Completing the CICA program has been a truly rewarding and enriching experience. Although internal controls, governance, and risk management have long been integral to my responsibilities as a Sales and Service Head, this program provided a more structured and comprehensive understanding of how these disciplines work together to strengthen organizational performance. It reinforced that effective internal control goes beyond policy compliance—it promotes ethical leadership, sound governance, informed decision-making, and a culture of accountability.
What sets the CICA program apart is its excellent balance between theory and practical application. The case discussions and real-world scenarios challenged us to think critically, identify underlying risks, assess the effectiveness of internal controls, and recommend practical solutions that create value for the organization. Rather than simply providing answers, the program cultivated the mindset and professional judgment of an internal control practitioner.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Michael “Mike” Cabatuando for delivering an exceptional learning experience. His extensive knowledge, wealth of practical experience, and engaging teaching style made even the most complex concepts easy to understand and directly applicable to our day-to-day responsibilities. More importantly, he consistently encouraged us to look beyond compliance and develop the critical thinking and ethical judgment necessary to make sound, risk-based decisions.
I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Mike and the program organizers for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to developing competent internal control practitioners. I leave this program with a deeper appreciation of the COSO Framework, greater confidence in applying its principles in my work, and a renewed commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and effective internal control within my organization.
I am truly honored to have been part of this CICA batch, and I highly recommend this program to professionals who aspire to strengthen their expertise in governance, risk management, and internal controls.
Harold C. Basso
PNB (Makati Allied Bank Center branch)
Sales and Service Head
The program provided me with a deeper understanding of internal controls and their practical application. It was a valuable learning experience, and I look forward to participating in other programs in the future.
Ronna Mae G. Oro
HC Consumer Finance Philippines, Inc
Internal Auditor
Completing the CICA training significantly deepened my understanding of internal controls, risk identification, and assessment. It also equipped me with practical frameworks that will meaningfully support our internal audit and governance initiatives within the LGU.
Rhazel R. Formoso
LGU Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnon
Head of the Internal Audit Service Office
The seminar was highly informative and provided a clear and comprehensive discussion of internal controls, enhancing my understanding of their importance and practical application.
Patrick Jay Galino
Digiplus Interactive Corp
Senior Audit Manager
Attending the CICA Training Program has deepened my appreciation of the importance of internal controls and risk assessment in promoting an effective and successful organization.
Madel M. Quillope
Tanauan Medical Center Inc
Finance Director
Completing the CICA certification training program has strengthened my technical expertise in internal controls, risk assessment, and corporate governance. The program has not only enhanced my auditing capabilities but also deepened my appreciation for the vital role of the internal audit function in driving organizational effectiveness. With this specialized knowledge, I am better equipped to provide strategic insights to my colleagues and deliver valuable guidance and support to our executive leadership.
Samuel R. Audea
Lakpue Drug, Inc.
Finance and Audit Head
This was not a training focused solely on memorizing concepts; it challenged us to think and approach situations like risk professionals. The case discussions, practical examples, and interactive Q&A sessions made every part of the program engaging and meaningful. I walked away not only with enhanced knowledge but also with a renewed perspective on the importance of internal controls and risk management.
Kristal Lux R. Baybayan
Hann Philippines, Inc.
Corporate Audit Manager
Completing the CICA program strengthened my confidence in evaluating internal control systems, identifying control weaknesses, and recommending appropriate improvements. I found the training highly relevant to my role as an internal auditor, providing valuable insights and practical approaches that I can apply in my professional responsibilities.
Sherilyn P. Golen
Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB)
Head Office Internal Auditor
Attending the CICA program has been one of the best investments in my professional development. For those who want to refresh their knowledge of internal control concepts and gain practical insights into their application, this program is highly recommended. It has allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation of the work we do and the important role we play in strengthening organizational effectiveness.
Beverly Villas
Pamalican Resorts, Inc. | PwC Acceleration Center Manila
Income Auditor (PRI) | QMSE Senior Analyst (PwC)
This program is relatively useful for me as a solution architect while drawing out the best possible solution without compromising any control.
Raymond C. Austria
ETP International Pte Ltd
Solution Architect
Beyond reinforcing workplace knowledge, the program provided trainees with a practical and holistic perspective on control and risk management. It also fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing, creating an inclusive environment that supported continuous learning.
Annie Rose G. Carredo
BDO Unibank, Inc.
Audit Officer
The Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA) gave me useful tips on auditing and internal controls that I can use. It also strengthened my understanding of risk assessment and professional ethics.
Jeziel P. Palmiano
Philippine Veterans Bank
Internal Audit
The training is very nice since you have to really participate during the session.
Charlotte Kay B. Ygar
Asia United Bank
Internal Auditor
The sessions were insightful and well-organized, with great speakers.
Joanna Pauline C. Velasco
EY GDS(CS) Philippines
Process & Controls SOX Senior Consultant
Attending the Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA) Program was honestly one of the better investments I’ve made in my professional development. From the moment it started, it was clear that a lot of care went into designing an experience that was not just informative but genuinely engaging — the topics flowed naturally, the examples hit close to home, and the workshops made everything feel tangible and applicable rather than abstract. Even the online setup through Zoom was seamless, and the balance between lecture time and open discussion gave the whole thing a collaborative feel that you don’t always get in virtual training. I walked away with practical knowledge, sharper thinking, and handouts I’ll actually refer back to — which says a lot about the quality of the material. If you’re in the audit or internal control space and you’re looking for a program that will genuinely challenge and grow you, this is absolutely worth your time.
Ma. Helen A. Derotas
Department of the Interior and Local Government
Internal Auditor II
The Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA) program is an essential milestone for any internal audit professional looking to elevate their expertise beyond basic compliance. Having spent over a decade in the public sector audit space, and by using the same COSO framework and entity-level controls strengthened my lens through which to view organizational governance. Further, the program also didn’t just teach how to find errors; but also how to evaluate the very systems that prevent them. This certification is a testament to a professional’s commitment to integrity and technical excellence.
Jessica M. Baylon
DILG
Internal Auditor II
This training enhanced my understanding of internal control from a compliance checklist into a strategic and risk based value driver.
Juan E. Cielo
Department of the Interior and Local Government
Internal Auditor III
The resource person explained clearly the concepts and encouraged exchanges of ideas among the participants.
Lance Angelo Ramos Limos
MAYBANK PHILIPPINES INC
AUDIT OFFICER