1. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS
11/30/2018
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS
Greetings
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay 1

2. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
11/30/2018
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 1: October 17, 2018
OPENING CEREMONIES
DECLARATION OF OPENING
Dir. Marichu A. Palafox
WELCOME REMARKS
Mr. Dominador Co
Representative of Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III
City of Iloilo
The opening of the convention with a theme, Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay was declared by this year’s Convention Chair, Ms. Marichu A. Palafox. It was followed by the welcome message from Mr. Dominador Co, representative of Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III.
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay 2

3. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
11/30/2018
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 1: October 17, 2018
OPENING CEREMONIES
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
“An organization is only as strong
as the unity which its members have.
Without unity, chaos, cut throat
competition and confusion will prevail.”
USec. Tina Rose Marie L. Canda
AGAP National President
The National President emphasized that an organization is only as strong as the unity which its members have. Without unity, chaos, cut throat competition and confusion will prevail. This is evident in the doxology performed by the AGAP Board this year that when one truly believes in the same mission and many believe in it, then unity of purpose prevails. The Board spent considerable hours of time to practice and prepare to conduct the doxology through Steve Green’s song, The Mission, because they truly believe that in loving God, service is given meaning.
She also took pride in informing the participants of its various activities relative to its mission and corporate social responsibility such as the conduct of continuing professional education for Certified Public Accountants, and other charity works to help typhoon victims and alleviate poverty, among others.
Recognizing that being in the government financial sector involves risks and sometimes lead to legal cases against accountants, the National President announced the launching of the AGAP Assistance for Accountants in Distress (A-AID) which is patterned after the legal defense fund of the National Government. Aside from the A-AID, it was also announced that the AGAP will be expanding its scholarship grants in coordination with the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in order to sponsor well-deserving students go through college by providing cash grants to AGAPean bearing members and their children.
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay 3

4. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
11/30/2018
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 1: October 17, 2018
OPENING CEREMONIES
KEYNOTE ADDRESS/
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE
USec. Ronald M. Dela Rosa
Representative of Mayor Sara Duterte
City of Davao
USec. Bato first delivered the speech prepared by Mayor Sara Duterte who was not able to make it to the convention due to a very important concern. The public financial professionals, both from the Local Government Unit and the National Government Agencies, were lauded for their efforts in keeping up with the technology, not only to ensure compliance but as an effective tool to further improve delivery of service to the public. Aside from excellence, integrity is equally expected from the profession not only to keep the agencies afloat but more importantly, to strengthen accountability in public service.
For the second part of the speech, USec. Bato briefly recounted his journey from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief to his short stint as the head of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). One of the penal reforms he instituted as head of the BuCor was to put all convicted foreign drug lords and drug traffickers in a building separate from other Filipino felons. Aside from the high demand for drugs, the non-existence of death penalty in the country made it easier for the foreign drug traders to penetrate the Philippines. As such, he vowed to push death penalty consistent with his commitment to continue the fight against criminality.
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay 4

5. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
11/30/2018
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 1: October 17, 2018
OPENING CEREMONIES
UPDATES ON COA RULES
AND REGULATIONS
Asst. Comm. Rizalina Q. Mutia
Commission on Audit
The Assistant Commissioner provided the participants updates on COA Rules and Regulations as follows:
COA Circular No Guidelines prescribing the submission of the Property Inventory Form as basis for the assessment of general insurance coverage over all insurable assets, properties and interests of the government with the General Insurance Fund of the GSIS.
COA Circular No Guidelines on the preparation of FS and other financial reports and implementation of the PFRS by Government Corporations Classified as GBEs and PPSAS by Non-GBEs
COA Circular No on the Amendment of Sec. 197 under Title VI- Miscellaneous provisions and Administrative Instructions of COA Cir. No dated October 20, 1992 re: Rules and Regulations on Supply and Property Management in the Local Governments.
COA Circular No on the Clarification of the COA Circular No dated May 31, 2016.
COA Circular No on the reimbursement of expenses not requiring official receipts.
COA Circular No on the Guidelines on the Write-off of Dormant Receivables Accounts, Unliquidated Cash Advances and Fund Transfers of NGAs, LGUs and GOCCs.
COA Circular No on the Guidelines on the Conversion of the Chart of Accounts from the Philippine Chart of Accounts under COA Circular No dated September 20, 2004, as amended.
COA Circular No Amendment to COA Circular No dated January 30, 2013 Re: Information and Publicity on Programs/Projects/Activities of the Government Agencies.
COA Circular No re: Updates on Prescribing the Revised Guidelines and Documentary Requirements for Fund Transfers
COA Circular No re: Amendment to COA Circular No dated January 30, 2013, re: Reiteration of Audit Disallowance of Payments Without Legal Basis of Allowances, Incentives, and Other Benefits of Government Officials and Employees in the NGAs, LGUs, and GOCCs and their Subsidiaries
COA Memorandum No Audit of compliance by all government agencies with RA No on the proper deduction of Pag-IBIG Fund Contribution and Short Term Loan Amortization from the salaries of employees, and timely remittance of said deductions to the HDMF.
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay 5

6. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
11/30/2018
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 1: October 17, 2018
OPENING CEREMONIES
AWARDING FOR OUTSTANDING
ACCOUNTING OFFICES
FOR CY 2017
The selection of the 32 Outstanding Accounting Offices in the government for C.Y were based on the following criteria:
Timeliness of Submission of Financial Reports
Reliability of the Financial Reports
Accuracy and Completeness of the Financial Reports
Unqualified Audit Opinion
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay 6

7. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 2: October 18, 2018
Usec Artuno Boncato Jr discussed the topic, Department of Tourism: Is A Turn Around Now Happening?
The new leadership under the helm of Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is centered in creating a culture of sustainable tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impact, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities. The DoT is working to strike the right balance between business concern and social responsibility to ensure equitable growth.
The reform initiatives of the DoT revolve under the following six areas: (1) RA 9593 Tourism Act of 2009; (2) National Tourism Development Plan [NTDP]; (3) Access Connectivity, Security and Tourism Infrastructure; (4) Consultation with Stakeholders; (5) Global Advertising; and (6) Promotion and Boracay Rehabilitation. Moreover, the agency is working on the implementation of internal reforms, through house cleaning by coordinating with COA and Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for sound advice on matters pertaining to human capital and standards of professionalism.
The guest speaker reported that the Philippines has kept a high profile in the world tourism radar, among other sought after countries by foreign travelers, as the most beautiful to the most exciting place to travel, as cited in different publications. Tourist arrival continue to increase, reaching 4,850,293 foreign visitors from previous period’s 4,470, It was also reported that the average length of stay of tourists increased from 3 to 4 nights to 9.35 nights, with an average spending per day of $ based on the 2017 survey. It resulted to job generation of an estimated 5.3 million which is equivalent to 13% of the total employment. Domestic tourism posted a 21.91% share. Notwithstanding the temporary closure of Boracay, the DoT is expecting to reach the target of 7.4 million of inbound tourism.
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM: IS A
TURN AROUND NOW HAPPENING?
USec. Arturo Boncato, Jr.
Department of Tourism
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay

8. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 2: October 18, 2018
Asec Antonio Lambino discussed the topic, Understanding the TRAIN Law, its implication and impact.
It started with the reiteration of the vision for the country that extreme poverty will be eradicated in year 2040, with no Filipino family left behind. Once achieved, the Gross National Income (GNI) is estimated to grow up from 3,500 USD to 11,000 USD. By 2022, end of this Administration, the country is aspiring to be a high middle income country, with poverty rate reduced from 21.6% to 13-15% and GNI from 3500USD to 5000 USD. Next year, it is expected that Philippines will be declared as one of the high middle income countries joining China and Thailand, based on the World Bank category.
Why do we need the Comprehensive Tax Reform Package (CTRP)? It was emphasized that tax bridges the future. However, our tax system in its current form makes the gap more difficult to bridge. Effectively, it resulted to high tax rates and narrow tax base (only about half of the economy is taxed) leading to inequity, complexity and inefficiency. In order to support the objective to have a fairer, transparent and equitable system, the CTRP is composed of the following:
Package 1A- TRAIN; PIT, excise, VAT others
Package 1B and C: General and Estate Tax Amnesty, Bank Secrecy Relaxation, Automatic Change of Information, MVUC
Package 2: TRABAHO- Corporate Income Tax and Fiscal Incentives
Package 2+ Tabacco, alcohol (Universal Health Care); Mining Taxes
Package 3: Property Valuation and Tax
Package 4: Capital Income Tax and Financial Tax
The implication of the current inflation rates was explained along with the short term and medium to long term solutions to address it.
Lastly, Asec Lambino discussed the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities Bill (TRABAHO), under House Bill Aside from lowering corporate income taxes, the Incentives Menu for investors shall be rationalized. The reform initiative shall necessarily include the implementation of a sunset provision for existing incentives which shall be made to continue until the end of the remaining period or 5%, whichever comes earlier.
UNDERSTANDING THE
TRAIN LAW:
ITS IMPLICATION AND IMPACT
ASec. Antonio Joselito G. Lambino
Department of Finance
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay

9. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 2: October 18, 2018
Usec Tina discussed the Updates on the Annual Cash Based Budgeting Approach.
The shift to an annual cash-based appropriation is one of the key provisions of the game changing Budget Modernization Bill (BMB). The House Bill No was already passed on third reading last March 20, 2018 while the Senate version is on second reading and is expected to pass before the end of the year. DBM National Budget Memorandum No. 129 and Corporate Budget Memorandum No. 40 both issued on January 3, 2018 formally introduced annual cash-based budgeting in the preparation of the 2019 National Budget. The FY 2017 veto message of the President and the FY 2018 GAA have gradually been shifting the government to a one-year validity of obligation-based appropriations. The shift to an annual cash-based budget in FY 2019 is a logical progression of this reform.
UPDATES ON THE ANNUAL
CASH BASED
BUDGETING APPROACH
USec. Tina Rose Marie L. Canda
Department of Budget and Management
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay

10. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 2: October 18, 2018
Usec Emil Sadain tackled the topic, Build, Build, Build- What is it All About?
He explained the Public Investment Program for , updates on the Infrastructure Flagship Projects and the Build, Build, Build, Program’s potential impact on the economy. For over 50 years, the Philippines’ infrastructure investment averaged only at 2.6 percent of GDP while our neighboring economies invested double that ratio. Underinvestment in infrastructure produced a large gap that resulted in congestion and inefficiency. We are seeking to correct that gap by investing in 75 key strategic infrastructure projects over the medium term.
To boost investment-led economic growth, some 4,490 infrastructure programs, activities, and projects on transportation, water resources, energy, information and communications technology (ICT), social and other public infrastructure, with total investment requirement of PhP7.74 trillion will be rolled-out within the medium-term (i.e., from 2017 to 2022). These infrastructure projects will be funded with the best possible funding sources, or an optimal mix of financing from public and private sources, aside from official development assistance.
Our Build, Build, Build program is gathering momentum. From January to July this year, infrastructure spending increased by 47 percent compared to the same period last year. We plan to raise this to about 7 percent of GDP by Over the next five years, the plan is to invest around 170 billion US dollars in upgrading our ports and airports, creating new rail line and improving mass transport, providing bridges to link our islands and road systems to bring farms closer to our cities
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD-
WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
USec. Emil K. Sadain
Department of Public Works and Highways
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay

11. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 3: October 19, 2018
Atty. Santiago explained the following public procurement principles: transparency, efficiency (streamlined procurement process), equity (fairness), competition, accountability, public monitoring, and economy (value for money). Further, he emphasized that government procurement does not necessarily mean acquiring the cheapest product in the market. Agencies are allowed to conduct market sounding off to enable it to meticulously and judiciously prepare the technical specification for the project. Study the market to determine the best procurement option with due consideration to the rules to prevent unnecessary, irregular, excessive and extravagant expenses.
UPDATES ON THE NEW
GUIDELINES
ON PROCUREMENT LAW
Atty. Dennis S. Santiago
Government Procurement Expert
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay

12. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 3: October 19, 2018
Mr. Moti updated the participants on developments in Pag-IBIG Fund in line with its mandate to administer Filipino workers’ savings fund and provide loan to members who wish to purchase or acquire a home of their own, at a lower interest rate and a more affordable amortization payment.
Aside from the Housing Loan Program and the Regular Pag-IBIG Savings (Mandatory) with registered annual dividend rate of 7.61% as of 2017, the Pag-IBIG Fund introduced the Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MPS) Savings which is voluntary in nature. If offers higher dividends, reaching 8.11% in 2017, with 5-year mutually period and option to annual dividend payment which is opened to former Pag-IBIG members.
The CEO also used the opportunity to highlight the awards and recognitions received by the Pag-IBIG Fund as it continually works on instituting internal reforms towards Tapat na Serbisyo, Mula sa Puso.
PAG-IBIG: MORE THAN A HOUSING LOAN FUND
Mr. Acmad Rizaldy P. MotiChief Executive Officer, Pag-IBIG Fund
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay

13. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 3: October 19, 2018
Asec Mary Jean Pacheco covered the topic: Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Service Delivery relative to the newly enacted law, Republic Act (RA) No (An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services by Amending Republic Act No. 9485, Otherwise Known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, and for Other Purposes) which took effect on June 17, To help further set the context of the discussion, ASec Pacheco informed the participants that the Philippines has improved in the 2018 Competitiveness Report of World Economic Forum from 68th to 56th. It was reported that the country performed low on public sector performance and on future preparedness. RA has the following basic features:
(1) Promotes good regulatory practices inasmuch as it will push for the reengineering of government systems and procedures, regulatory impact assessment and repeal of outdated, redundant laws and issuances.
(2) Requires the Government Agencies to embrace customer centricity
(3) Sets standards prescribed processing time
(4) Adopts information and communication technologies/ Government Technology
(5) Pushes for Governance/Institutional Arrangements
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS AND EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY
ASec. Mary Jean T. Pacheco
Department of Trade and Industry
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay

14. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 3: October 19, 2018
Mr. Carl Balita inspired the participants with the topic: Exploring Business Opportunities.
We have two options in life, to work on somebody else’s dream or work on our own dream. Create your own future, write your own story. Entrepreneurship is the key.
Retirement is ‘putting on a new tire.’ But we do not have to wait until we retire. True entrepreneurs can make use of what they have. The Speaker imparted that he started with 1 table that he borrowed, make-shift white board and with twelve students. Ten years after, with 110 review centers, with around 17,000 enrollees. Greatest producer of board topnotchers. The key is: he started with what he has. Anything that is available is good enough.
The Speaker encouraged the participants to ponder on these: (1) what I love, (2) what I am good at, (3) what is it that I do best, and (4) what the world needs. It is our passion, mission, profession and vocation which revolves around our purpose. It demonstrates a paradigm, wherein one either has satisfaction but useless, delighted but no wealth, comfortable but empty or excited but uncertain. Vision is important.
He ended his discussion with a thought provoking line: Align with PURPOSE; Grow for LEARNING; Aspire the DIFFERENCE; Prepare for FAILURE. This stands for AGAP.
EXPLORING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Mr. Carl E. Balita
Entrepreneur/
Business Talk Show Host
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay

15. Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay
2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION-SEMINAR
Day 4: October 20, 2018
HARNESSING AND UNDERSTANDING EQ IN THE WORKPLACE
Ms. Teresita R. Albert
HR Practitioner
Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Buhay: Ambisyon Nating Tunay