Aguinaldo is lone Ifugao LGU to receive 2026 National Excellence Award for clean financial records

Aguinaldo, Ifugao – The municipality of Aguinaldo, Ifugao, led by Mayor Clemente S. Talusig, has been named a 2026 National Excellence Awardee by the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants, Inc. (PHALGA) after its financial records were found to be “clean” by the Commission on Audit (COA).

According to the municipality’s Information Office, Aguinaldo was among the select recipients of the award after obtaining an Unmodified Opinion (UO) from COA on its financial reports.

As defined on COA’s website, an unmodified opinion (also referred to as a “clean opinion”) is issued when auditors conclude that financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.

Receiving this opinion indicates that the local government unit of Aguinaldo, through its accounting office headed by Atty. Ruth Esther Bogwana-Burgess, has properly recorded and reported its public funds.

Notably, Aguinaldo is the only municipality in Ifugao to receive the award, alongside Bauko in Mountain Province.

The LGU attributed the recognition to the coordinated efforts of the municipal accounting office, its staff, and employees, as well as the support of local officials.

“This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the accounting staff, in collaboration with various LGU offices, and the unwavering support of our local leaders,” the LGU stated through its Information Office.

The awarding ceremony is scheduled to take place during the 21st Annual National Conference of PHALGA in May in Dakak, Zamboanga.

PHALGA is a national organization of provincial, city, and municipal accountants in the Philippines that promotes transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management.