the first
three sets, Luzon found themselves
groping for form in the fourth set,
where they led 16-6 but Mindanao
clawed its way back with their good
reception and had a 6-0 run. Mindana-
no tied at 22-22, while Luzon began to
succumb to unforced errors. Mindanao
took advantage of Luzon’s sloppy
plays and reached four set points to
force the game deciding fifth set.
Brimming with confidence despite
losing the fourth set, Luzon held Mind-
anao to just five points in the 5th set
and never looked back. They led, 15-5,
against the clearly rattled Mindanao
team. Luzon simply had too much
firepower for them to counter.
COA CHRONICLE 5 MAY 2018
In men’s volleyball champion-
ship, Luzon re-asserted their mastery
and dominance over Mindanao and
hammered out a 25-14, 25-20, 25-18.
Luzon, behind Dexter Clamor
who filled up all the stat sheet, left
Mindanao with absolutely no space
to grow confidence as the Luzon
proved aggressive from the get go.
Clamor, playing like an MVP,
racked up his 24 assists, 3 aces and
a block, also scored 11 points on 4
kills. Jansen Tablang, who’s been
their consistent hitter for the squad,
added 13 points on 11 kills and a
block. •
EVENTS
Team Mindanao’s Larayos wins individual chess
championship; powerhouse Mindanao wins team event
BY LIZA CABALFIN
“Chess is a fairy tale of 1,001 blunders.”- Savielly Tartakower

Team Mindanao’s Romeo
O. Larayos took advantage of
a blunder made by teammate
Leopoldo R. Ordiz in the
middle game of their cham-
pionship match to win the
individual chess champion-
ship at the COA nationwide
sports competition held at
the Professional Develop-
ment Center from 2 to 4 May
2018.
Larayos scored 4.5
points in five rounds of a
20-player Swiss-system tour-
nament. Teammate Ordiz
placed second with 4 points
while Princess Shayne A. Ca-
terial, also of Team Mindan-
ao, emerged the top female
player with 2.5 points.
Meanwhile, Team Mind-
anao powered their way
into the top spot in the team
event with 11 points after a
single round robin format.
The team scored 4 points
ahead of second-placed
(NCR).
In the individual event,
Larayos and Ordiz were the top
players heading into Round 5.
Larayos was a half point behind
Ordiz who had not lost a single
game before their match-up.
The players settled into a varia-
tion of a Queen’s Pawn opening
but at the 23rd move, Ordiz
placed his rook to e8 compro-
mising his queen and rook.
Larayos took advantage of his
opponent’s mistake enabling
him to capture Ordiz’ knight.
Ordiz could not recover from
the blunder and later resigned
after 28 moves.
“He [Ordiz] is a strong
chess player having ELO Rat-
ing of 2062 while I have zero
ELO points. During the game,
I just tried to make my pieces
well-coordinated and occupy
the best square available to my
major pieces. It so happened
in the middle game he made
a blunder that resulted in a
major piece down- his knight,”
Larayos said.
“We know that every
player in this game per-
formed their best to get the
championship and they did
their respective prepara-
tions. My prayers to win the
tournament were granted by
God,” he added.
Another player from
Mindanao with a strong
showing was Caterial, rec-
ognized as the top female
player, who scored 2 victo-
ries and a draw against her
male counterparts in the
individual event.
Ebenezer D. Batul of
Team Luzon placed third
with 3.5 points and Nilo R.
Confessor of Team Visayas
placed fourth, also with
3.5 points. Batul, however,
was a point ahead in the tie
breaker.
Team Mindanao contin-
ued their brilliant plays in
the team event led by Team
Captain Ordiz on Board 1.
The Team scored 3-2 against
Luzon in Round 1; 4-1
against Visayas in Round 2;
and 4-1 against the (NCR) in
Round 3.
Team Mindanao Coach
Fahad D. Mangacop pre-
pared his players well with
the assistance of team coor-
dinator Jose S. Afinidad and
manager Ann Lizel Lumpay
Flores.
Both Teams NCR and
Luzon tied with 7 points
apiece after three Rounds.
Tournament organizers de-
cided to hold Chess’ version
of an Armageddon, where
representatives of each team
faced-off in a blitz game with
the winner lifting his team
to second place. NCR’s Oliver
S. De Leon playing white
beat his opponent in under 6
minutes of the allotted time.
The well-prepared chess
event was organized by
tournament director Isaiash
C. Reynoso with chief arbiter
FNA Alfredo V. Chay.

Team Mindanao’s Romeo O. Larayos and Princess Shayne A. Caterial join COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo, Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc and
Director Roy L. Ursal. Larayos won the individual chess competition while Caterial was recognized as the best female player.
COA CHRONICLE 6 MAY 2018
Team Mindanao’s top chess players share their inspirations
Team Mindanao’s Romeo
O. Larayos and Princess Shayne
Caterial showed brilliant forms
in the recent chess tournament
at the COA nationwide sports
festival, winning the individual
event and being recognized as the
top female player, respectively.
Here they share their inspira-
tions and tips for those who want
to follow in their footsteps and
enjoy the game of chess:
ROMEO O. LARAYOS, indi-
vidual chess champion
Who taught you to play
chess?
When I was at the age of six
my late Dad, Romeo R. Larayos, Jr.,
a COA Retiree, taught me how to
play the game. He also allotted his
weekend time to play chess with
me and that was our bonding mo-
ment as father and son, a fun time
for both of us.
When did you start playing
competitive chess? What was
your first tournament like?
I guess I started to play com-
petitive chess at the age of seven.
I played at school in yearly sport
intramurals and in district and
regional palaro.
Who are your favorite chess
players? Why?
Jose Capablanca – The master
of endgame
Bobby Fischer – The master
of opening
Garry Kasparov – The master
of middle game
For me, the above-mentioned
chess players played fascinating
and entertaining games during
their time and contributed a lot
in my games. I describe them as
Masters in that particular field of
the game because their perfor-
mances were brilliant and beyond
comparison.
How did you prepare for the
tournament, as an individual and
as a team?
I have my own program to
follow every time I am going to
participate in any chess tourna-
ment like solving chess problems,
reviewing my opening repertoire,
enhancing my middle game
mastery, and lastly improving my
favorite part of the game – strat-
egy and tactics. All are assisted
with chess programs installed in
my laptop.
As a team, we had chess rated
players from Davao worth men-
tioning – Roding Catayas, Ariel
and Dariel Aton, James Bulicatin,
and Roger playing against us and
giving ideas to improve our play.
Do you think there is a dif-
ference between how men and
women approach the game?
There is always a difference
in how chess players approach
the game regardless of gender.
However, I think there’s no differ-
ence at all with respect to how
men and women approach the
game because there are a lot of
women chess players in the world
who are now considered super
grandmasters.
For you, what is the most
memorable or fun part of joining
the COA tournament?
The most memorable or fun
part of joining the COA Tourna-
ment is not just winning the game
but having new friends and get-
ting to know them better.
How do you feel about win-
ning the nationwide tournament?
I can’t explain the feeling.
This is a gift from God. We know
that every player performed their
best and they did their respective
preparations. It so happened that
my prayers to win the tournament
were granted by God.
I take this as an opportunity
to express my gratitude to those
who assisted and helped me a
lot in my preparation for this
tournament. Thank you so much
to Ms. Ann Lizel Lumpay Flores for
providing directly to each player
the necessities we need; my room-
mates in UP Diliman - Engr. Arnol
Pasaol and Romeo Mahinay for
respecting my mental and physical
conditioning during the tourna-
ment period; SA Ariel Lagmay,
Madam Fe B. Ileto and Director
Roy Ursal for being considerate
COA CHRONICLE
and listening to my side despite
a lot of issues thrown at me; and
lastly to Our Heavenly Father,
Mother Mary, and Sr. Vicente
Ferrer for guiding, protecting, and
saving me and my family! Thanks
a lot and God bless!
PRINCESS SHAYNE A CATE-
RIAL, top female chess player
Who taught you to play
chess?
My classmate and good friend
in elementary, Ms. Mary Joy Say-
man. That was when we were in
our 4th grade.
When did you start playing
competitive chess? What was
your first tournament like?
My first formal chess com-
petition, aside from our Fiesta’s
competition, was during 2006 SK
Palaro and I won 1st place. It was
fun for me because I didn’t think of
it as competition. I just enjoyed the
moment and the new environment
I was in.
Who are your favorite chess
players? Why?
Wesley So. He is the first Fili-
pino chess player I knew. I am the
same age as him and I admire him
for being named as one of the best.
His perseverance and dedication
is admirable despite lack of local
support.
How did you prepare for the
tournament, as an individual and
as a team?
I was very fortunate to be
teamed up with one of the best
chess teams in COA. As a newbie,
I was mentored by my team-
mates well, especially by our team
captain, Mr. Ordiz. Since I do not
practice or play chess like them
in the past, I lack exposure in
tournaments and how to do well
with my opening game. My team-
mates mentored and coached me.
Also, I research my favorite chess
openings and answer puzzles
and tactics. Walking also helped
me physically to improve endur-
ance especially during long and
continuous games in the tourna-
ment. Recently, I was advised to
read chess books to make my
7 MAY 2018
game stronger and more solid. I
would like to acknowledge also the
help and support extended by my
audit team leader, Ms. Annie Valles,
by our team managers, Ms. Flores
and Mr. Mangacop and our sup-
portive RD Ursal. Their undying
support during our practices and
actual games helped me a lot.
Do you think there is a dif-
ference between how men and
women approach the game?
Personally speaking, I believe
there is none. If given the chance
to have the same training and ex-
posure between men and women,
I guess there’s no difference at
all. But I also believe that one’s
personality affects the way one ap-
proaches the game of chess. Since
both men and women may have a
“safe approach”, strong personal-
ity, tactical way, it really depends
on one’s individuality rather than
one’s gender.
What is the most memorable
or fun part of joining the COA
tournament?
Meeting other COAns with
the same passion in chess and
enjoying every bit of it. Also, it was
really a bonus this year that I was
recognized by the GAD Focal Point
System as the Best Female Chess
Player. It was such an honor and
very much unexpected. It brought
so much joy for someone like me
who was simply doing my best as
part of the Mindanao contingent.
Being recognized in the national
level is overwhelming but at the
same time, a very humbling one in
a million experience for me.
What advice/tips would you
give girls who are interested in
playing but are afraid to try?
Never doubt yourself, always
believe in your capabilities and
how far you can go. And at end of
the day, whether win or lose, know
that you did your best and never
regret any of it. As for my personal
mantra, always think that you will
have only two choices once you
decided to play: you either WIN or
WIN the game. Lastly, never forget
to offer everything to Him. •
EVENTS

Team NCR dominates badminton games

BY LIZA CABALFIN

Team NCR dominated the badminton games by garnering the championships in the women’s singles, women’s doubles
and men’s doubles events at the COA nationwide sports competitions held during the 119th COA anniversary celebra-
tions.

NCR’s Erlene Ann C. Belo was

a double winner having placed
first in the women’s singles by
beating Team Luzon’s Ma. Con -
suelo O. Lim. Belo then teamed-
up with Agripina E. Inovejas to
beat Team Mindanao’s Novelita
A. Escano and Hannah P. Abel -
lana.
The duo of Winniefredo
L Paq uera and Fabian K. De -
los Santos III from Team NCR
overpowered Team Mindanao’s
Gasanara L. Lucman and Jalani
D. Baute in the men’s doubles
event . Delos Santos was also the
team coordinator.
Every player fielded by Team
NCR managed to secure a placing
with the tandem of Ana Cherry
B. Dimapilis and Ricardo R. Selda Erlene Ann Bello and Agripina Inovejas of Team NCR Team NCR’s Fabian K. Delos Santos III and Winniefredo
placing second in the mixed dou - after winning the women’s doubles. L. Paquera wins the men’s doubles event.
bles event and Jeffrey A. Serenio
third in the men’s singles.
Meanwhile, another double
winner in the bad minton tour-
nament was Team Luzon’s Ar-
gen Mel L. Borja who emerged
champion in the men’s singles by
defeating Team Mindanao’s Joris
Louie B. Enfiesta. Borja teamed-
up with Marilyn N. Andino to
clinch the mixed doubles title
over Team NCR.
All of the players from team
Mindanao also secured medals
with Shiela M. Lamberang and
the duo of Reggie P. Curilan and
Lalaine Janet I. Bernat plac -
ing third in the women’s sin-
gles and mixed doubles events,
respectively. Team Luzon’s John
Christopher B. Zante and Albert
Roy D. David placed third in the Team Luzons’s Mel L. Borja and Marilyn N. Andino teamed up to win the title in mixed doubles. event.
men’s doubles event . •
COA CHRONICLE 8 MAY 2018
EVENTS

Mindanao’s
dynamic
siblings
dominate table
tennis event
BY DENNIS CARIÑO
Siblings Mark G. Torralba and Marion
T. Monroid of Team Mindanao proved
to be unstoppable, winning three out
of the five table tennis categories and
to lead Team Mindanao and contrib- Team Mindanao’s siblings Mark G. Torralba and Marion T. Monroid teamed up to
uting to the team’s claiming overall win the title in mixed doubles event.
table tennis championship during the en’s single champion Aurea feated Joel C. Tuboro and
2018 COA National Sports fest. Marie M. Perdido of the NCR. A d o l p h c o l l i e Z . Ta n t e o f N C R ,
Mindanao’s dynamic sib- to win the men’s doubles
To r r a l b a a g a i n p r o v e d t o o
lings joined forces to over- c a t e g o r y. M e a n w h i l e , C h e r r y
much to handle by dispatch-
power the 2017 champs, Anne D. Viernes and Leslie
i n g A l e x a n d e r T. A m i h a n o f
NCR’s Raymund Vital M. A n n C . A b l e n o f Te a m N C R
the NCR in their much-await-
Reyes and Perdido take the conquered the tandem of Ari-
ed championship rematch in
mixed doubles title. e l y n F. S a r d i d o a n d J e n n i l e e
t h e m e n ’ s s i n g l e s c a t e g o r y.
In other matches, Mark G . M o q u e t e o f Te a m M i n d -
Monroid, on the other hand,
Ranier C. Arenas and Roy anao for the women’s doubles
got her revenge by defeating
G . P r a d o o f Te a m L u z o n d e - championship. •
reigning table tennis wom-

Team NCR’s Cherry Anne D. Viernes and Leslie Ann C. Ablen join Commission Proper Mark Ranier C. Arenas and Roy G. Prado of Team Luzon won the
won the women’s doubles event. men’s doubles event.
COA CHRONICLE 9 MAY 2018
EVENTS

Team NCR gets overall win for Lawn Tennis

BY DENNIS CARIÑO

NCR was declared the overall winner of lawn tennis after placing first in the men’s singles and mixed doubles categories
as well as ending-up as first runners-up in the women’s singles and men’s doubles during the 2018 COA National Sports
fest.

Team NCR’s Jose A. Barro, Jr.
defeated Tristan Manuel B. Aban
of Team Mindanao to be crowned
champion of the lawn tennis men’s
singles category during the ex-
citing championship match. His
teammates from Green Team- NCR,
Americus Bern A. Afos and Be-
nilda E. Mendoza, joined forces to
conquer Yellow Team- Mindanao’s
dynamic tandem of Romualdo-Al A.
Han and Robelle M. Rizon to claim
victory in the mixed doubles cat-
egory.
Meanwhile, Red Team- Luzon
came up short in clinching the over-
all championship, after winning two
lawn tennis categories, but placing
only third in the remaining three
categories of the lawn tennis com-
petitions.
Wonder woman Dirma T. Frias of
Red Team- Luzon dispatched Mendoza
of the Green Team- NCR to win the
championship match in the women’s
singles category. Frias teamed up with
Lilia Marie M. Nieva to clinch victory
over Yellow Team- Mindanao’s Maamor
D. Dilangalen and Florence R. Legita in
the women’s doubles category.
Yellow Team - Mindanao, on the
other hand, won the men’s doubles
category with the concerted efforts
of Moises E. Rada and Han to defeat
Green Team- NCR’s Resurreccion C.
Quieta and Rosebert C. Sigre. •

Team NCR’s Jose A. Barro, Jr. won the lawn tennis men’s singles category. Team Luzon’s Dirma T. Frias and Lilia Marie M. Nieva won the women’s doubles category.

Team NCR’s Americus Bern A. Afos and Benilda E. Mendoza won in the mixed doubles Team Mindanao’s Moises E. Rada and Romualdo-Al A. Han won the men’s doubles
category. category.
COA CHRONICLE 10 MAY 2018
EVENTS

CO/NCR is overall champion in billiards

BY CARL CANON

Team NCR’s Neil Benedict Quinit during the men’s singles event.

W i t h 1 7 p o i n t s e a r n e d , p o o l p l aye r s o f t h e N a t i o n a l C a p i t a l Re g i o n ( N C R ) e m e r g e d ove ra l l c h a m -
p i o n s a t t h e COA N a t i o n a l 9 - b a l l b i l l i a rd s c o m p e t i t i o n s h e l d a t t h e M 2 B i l l i a rd s , Fa i r v i ew Q u e z o n
C i t y o n 0 2 M ay 2 0 1 8 . T h e g a m e s we re p a r t o f t h e 1 1 9 t h A n n ive r s a r y c e l e b ra t i o n o f COA .
NCR’s Neil Benedict Quinit NCR. In the women’s doubles bested Vivian S. Estampador
topped the men’s singles event, Sana Jhonorrema A. and Genaline L. Lleno of NCR.
event after overcoming Mind- Ay u n a n a n d D o l e re s B . Pa c i n o •
anao’s Rovel Franz C. Alvarico.
NCR’s Gerarda O. Pilipina and
Bobby Z. Atacador defeated
the team- up of Visayas’ Razel
V. G i s o n a n d J e s u s T. F a c o n t o
win the mixed doubles event.
M e a n w h i l e , Te a m M i n d a n a o
placed first runner-up with
1 3 p o i n t s w h i l e Te a m V i s a y a s
placed second runner-up with
9 p o i n t s . Te a m L u z o n s c o r e d 5
points.
Visayas’ Gison topped the
women’s singles event . Gison,
the reigning champion of the Team NCR billards
women’s singles overcame
L u z o n ’ s M a r j o r i e T. G a n o n t o
defend her title.
Te a m M i n d a n a o s u c c e s s -
fully won both the men’s
and women’s doubles events
a g a i n s t Te a m N C R i n t h e f i -
nals. Defending champions
Julius Senneth M. Aleman and
Nemir Joseph G. Viluan of
Mindanao defeated the tan-
dem of Jonathan Eduard M.
Va l d e z a n d P e t e r G . F l o r e s o f Team Mindanao billards
COA CHRONICLE 11 MAY 2018
EVENTS

Team Luzon
hailed as new
bowling
Champion
BY CARL CANON
Luzon Bowling Team

The bowlers of Team Luzon emerged over-all champions at the COA National Bowling competitions held at the SM
Bowling and Leisure, SM Fairview on 02 May 2018 as part of the 119th COA anniversary celebrations.

Team Luzon bowlers dominated the
men’s singles and mixed doubles events
and despite their loss in women’s
singles and team event against Team
Visayas, Luzon still managed to bag the
over-all championship title. The Luzon
bowling team contributed a total of 20
points to the 113 over-all team points
earned by the entire Team Luzon.
The team was headed by Coach
Rosita M. Busto who was also the team
manager. Bowlers Roberto G. Padil-
la, Dibangkitun I. Ayoong, Nadelline
C. Oralla, Edna T. Tomelden, Mila-
gros Aurea B. Nibaten, Fernando C.
Somera, and Jorie G. Gawon com-
pleted the champion team.
Team Visayas placed 1st runner-
up with 17 points. The team was
composed of Mabelle J. Arellano,
Natividad R. Asentista, Wences
Francis S. Alilain, Napoleon G.
Pedroso, Jr., Roche T. Flores, Ana
Fe P. Gonzaga and Emmanuel N.
Rebadomia. Leah D. Illusorio was
the Coordinator and Atty Arnel T.
Jaranilla was the Manager. While
Team Mindanao placed 2nd runner-
up with 12 points.
Meanwhile, defending champion
National Capital Region seemed to
struggle in the competitions, wind-
ing up 3rd runner-up . •

Luzon Bowling Team joins the Commission Proper during the awarding ceremony.

COA CHRONICLE 12 MAY 2018

EVENTS
Team Mindanao dominates COA nationwide
darts tournament
BY GAERLY SISON
Loud cheers echoed from the COA badminton court as the COA nationwide darts competition were held from 2 to 8 May
2018 in celebration of COA’s 119th anniversary.
Team Mindanao grabbed the gold
medals in the men’s and women’s sin-
gles, women’s doubles, and the mixed
doubles categories while Team NCR
emerged winner in the men’s doubles
event.
The tournament started off with
the women’s singles and doubles com-
petitions with a 501 score system for
both categories. Mindanao’s Criselda
S. Balanag and Catalina T. Aceberos
bested Visayas’ Janice T. Evite and Ca-
rina Jennilyn A. Kierulf for the women’s
doubles title, easily winning the cham-
pionship in a single round. Rodilyn D.
Salve and Roxanne C. Espiritu of Team
Luzon placed third beating Andreanita
Dedicacion A. Berroya and Helmarie
Ruth S. Adaza of Team NCR.
Team Mindanao and Team NCR
faced each other to clinch the titles in
Team Mindanao dominated the Darts Competition bagging the gold medals for the
women’s singles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles and men’s singles category.
the men’s singles and doubles events,
respectively. Mindanao’s Eli A. Olif-
ernes defeated NCR’s Menandro M. Re-
toran in the singles event while NCR’s
duo of Jonathan Rosos and Bagamel
J. Viaña won over Ismael L. Midsali-
pag and Winifredo S. Bacera of Team
Mindanao.
Other players for these categories
were Julius L. Fagayan, Julio R. Sevil-
lano, and Ramon M. Galang of Team
Luzon and Bernard Dino C. Aguilar,
Crischie S. Cinco, and Romeo E. Faller
of Team Visayas.
Team Mindanao was virtually
unstoppable in dominating the entire
darts competitions. In the women’s
singles, Team Mindanao’s Shalee Gay
M. Cagas bagged another champion-
ship by overcoming Visayas’ Rhea B.
Advincula. Team NCR and last year’s
COA CHRONICLE 13 MAY 2018
women’s singles defending champion
Maria Careen R. Recio placed third
while Team Luzon’s Cylene N. Gonowon
placed fourth.
Team Mindanao and Team NCR
faced each other again in the mixed
doubles event while Team NCR was the
defending champion for this category,
NCR’s Edwin M. Quines and Myka M.
Battulayan were out of luck this time as
they lost to Team Mindanao’s Salcedo
M. Dela Vega II and Elma P. Cunanan. In
third place were Team Visayas’ Ber-
nard Dino C. Aguilar and Mailyn Lucy
C. Lucaban while Team Luzon’s Julio
R. Sevilleno and Adelaida M. Mendoza
placed fourth.
All darters showed perfect sports-
manship and were all happy that the
darts competition was again included
in this year’s COA Anniversary. •
Team NCR’s Jonathan Rosos and Bagamel J.
Viaña bagged the championship in the men’s
doubles category.
EVENTS

Exemplary COAns honored during COA’s 119th

anniversary
BY DENNIS CARIÑO
The Commission has greatly contributed to the betterment of the government and in helping improve the lives of Fili-
pinos. But behind the accomplishments of the Commission, are the hard work of highly competent COA officials and
employees who unwaveringly display courage, integrity, and loyalty as they carry out their mandated tasks.

COA honored its best and
brightest during its 119th anniver-
sary with the COA Salutes the Best
program held at the COA Sports and
Cultural Complex on 07 May 2018.
COA Chairperson Michael G.
Aguinaldo stressed the importance
of doing work without fear or favor.
“You do not have to be heroic to be
a hero. All you have to do is do your
best, give your best in what you do.
We serve this country, we do our
work without fear or favor, and we
do it without consideration of the
politics involved. That is our work.
We’re not here to favor anyone.
We’re here to do our job and do it
to the best of our ability. This is
our brand of public service that we
give to the country and to the peo-
ple,” Chairperson Aguinaldo said.
The Chairperson was also lost
for words as he said that it is just
amazing when so many COA of-
ficials and employees reached 40
years of service. “It’s this kind of
loyalty and dedication that our
country and the Filipino people
need,” added Chairperson Agui-
naldo.
Commissioner Jose A. Fabia
lauded the awardees and encour-
aged them to be enablers and
nation-builders. “For every Notice
of Disallowance or Audit Observa-
tion Memorandum that you send to
audited agencies, you are able to
save government funds that go to
the service of the nation. Whenever
your recommendations are taken
seriously and implemented by the
government agencies, you are able
to improve the performance of the
government agencies for the ben-
efit of the Filipino people,” Com-
missioner Fabia said.
Commissioner Roland C. Pon-
doc, for his part, advised the awar-
dees to become like an infectious
disease so that they can spread
their best practices to other COA
officials and employees and become
the next awardees. “Sana lahat
po tayo dito sa COA ay mahawaan
nang sa gayon po ay lahat ng ating
mga kawani ay makaramdam ng
kasiyahan, just like the feeling of
fulfillment and happiness that our
honorees are feeling right now,”
Commissioner Pondoc added.
The Gawad Kahusayan for
outstanding audit performance
went to the Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) Audit Team composed of
Auditors Ofelia A. Monico, Lorelie

The Gawad Kahusayan Award went to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Audit Group for their extraordinary
effort despite limited manpower and other resources to uncover deficiencies in the implementation of TESDA training programs under the
training for work scholarship program conducted by AMA Computer College as its technical and vocational institution partner.
COA CHRONICLE 14 MAY 2018

The Audit Team from Cagayan de Oro receives the Outstanding Audit Report award.
The Audit Team from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),
COA-Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) receives the second Outstanding Audit Report award.
The Audit Team also from Cagayan de Oro receives the third Outstanding Audit Report award.
R. Villanueva, Gina D. Garcia, and
Sittie Aisah S. Sanggacala for their
extraordinary effort despite limited
manpower and other resources to
uncover deficiencies in the imple-
mentation of TESDA training pro-
grams under the training for work
scholarship program conducted
by AMA Computer College as its
technical and vocational institution
partner.
Three audit teams from dif-
ferent COA regional offices were
conferred the Outstanding Audit
Report. The audit team from Ca-
gayan De Oro composed of Auditors
Olivia C. Flores, Mary Claire L. Aux-
illo, Ma. Socorro Perpetua P. Sildo,
Myrna B. Ofngol, and Engineer
Marlon S. Barranco was recognized
for their work in the audit of the
Local Government Unit of Cagayan
de Oro City’s 2003 to 2010 Project:
“Telepono sa Barangay: Dakbayan
sa CDO.” The Department of Pub-
lic Works and Highways (DPWH),
COA-Cordillera Autonomous Region
(CAR) audit team composed of Au-
ditor Lonelia N. Urbanozo, Lawyers
Rosemary L. Saldo and Josephine
A. Tilan, and Engineer Reyax F.
Bosque also got a nod for outstand-
ing report in their audit of the
fictitious Road-Right-of-Way Claims
in CY 2002 by the DPWH CAR. The
third recipients of the outstanding
COA CHRONICLE 15 MAY 2018
report award were Auditors Jen-
nifer R. Lusterio, and Raqueline T.
Bayo for their audit report on the
unlawful disbursement of P5 mil-
lion in 2002 in the Municipality of
Bakun, Benguet also in the CAR.
For the individual categories,
the Gawad Karangalan award was
conferred to Ms. Nelia C. Manalo
(Level II) for exemplary perfor-
mance as audit team leader in COA
Regional Office No. II. Her work
resulted in the recovery of public
funds amounting to P5.7 million.
Atty. Josephine A. Tilan (Level
III) was cited for her consistent
demonstration of commitment to
public interest as chief of the legal
services, COA-CAR which resulted
in increased accountability and
improved management of public
funds.
The Gawad Kagitingan award
was conferred to Audit Team Lead-
er Teresita L. Panganiban for her
demonstration of unusual courage
despite the death threats received
not to release audit findings during
the team’s audit of the accounts of
the Philippine Coast Guard in 2014.
Former State Auditor Teresita
G. Daradar of COA Regional Of-
fice No. XIII was recognized as
the Most Productive Retiree while
State Auditor Mary Francel D. Ablao
of COA-CAR was given the Career
Development Incentive award for
completing her master’s degree in
business administration, graduat-
ing cum laude.
Meanwhile, the Gawad Bilang
Katangi-tanging Pinuno was con-
ferred to Assistant Commissioner
Lourdes M. Castillo for her selfless
and unwavering commitment, pio-
neering work and exemplary lead-
ership in mainstreaming gender
and development in the programs,
projects, and activities of the COA.
While former COA Commissioner
Isabel D. Agito was also given the
Special Citation award in appre-
ciation of her distinguished and
dedicated service as Commissioner
from 2016-2018 and for contribut-
ing to the prestige and success of
the Commission.
Receiving the Loyalty Milestone
were 41 officials and employees
from the Central Office and 36 from
 Gawad Karangalan Level II recipient, Ms. Nelia C. Manalo of COA Regional Office II Gawad Karangalan Level III recipient, Atty. Josephine A. Tilan of COA-CAR.

the Regional Offices for more than vices Sector: Teresa M. Sarmiento
40 years of service. Leodivina R. Tagbago Elvira G. Punzalan
Central Office Loyalty Adora D. Dedicatoria Amelia C. Malig
Awardees Office of the Chairperson, COA Regional Office No. IV-A:
Corporate Government Sector: Public Information Office: Nerissa A. Hernandez
Sonia C. Oblanca Isidro E. Patacsil, Jr. Bienvenido A. Germanil
Alice Calixta P. Acab Planning, Finance and Man Nimfa N. Inovero
Teodora R. Joson agement Sector: Francisco L. Canuto
Carmencita A. Cabreza Susan C. Venzuela Marilyn M. Celemin
Monina G. Cortes Zenaida A. Botona COA Regional Office No. IV-B:
Ma. Rosario G. Adasa Elvira V. Balan Lilia L. Alcantara
Henedina D. Otadoy Government Accountancy Evelyn A. Vergara
Priscilla D. Cruz Sector: Marissa O. Bayot
Elena L. Agustin Elena B. Monteza COA Regional Office No. V:
Local Government Sector: Loyalty Awardees from the Evangeline D.L. Santiago
Alicia G. Dy COA Regional Offices Zynia T. Geografo
Clarita D. Creencia COA Regional Office No. I: Vida Elvira O. Caparas
Lamberto D.G. Velazquez, Jr. Marilou I. Cabrera Elsie P. Latumbo
Adelina Concepcion L. Ancajas Virginia A. Mendoza COA Regional Office No. VI:
National Government Sector: COA Regional Office No. III: Jonabel B. Gonzales
Luningning A. Lim Remedios D. Paguyo Eza S. Dosado
Myrna S. Pilarta Quirino T. Tabelina Ma. Luisa A. Silva
Julieta C. Abonalla Virginia C. Cruz COA Regional Office No. VIII:
Miriam C. Peñarubia Marina M. Pangilinan Eliseo J. Ramos
Josefina M. Gonzales Eloisa S. Fajardo Adelina A. Nerida
Luzviminda V. Rubico Maria Rosario G. Mateo COA Regional Office No. IX:
Flordeliza A. Ares Celinia P. Gosioco Abellano S. Batocael
Estelita B. Catubay
Cecilia B. Camon
Ma. Mileguas M. Leyno
Administration Sector:
Ledina R. Lapore
Jesus L. Barawed
Aurelio M. De Guia
Resurreccion M. Enriquez
Rufina S. Laquindanum
Professional and Institutional
Development Sector:
Romeo C. Molina, Sr.
Susana S. Medez
Melanie R. Añonuevo
Luz L. Tolentino
Special Services Sector:
Antonio M. Salazar, Jr.
Audit Team Leader Teresita L. Panganiban is the recipient of the Gawad Kagitingan award.
Systems and Technical Ser
COA CHRONICLE 16 MAY 2018
 Teresita G. Daradar is the recipient of the Most Productive Retiree. Mary Francel D. Ablao of COA-CAR is the recipient of the
Career Development Incentive award.

COA Regional Office No. XI:

Eden Jane R. Intencion
COA Regional Office No. XII:
Virginia G. Datukon
COA Regional Office No. XIII:
Marilyn C. Fuentes
COA – Autonomous Region of
Muslim Mindanao:
Subaidah A. Lomondot
Ezabor R. Galo
COA also honored 11 of its of-
ficials who are compulsorily re-
tiring from the service this year:
Directors Emelita V. Cayetano of
the Government Accountancy Of-
fice, Cecilia S. Manalo of Cluster
4, National Government Sector
(NGS), Elena B. Monteza of the
Accounting Systems Development
and Other Services Office, Minerva Gawad Bilang Katangi-tanging Pinuno recipient, Assistant Commissioner
Lourdes M. Castillo
T. Cabigting of Cluster 6, Corpo-
rate Government Sector, Pelilia C.
Veloso of the COA Regional Office
No. II, Janet D. Nacion of Cluster 7
NGS, Sheila U. Villa of the Claims
and Adjudication office-NG, Cecilia
B. Camon of Cluster 5 NGS, and
Sisinia H. Estorosos of Cluster 3
NGS as well as Assistant Commis-
sioners Lourdes M. Castillo of the
Government Accountancy Sector
and Rufina S. Laquindanum of the
Administration Sector.
COA established the Program on
Awards and Incentives for Service
Excellence (PRAISE) through COA
Resolution No. 2002-007 dated
3 October 2002, in its efforts to
recognize, acknowledge and reward
productive, innovative and growing
acts of its human resource. •
Special Citation award recipient, Commissioner Isabel D. Agito

COA CHRONICLE 17 MAY 2018

EVENTS

Mindanao
dance group
wins 2018 COA
cultural dance
competition
BY DONDI DE LUNA

The Mindanao dance group was

named grand champion of the
COA cultural dance competition
held on 3 May 2018 at the COA
Sports and Cultural Complex as
part of the 119th COA anniver -
sary celebration.

The delegates from Mindanao

showcased rich culture in their winning
performance centered on the theme “Shar-
iff Kabunsuan Festival”, a colorful festival
celebrating the arrival of Shariff Kabun-
suan via Rio Grande de Mindanao more
than 500 years ago to introduce Islam to
the islands.
The team was composed of Norodin
A. Abdula, Nashrodin B. Akmad, Sohriya
M. Alauya, Salihwardi B. Alba, Jansairah V.
Amairomag, Amilladen M. Ambor, Amer-
abdullah D. Amer, Aminladin M. Amrosi,
Winifredo S. Bacera, Nasser L. Bantuas, Nor
O. Basa, Mohammad Sadjeedin L. Benito,
Juhara S. Bubong, Jonaima B. Dimaporo,
Nalia Z. Dimaraw, Mahathyr T. Ibrahim,
Nabel L. Macagaan, Ismael D. Mampao,
Noraima M. Maniri, Noroladen M. Maro-
hombsar, Ibrahim R. Matuan and Amerah
S. Racman.
“I am very happy with the type of sup-
port you are showing because it is impor-
tant for us to educate ourselves on cultural
aspects of different people in the Philip-
pines. While it is a competition, we should
also look at it as a celebration. We are
celebrating the diversity of cultures that
we have in this country and we are able to
share this with one another. I hope this is a
tradition that we can continue because it is
great for us to celebrate our own culture,”
Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo said.
“It reflects the culture, the religion, the
livelihood and the ordinary life of Filipinos
in their local areas as we show different
dances within our country. It is the way
for us to revive our own culture, our own
history and our own way of life in our
own religion,” Commissioner Jose A. Fabia
added.
Team Mindanao received a cash prize
of P70,000. Team Visayas bagged 1st run-
ner up as they danced the “Sinulog festival”
followed by National Capital Region with
the “Anilag Festival” and Luzon with “Pinta
Flores Festival.” •

COA CHRONICLE 18 MAY 2018


EVENTS
NCR wins title in 2018 National COA Choir Competition
BY CARL CANON
The NCR Choir also known as
the Audire Chorale won the
2018 COA National Choir Com-
petition held at the Profession-
al Development Center on 4 May
2018.
Audire shared the title with the
Haraya Choir from Visayas in last
year’s competition. But this time, the
Choir bested the other competitors
with a total of 91 points to finally
emerge as the solo champion this year.
Their winning piece included the songs
Si Felimon, Ang Pag-Ibig and Padayon.
The Audire Chorale was led by
Professor Emmanuel de Leon, Jr. from
UP Manila Chorale. The Choir members
were Gelie B Abinoja, Yna Marie Agui-
lar, Marie Consuelo DC. Alcovindas,
Catalina T. Aure, Frealyn L. Bautista,
Chester Clement A. Bayawan, Joshua G.
Borres, Carolyn D. Carranza, Gio Celino
N. Del Rosario, Meth Gie S. Diche,
Eduardo E. Esperido, Jr., Ma. Belen L.
Estuaria, Resty L. Ibañez, Dar Francis P.
Lagdaan, Ricardo T. Leyno, Rosemarie
R. Magtaan, Shekinah Robee M. Oso-
rio, Bess M. Ozoa, Michael E. Paciente,
Franchezka Venize M. Peñaflor, Arturo
M. Romerde, Helen T. Quiambao, Jessa
The National Capital Region Choir performs during the National Choir Competition on 4 May 2018.
Vienna P. Samson, Annalisa T. Sullano,
Lara Dawn M. Viaje and Olivia C. Zaldi-
var. Rolito R. Sondon was the manager.
Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo
said that the event was a celebration
of talent and not just a celebration of
the COA anniversary. “We are here to
celebrate the talents of COA employees.
We are here to celebrate our individu-
ality and as members of one COA fam-
ily”, he said.
With their piece Si Felimon, The
Majesty and Glory of Your Name and
Paru-parong Bukid, COA Chorale 10
from Mindanao placed first runner-up
with 88.67 points.
Mr. John Michael L. Lauron led the
group. Aloysius Keanu C. Ebora, Franz
Philip T. Dobluis, Rolanado C. Panis,
Joseph Gary P. Fernandez, Jeremias B.
Bagongon, Chloe John C. Vender, Amor
A. Serrano, Steve P. Roa, Marlon S.
Barranco, Joel Dawn T. Sajorga, Omar
Hussein B. Rande, Louis Andrew M.
Akut, Christine Joy Z. Vallejos, Elnere
T. Polotan, Gilburie T. Chan, Jessa G.
Callora, Jennica Rose S. Madela, Kristine
Jane C. Belisario, Ruby Pearl B. Dael,
Cherrybelle A. Lao, Semadar R. Fer-
mano, Eunice Lauren I. Mariquit, Lucile
Therese C. Marcera and Jela A. Magto
complete the group. Remy U. Pahuyo
and Lanielyn A. Soledad served as
COA CHRONICLE 19 MAY 2018
coordinators, and Carolina A. Diez and
Rosalie N. Pelonio were the manager
and assistant manager respectively.
Meanwhile, the Haraya Choir from
Visayas placed second runner-up with
87.33 points. Haraya sang Si Felimon,
Tudloi Kami and Piliin ang Pilipinas.
The group was led by Mr. Jonathan
L. Ungab with members Starleen Macy
J. Detoyato, Maria Gleda E. Lim, Rylyn T.
Alvarez, Fredelisa M. Chang, Christine
Joyce C. Monsole, Nancy A. Villaflor,
Jesa Marie L. Pahilanag, Sky M. Buen-
suceso, Joshua P. Quimba, Ren Kaiser O.
Bergante, Christian Ian S. Marcos, John
Dee P. Pastrana, Don Cesar D. Santil-
lan, Roland P. Toreno, Mark Donald G.
Sequio, Rose Kristine A. Sanchez, Mary
Vi M. Solinap, Rossa Marie R. Sortigosa
and Vince Patrick D. Tarrosa. Eleonor
O. Mena was the coordinator, and Ma.
Gleda E. Lim, Mary Jean G. Salcedo was
the manager and assistant manager,
respectively.
The Board of Judges was composed
of Nathanael De Pano, Jose Emmanuel
Aquino and Rivah-Anne N. Singson. The
three judges explained that they had a
hard time declaring the winner because
each one of them had a different winner
in mind. COAns were one in appreci-
ating the hard work and excellence
displayed by all of the participants. •
EVENTS
Journeying to self-discovery
BY LIZA CABALFIN
What began as just a passing interest for some is slowly turning into a passion as the 37 participants to the basic paint-
ing lesson held during the celebration of the COA 119th anniversary try learning to be artists.
Following the initial morning and
afternoon painting sessions held on 4
May 2018 at the Professional Develop-
ment Center, the participants contin-
ued learning basic painting techniques
at follow-up sessions scheduled every
Wednesday after work hours.
Since picking up the brush, the
budding COA artists have completed
scenes of sunsets, trees, waves, sun-
flowers, cityscapes, fruit baskets and
lavender fields using acrylic on can-
vass. Under the guidance of teacher
Nice So and her friends, each partici-
pant produced uniquely different art-
works imbued with their personalities
and imagination even as the subject
and techniques are the same.
“I was very much happy with their
outputs. All of them did a good job and
some even showed good imagination,
color combinations and patience,” ob-
served Ms. Nice.
Teacher Nice have been painting
since she was 10 years old. She and her
parents discovered her “gift” while she
was confined at the Dr. Fe Del Mundo
Hospital in Quezon City for systematic
lupus erythemathosus. To entertain
herself and the nurses, she drew flow-
ers and fruits on a sketch pad.
Her parents next brought her a can-
vas and painting materials and were
amazed when she began to paint. She
produced 50 paintings during her next
eight confinements for her first exhibit
at their church in Tondo. She sold some
P140,000 worth of paintings at that
first exhibit with the earnings she
divided among eight cancer patients
who are all members of their church.
Since then, she has mounted various
exhibits with the proceeds going to the
Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment
(LIFE), an NGO that supports leukemia
patients and other similar charities.
Together with her friends, Nice
have been teaching painting for almost
a year. They have named their group
“Meraki Art Hub”. Meraki is a Greek
COA CHRONICLE 20 MAY 2018
word that means, to put a part of your-
self into something you do. And indeed,
their painting students at COA are
learning that their best work contain
a part of themselves and how they see
their subjects.
For COAns who are interested
but are hesitant to give painting a try,
Nice adviced: “Never be afraid to try
or learn something new. We always
encounter students from all ages, say-
ing the exact same thing but we always
tell them to try first and that in paint-
ing there is no ugly artwork as long as
you did it with your best and with your
heart. It all depends on how you look
at it and that somewhere around the
world someone will appreciate their
work.” •
EVENTS

In good hands
BY LIZA CABALFIN

A good haircut and a relaxing massage are not easy to get right. Fortunately for Commission on Audit (COA) person-
nel, such services done by professionals were offered for free on the morning of 3 and 4 May 2018 at the Professional
Development Center in celebration of COA’s 119th anniversary.

P ro fe s s i o n a l m a s s e u s e s f ro m a n d V i l m a O ñ a te w i t h m a n i c u r - we re Va n e s s a Pa b o n , Va l e n t i n a
H a n d s - O n I n te r n a t i o n a l S e r v i c e s i s t s E l e n a Pa l a b r i c a , J e s i e l Ro s e L a o l a o , D i a n a M i ra n d o , M a r j o r i e
a n d h a i rd re s s e r s a n d m a n i c u r - Cu e n c a , C i n dy C a s to r c o m p l e te d D e l o s Reye s , J e n n i e D e t a b l a n ,
i s t s f ro m Reye s L e a r n i n g I n s t i - t h e te a m f ro m Reye s L e a r n i n g Mary Jane Opaon, Christine Cas-
t u te p rov i d e d va r i o u s s e r v i c e s I n s t i t u te . to r w i t h c o o rd i n a to r Cy n t h i a
to m o re t h a n 6 0 C OA n s wh o to o k M e a nwh i l e , m a s s e u s e s A raya a n d To n i C r i s t i n a M e rc a d o
t h e we l c o m e re s p i te f ro m t h e i r f ro m H a n d s - O n I n te r n a t i o n a l f ro m T E S DA Pa m a m a r i s a n . •
b u sy s c h e d u l e s .
Reye s L e a r n i n g I n s t i t u te c o n -
d u c t s t ra i n i n g p ro g ra m s o n b a r -
te n d i n g , b e a u t y c a re , fo o d a n d
b eve ra g e s e r v i c e s , h a i rd re s s i n g
a n d h o u s e ke e p i n g wh i l e H a n d s -
O n I n te r n a t i o n a l o f fe r s c o u r s e s
o n we l l n e s s m a s s a g e , m a s s a g e
t h e ra py, b e a u t y c a re , h o u s e -
ke e p i n g a n d h o u s e h o l d s e r v i c e s .
B o t h a re a c c re d i te d by t h e Te c h -
nical Education and Skills De-
ve l o p m e n t Au t h o r i t y ( T E S DA ) .
I n s t r u c to r s D h e r r i n e Q.
A lva re z a n d J o n a h l e n e M . U b a l d o
f ro m Reye s L e a r n i n g I n s t i t u te
s h a re d t h a t t h e i r o r ga n i z a -
t i o n f re q u e n t ly h o l d s s i m i l a r
o u t re a c h p ro g ra m s s u c h a s fo r
c a n c e r p a t i e n t s a n d s u r v ivo r s
a t E a s t Ave n u e H o s p i t a l a n d i n
g ove r n m e n t o f f i c e s i n c l u d i n g
t h e P h i l i p p i n e D r u g E n fo rc e -
ment Agency and Quezon City
Hall.
U b a l d o o b s e r ve d t h a t m o s t
o f t h e i r s t u d e n t s m ove d o n to
wo r k a b ro a d o r p u t u p t h e i r o w n
s a l o n s . “ Sye m p re p a g s i n a b i n g
R i c k y Reye s , m a ga n d a a n g
re p u t a t i o n ,” s h e n o te d . H e r t i p s
fo r g o o d h a i r c a re ? U s e h e r b a l
shampoo with ginger and con-
d i t i o n e r w i t h ke ra t i n a n d o f
c o u r s e to g o to t h e s a l o n to h ave
p e r i o d i c h a i r s p a t re a t m e n t .
H a i rd re s s e r s M i c h e l l e G o n -
z a l e s , Roxa n e M a r i e Sy t a n c o ,
A n to n e t h G a u ra m a , M J Ta n g ,
COA CHRONICLE 21 MAY 2018
EVENTS
Team Mindanao repeats as over-all
champions in nationwide sportsfest
BY KAREN RECIO
For five days of nerves, excitement and fun, the COA delegate-athletes from various regions in the country came together
to compete in the nationwide sports festival in celebration of the 119th COA anniversary held at the COA Main Office in
Quezon City.
Team Mindanao reigned su-
preme once again winning 14 out of
35 events and bagging the overall
championship with 153 points. They
were unbeaten in men’s basketball
and debuted a strong team with a
heart of champions in the women’s
basketball.
Not to be outdone, Team Luzon
dominated the Volleyball compe-
titions winning both men’s and
women’s events. They took home the
runner-up trophy with 113 points
closely followed by Team National
Capital Region who garnered 110
points placing 3rd over-all. While
Team Visayas placed 4th over-all
with 41 points.
The awarding was held dur-
ing the closing ceremony on 8 May
2018 at the COA sports and cultural
complex.
Commissioner Jose A. Fabia said,
“Everything we do in COA whether we
work or play, we always do as a team.
That is why we should always be con-
scious that we will work always as a
team, as one family, as one COA.”
Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc
said he was happy with the outcome
of COA Week especially the sports
competition. He urged COA employ-
ees to maintain the camaraderie, sup-
port and cooperation shown during
the games in their day-to-day opera-
tions. He also advised the younger
employees who joined the sportsfest
to continue joining for he believes
that it is one way of sowing leader-
ship.
COA CHRONICLE 22 MAY 2018
Closing the ceremony, Chair-
person Michael G. Aguinaldo
reminded COAns that next year
will be a milestone year. He dis-
closed that the organizers are
thinking of new events for next
year’s celebrations. He also jok-
ingly added that the Commission
Proper will join next year’s sports
events with Commissioner Pondoc
joining the bowling competitions,
Commissioner Fabia in a double
event of chess and billiards and
he himself trying his hand in
darts.
The Chairperson closed his
speech by saying he hoped the
participants had a great time and
thanked everyone while wishing
them Godspeed in their travels. •
 COAns participate in various sports events (clockwise): darts, chess,
badminton, basketball, billiards, lawn tennis, table tennis, volleyball and bowling.

COA CHRONICLE 23 MAY 2018

Promoting Sports in the
Workplace

Adults spend a great deal of their time at work. Thus, the workplace can be an effective setting to
integrate sports and other physical activities. Fitness programmes at work can help employees
who normally cannot find the time after office hours to do even a simple physical activity such
as walking. Business owners must encourage health and wellness programmes in the workplace
because studies have shown that these kinds of programmes benefit both the employees and the
employers.

Benefits of a Physically Active Workforce

Promoting physical activity in the workplace provides the following benefits to employees:

• Better fitness and health;

• Enhanced productivity and morale;
• Improved team spirit and job satisfaction;
• Lower stress;
• Improved communication and inter-personal relationship among employees; and
• Improved concentration and mental sharpness

A major component of an effective health and wellness programme is sports. Sports have been
known to contribute to healthy bones, muscles and joints; lower stress and aid in relaxation;
reduce body fat and tone muscles; decrease the risk of contracting diseases such as cancer and
diabetes; and improve co-ordination and balance.

Benefits of a Physically Fit Workforce for Employers

Instituting a health and wellness programme in the workplace also pays off for the employer. The
benefits of a healthy and fit workforce for employers include reduced absenteeism and employee
turnover; lower stress among staff; enhanced productivity and efficiency in the company as a
whole; an improved corporate image; and better relations between management and staff.

It is important to enlist the support of management for any health and wellness initiative to be
successful. All employees including management have the duty to establish a healthy work envi-
ronment and promote healthy lifestyles. - supersports.com

COA CHRONICLE 24 MAY 2018