Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has issued a memorandum reiterating the Commission on Audit’s (COA) guidelines on budget parameters for the conduct of workshops, seminars, training, and other official activities.
The memorandum was the result of an agreement reached during the COA exit conference on June 6, where the audit observation of “irregular, unnecessary, and extravagant expenditure” by the DSWD’s offices, bureaus, services, and units (OBSUs) and field offices (FOs) was specifically discussed.
“Such practices not only undermine our commitment to fiscal responsibility but also hinder our ability to effectively utilize our resources for the interest of the DSWD beneficiaries,” Gatchalian said in the memorandum dated July 10.
COA reported that a number of DSWD regional offices spent a total of PP3.059 million on meals and hotel accommodations that were deemed “irregular and unnecessary.”
It further noted that the DSWD-Davao Region alone spent P1.429 million on food and lodging for trainings and seminars in “expensive and luxurious hotels and resorts” despite the availability of other locations with lower rates.
According to Gatchalian, strict adherence to the guidelines is required, and this will remain in effect until a new set of guidelines is issued.
The DSWD chief also directed all OBSUs and FOs to read COA Circular No. 2012-003, also known as the “Updated Guidelines for the Prevention and Disallowance of Irregular, Unnecessary, Excessive, Extravagant, and Unconscionable Expenditures.”
“Let us show our commitment to upholding fiscal discipline and transparency, ensuring that our financial resources are utilized judiciously to achieve the Department’s goals and serve our beneficiaries effectively,” Gatchalian said.