Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), through its Internal Audit Office (IAO), hosted a benchmarking activity with the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSCMST) on February 9, 2026. The activity served as a venue for sharing experiences and practices in internal auditing among higher education institutions.

Mr. Henry P. Bayot, Officer-in-Charge of the WMSU-IAO, welcomed the delegation from ZSCMST led by Ms. Athena H. Soriano, Internal Auditor III. He also expressed his appreciation to the visiting institution for choosing WMSU as its benchmarking partner. He also highlighted the value of the activity in promoting knowledge exchange, institutional learning, and the sharing of best practices in internal auditing systems and procedures.

During the activity, Mr. Bayot led the presentation on the internal auditing practices implemented by the University. He discussed key strategies adopted by the office, particularly the application of risk-based audit planning through the Three-Year Strategic Internal Audit Plan and the Annual Audit Plan (AAP). Both plans were based on the results of the Baseline Assessment of Internal Control Systems (BAICS), which helped guide the office in identifying priority audit areas and strengthening the University’s internal control systems.

The benchmarking activity also provided an opportunity for meaningful discussion and collaboration between the two institutions, highlighting WMSU’s continuing commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound governance in the higher education sector.