Mary Rose L. Vilchez-Mariano, CICA®, is a seasoned public sector professional whose expertise in internal control is formally distinguished by her attainment of the Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA®) designation. This certification underscores her specialized competency in evaluating and strengthening internal control frameworks within government operations.
Motivation for pursuing IIC certification
“With over 5 years as a Chief Audit Executive, my motivation was twofold: benchmarking and leadership. I wanted to validate my skills against global standards to ensure the DILG Internal Audit Service operates with globally competitive knowledge, not just local compliance. Strategically, I needed to lead the professionalization of my office by example. Pursuing the CICA certification was the decisive step to elevate our service, ensuring we aren’t just government practitioners, but certified experts recognized globally.”
Preparing for the certification process and the most challenging part
“I attended the 41st Certified Internal Control Auditor Program in late 2023 , building on the strong foundation laid by my Accredited Internal Control Professional Program in early 2022. My preparation was deeply practical, grounded in my simultaneous work on the DILG IAS Operations Manual and the department-wide Baseline Assessment (BAICS). The biggest challenge was synthesis: balancing rigorous study with my duties as Director, and translating the specific local realities of the RPGIAM into the global Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) required by the IIC.”
Benefits gained after earning the IIC credential
“Professionally, it has been a catalyst for Trust and Authority. It validated the frameworks we use for audit findings, assuring stakeholders that our recommendations are backed by a globally recognized body of knowledge. It also empowered me to mentor my staff, three of whom are now also CICA certified, creating a common language of high-standard control within our office. Personally, it solidified my standing as a subject matter expert, giving extra weight to my lectures as a DBM Recognized Resource Person and instilling a deeper confidence in my ability to assess complex control environments.”
How IIC certification expanded credibility and career opportunities
“The CICA designation has established me as a ‘Highly Trusted Partner’ in the sector. It has been instrumental in my recognition as a ‘Most Tapped Recognized Resource Person’, bolstering my credentials in the rollout of the Revised Philippine Government Internal Audit Manual (RPGIAM). This certification serves as a ‘seal of quality’ that allows me to influence the profession beyond my own agency, providing technical assistance to diverse government institutions with verified authority.”
Message to professionals considering IIC certification
“Certification is an investment in your authority. In a field driven by standards and compliance, having the CICA credential proves that you possess the specialized knowledge required to protect your organization’s integrity. Certification empowers you to innovate. Because I mastered the core principles and gained credibility through CICA, I had the confidence to lead innovations like the IAS goes D.I.G.I.T.A.L and IAS P.E.R.F.O.R.M.S. It transforms you from a routine practitioner into a recognized professional leader capable of driving genuine institutional change”