Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has reminded local government accountants that public funds must be properly accounted for and used for the people as the city hosted thousands of accounting professionals from across the Visayas.
Treñas made the statement during the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants (PhALGA) Visayas Geographical Conference 2026, which drew around 13,000 delegates to the city.
The mayor said the work of government accountants may often happen behind the scenes, but it plays an important role in keeping public funds properly recorded and managed.
“Para sa akon, beyond the numbers is a shared responsibility to make sure government resources are properly recorded, managed, and used for their intended purpose. Every peso is public money, and every centavo must go back to our constituents through the services and projects they need,” Treñas said.
The mayor also shared her reminder to the city accountant when it comes to following government rules.
“Amo gid ini ang akon ginapahanumdom sa amon City Accountant: pag bawal, bawal gid, regardless of who is asking,” she said.
Treñas also cited Iloilo City’s second consecutive Unmodified Opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) on its 2025 financial statements. The city previously received its first-ever Unmodified Opinion for its 2024 financial statements during the final year of former Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
The mayor stressed that the COA opinion is specifically about the city’s financial statements and does not measure every aspect of government performance. She said it nevertheless highlights the need to maintain proper systems, records, controls and financial accountability.
“This is not simply recognition—it is a responsibility to sustain and strengthen good practices beyond one administration. This is a whole-of-government effort involving our accountants, department heads, offices, and employees,” she said.
Treñas also welcomed the delegates and said the conference theme, “Nurture. Collaborate. Advance.”, reflects the need for local governments to strengthen their institutions and share practices that can improve public services.
“Kay ang maayo nga pang-gobyerno indi lang makita sa maayo nga sistema; makita ini sa pagsalig sang mga tawo nga amo ang aton ginapang-alagaran,” she said.IMT
