State auditors have affirmed efforts of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to maintain transparency and accountability in its financial activities, as the Commission on Audit renders an unqualified opinion on DA-BFAR Central Office’s financial statements for 2021—a first in the history of BFAR.

An unqualified opinion is the highest audit rating given by the COA to government agencies.

According to the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs), an unqualified opinion is given when the auditor is satisfied in all material respects that the financial statements have been prepared using acceptable accounting bases and policies which have been consistently applied; the statements comply with statutory requirements and relevant regulations; the view presented by the financial statements is consistent with the auditor’s knowledge of the audited entity; and there is adequate disclosure of all material matters relevant to the financial statements.

BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona says this recognition affirms the agency’s continuing efforts to improve its quality management system, including maintenance of good financial housekeeping.

“In 2020, the DA-BFAR received ISO 9001:2015 certification on its quality management system. Since then, we have enhanced our processes and procedures to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in our services, as well as uphold transparency and integrity in our transactions. The unqualified opinion rendered by the COA is truly motivational and inspires us to work incessantly towards maintaining good governance within the agency.” BFAR Director Gongona said.

The audit of DA-BFAR Central Office’s accounts, transactions and operations for CY 2021 was led by State Auditor Catherine P. Gaongen-Logronio.