On June 30, 2025, the Association of Government Internal Auditors (AGIA) participated in a focused roundtable discussion hosted by the Internal Audit Service of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev). AGIA was represented by Executive Vice President Daniel L. Ambasan and Board Member Atty. Maria Teresa C. Alvarez, who joined officials from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), and internal audit heads of DepDev’s attached agencies.
The session explored strategic approaches to institutionalizing effective internal audit systems across government entities. Director Aries Macaspac of DBM shared key elements from DBM Circular Letter No. 2023-14, which provides updated guidelines on organizing and staffing Internal Audit Units (IAUs). The GPPB also presented the core provisions of the recently enacted New Government Procurement Act (RA No. 12009), underscoring the relevance of procurement oversight in internal audit implementation.
AGIA’s active involvement provided valuable perspectives on emerging trends and persistent challenges in public sector auditing. The Association highlighted several barriers to the establishment of functioning IAUs, including budget constraints, lack of skilled personnel, limited awareness of IA’s unique role, and policy ambiguities. AGIA emphasized the need to promote an audit-positive culture, align practices with international standards, institutionalize centralized oversight, and establish certification pathways like a Certified Government Internal Auditor (CGIA) program.
For AGIA, this dialogue marked a significant opportunity to amplify its advocacy for professionalizing internal auditing and offering support mechanisms through its training programs, membership platform, and policy engagement. The Association looks forward to sustaining these collaborative efforts—building impactful relationships with oversight bodies and internal audit practitioners to ensure future-ready, performance-driven governance throughout the public sector.
