The Association of Government Internal Auditors, Inc. (AGIA, Inc.) conducted its 63rd Annual National Convention cum Seminar from October 12 to 15, 2022 at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON), Megaworld Boulevard, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The then theme was “ AGIA @ 63: Nagkakaisa Tungo sa Marangal, Makabago at Maunlad na Pilipinas. Said theme centered on the importance of rising as one community of public servants in the midst of insurmountable challenges by adopting oneself to the emerging technological developments and on the dynamic political landscape – for a more progressive Philippines. The momentous event was graced by honorable Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa who acted as the keynote speaker where he emphasized on the vital role of government internal auditors as the bearer of integrity and infallible commitment to public service and working as among the last bastions, in the government sector, of keeping the use of precious and limited government resources judiciously. Also, both the Iloilo Province Governor, Honorable Arthur R. Defensor Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor, Honorable Jerry P. Trenas were invited to the said occasion. They emphasized especially during the BODs and Secretariat’s courtesy calls to their respective offices, their full cooperation and support to the event and further said that Iloilo Province and its cities would be very happy to host and accommodate the AGIA participants on the occasion of their annual convention.
The entire activity had covered various topics through the eight (8) Technical Sessions spread out for four (4) days and that they were skillfully delivered by known experts (Resource Speakers) in their respective fields of endeavor. The participants who were both on face to face and online were observed to be very attentive during the lectures and the exchanges of ideas during the open forum after every topic discussed were truly insightful and interesting. In short, the interactions were indeed very fruitful which in most of the cases had extended the time limit of each speaker on stage.
There was a total of more than one thousand three hundred attendees who registered for the event and such attendance was already expected by the AGIA BODs and Secretariat, during their planning phase few months earlier, after having suspended or had limited the yearly activity to purely online event for two (2) consecutive years, 2020 and 2021, due to the onslaught of COVID 19 pandemic in the country. Moreso, the chosen venue in Iloilo City had been proven to be ideal for the AGIA BODs, the Secretariat and the participants since they were all accommodated with its several hotels, modern convention hall and its facilities within Mandurriao District and the many tourist destinations the entire Iloilo Province has been offering and also of its very efficient and convenient public transport system.
The entire activity was indeed successful despite the limitations offered by the government COVID 19 pandemic Task Force in the province and of the few and rather unnoticeable technical glitches and oversights experienced during the entire 4-days event. Congratulations to all of us!
