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JPIA celebrates the triumph of new CPA passers

Written by Jan Margaret D. Carandang Researched by Michaela Arevalo and Jazelle Marquez | October 23, 2024

TO celebrate the lights of triumph, the SBCA Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) had a testimonial dinner in honor of the new Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examinations (CPALE) passers at the Manny Reyes Hall last Oct. 12 with the theme, “Luminate: Celebrating the Lights of Triumph.” On the same day, a Thanksgiving mass for the upcoming CPALE takers scheduled on Oct. 25 to 27 was presided over by Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, SBCA Rector President at the St. Benedict Chapel.

     Before the ceremony, the CPALE passers, JPIA officers, Prof. Maria Exequiel Panaguiton, the Department Chair for Accountancy and SBCA Alumni, and esteemed administrators gathered at the St. Bede Building for the unveiling of the Accountancy wall, which showcased the names and faces of the new CPALE passers.

     During the testimonial dinner, the opening speaker was Elyza Agarap, CPA, who described her journey as “sobrang unconventional.” She reviewed and took the examination four times until it reached the pandemic. She persisted, and finally, on May 31, she found her name on the list of passers and is now officially a certified public accountant. For her final words, Agarap encouraged her fellow Bedans to not give up on their dreams, “Bedans please ‘wag niyong sukuin ‘yung lisensya kasi sobrang worth it niya hanggang sa dulo.

     “I don't really believe in motivation because I really believe in discipline and consistency,” James Castillo, CPA, began his talk. He explained that he was neither the best nor the smartest regarding his studies but took a lot of pride in his diligence. He ended his speech with one last piece of advice: “Learn also to sacrifice.” He assured that these would be all worth it since they would be for one’s goals.

     Sophia Dayao, CPA, initially planned on taking the examinations in October 2020, but plans changed for her when her father passed away in her last semester of college. She expressed how she could not grieve properly because she needed to meet deadlines. “The journey taught me that hard work, perseverance, and faith can turn dreams into reality,” Dayao concluded. 

     In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Jan Isip, CPA, stated that he had a strict schedule for his review, and being able to rest and do as he wished at his own pace was a big deal for him. “Professionally, itong milestone na ‘to para sakin ito ‘yung kahit sinasabi nilang asa dulo kana kasi nakapasa ka na, ito ‘yung first step for me kasi dito ko palang mas makilala ‘yung sarili ko,” he stated in his interview.

     The Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo, Jr. expressed his joy towards the CPALE passers’ success despite their difficulties and challenges. “As you journey your career as a certified public accountant, you will never forget the power of prayer,” he stated in his closing remarks.