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The integration of advanced technology in Makati City’s financial management systems has led to the city achieving an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) for the seventh consecutive year. This highest audit rating, indicating fair presentation of financial statements following accounting standards, underscores the city’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“This COA opinion validates our unwavering commitment to good governance and its hallmarks, particularly transparency and accountability,” stated Mayor Abby Binay.
The city’s consistently high performance is largely due to the cooperation of various government sectors, especially the finance department, which has ensured proper programme implementation and service delivery. Key to this success has been the city’s adoption of online payment platforms for tax payments, social programme disbursements, and employee salaries, significantly improving the efficiency and transparency of financial transactions.
Building on these advancements, Makati City is set to launch an Accounting Information System (AIS) this year. The AIS aims to further streamline accounting processes, enhance transparency, and provide real-time financial reports to support better decision-making. This technological leap is expected to solidify the city’s reputation for financial excellence.
Makati City’s focus on financial management extends to its personnel development. It is the first local government unit (LGU) in the country accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provider for accountants. This accreditation ensures that city employees with accounting backgrounds remain current with the latest policies and regulations, fostering a more qualified and efficient workforce.
Mayor Binay credited the CPD programme for its role in attracting and retaining Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) within the city government. This strategic initiative not only enhances the city’s financial management capabilities but also ensures that employees are well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern financial governance.
Makati City’s exemplary financial management has also been recognised by external bodies. The city recently received its second Excellence Award from the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants (PhALGA) and has been acknowledged by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP) for six consecutive years. These accolades highlight Makati City’s leadership in responsible financial management and transparency within the Philippine local government landscape.
During the second State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Philippine government mandated all agencies to digitise essential public services under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, highlighting digital transformation as pivotal. This initiative aims to enhance public service delivery and governance through integrated data systems across government, NGOs, and private sectors, addressing challenges in data management and privacy while leveraging Generative AI to streamline integration and improve decision-making.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) plays a critical role in the Philippines’ digital transformation strategy, enhancing transparency and accountability in government operations. Through initiatives like the e-Gov PH platform and e-LGU app, DICT promotes streamlined processes and digital interactions that improve citizen access to government services while ensuring transparency in administrative procedures.
DICT is leading a digital transformation in the Philippines, enhancing government services through advanced technology. Key initiatives include the e-Gov PH platform and the e-LGU app, which enable citizens to access government services and make secure transactions from home.
The eGov PH app integrates various government functions, reducing costs and increasing connectivity, while the e-LGU app streamlines processes like bill payments, business permits, and emergency services. These innovations promote citizen engagement and transparency. DICT collaborates with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to streamline procedures and improve efficiency. The initiative aims to empower local government units (LGUs) with digital tools, promoting digital literacy and economic growth through the Digital Innovation for Regional Ecosystem and Countryside Transformation (DIRECT) Programme. This effort positions the Philippines as a leader in digital governance in Southeast Asia.
