
ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government has achieved a major milestone in its pursuit of transparency and fiscal excellence. It has received its first-ever Unmodified Opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its 2024 financial statements.
“In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the City of Iloilo as of December 31, 2024… in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS),” reads a portion of the Independent Auditor’s Report signed by State Auditor IV Janet L. Dedegiro, OIC-Supervising Auditor.
The audit covered the Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2024, and the Statements of Financial Performance, Cash Flows, Changes in Net Assets/Equity, and Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts, along with the accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
“We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion,” the report stated.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas welcomed this significant milestone as a highlight of his final term as local chief executive.
“For the past 15 years that I have been entrusted to lead Iloilo City, this recognition stands as a testament to the integrity, transparency, and good governance that we have consistently upheld,” he said.
The COA emphasized that the purpose of the audit was to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error.
Treñas extended his congratulations to the City Accountant’s Office, led by department head Michelle Lopez, commending their accuracy, accountability, and professionalism.
“I also wish to thank all departments and personnel whose diligence and support contributed to this well-deserved recognition. This is more than an achievement — it’s an assurance to the people of Iloilo City that their government remains accountable and worthy of their trust,” Treñas added.
For her part, Lopez expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, calling it a clear reflection of the city government’s integrity and transparency in financial management.
“We thank our accounting team who worked long hours — their quiet sacrifices, dedication, and commitment to excellence brought us here. We couldn’t be prouder,” Lopez said.
The city mayor acknowledged the key contributors to the success, including Katheryn Tibajares of City Accountant’s Office, and the heads of offices such as Lestle Nacionales of Property Plant and Equipment Management Office (PPEMO), Cesar Jalbuena of City Assessor’s Office, Atty. Giovanni Alfonso F. Miraflores of Iloilo City Registry of Deeds, and Engr. Neil Ravena of General Services Office.
“To our fellow departments, thank you for your collaboration and support. To our beloved Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, your trust and belief in us meant more than words can say. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and good governance,” Lopez added.
The Unmodified Opinion serves as a fitting capstone to Mayor Treñas’ final year in office, further solidifying his legacy of strong leadership, fiscal discipline, and public trust./PN