Legazpi City – The Department of Education, Region V was awarded Top 1 on the regular and timely submission of CY 2017 Financial and Accountability Reports during the 32^nd National Seminar/Workshop on the Preparation of CY 2017 Year-End Financial Reports held at the Widus Hotel and Casino, Clark Freeport Zone, Clarkfield, Pampanga, January 29- February 2, 2018.

During the ceremony, the Deped Central Office, Accounting and Budget Divisions headed by Dir. Armando C. Ruiz, OIC-Director for Finance Service and Ms. Ma. Rhunna L. Catalan, Department Chief Accountant announced the Top 3 out of the 17 regions whose performance excelled on the timely submission of financial reports for CY 2017. They were awarded with a plaque of recognition and cash prize. The overall top 3 National Winners were: 1^st Place- Region V;  2^nd Place- Region I and 3^rd Place- Region X.

The seminar/workshop aimed to facilitate and ensure the preparation, review and consolidation of financial reports, budget and financial accountability reports and schedule of accounts. It also serves as an avenue to present and discuss the relevant issues and concerns associated with financial management brought about by recent issuances of the Department and oversight agencies. This was participated by the Finance Heads of the Central Office, Regional Chief Administrative Officers or Supervising Administrative Officers-Finance, Budget Officers, Accountants and selected Finance Staff from the Central and Regional Offices.

The event started with the presentation of objectives and updates by the Department Chief Accountant, Ms. Ma. Rhunna L. Catalan. Important topics and discussions were presented by notable and competent speakers covering the following topics: Internal Guidelines Concerning 2018 Budget Execution and 2019 Budget Preparation; Updates on Budgetary Matters; Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS); Guidelines on the Grant of Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) 2016-2017; Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) and Tax Audit Advice; Employee Benefits and Employment of Consultants and Contract of Service (COS); Built your wealth through Mutual Funds and FY 2017 Budget Utilization report and FY 2018 DepEd Budget. DepEd Region III hosted the event.

At the end of workshop, all other regions were required to submit their Consolidated
CY 2017 Year-End Financial and Accountability Reports as part of their output. DepEd ROV submitted the reports even before the start of the program. (Rose Ann B. Tubig)