By Akio Nino Paule | April 2, 2024
JPIA Kaugmaon: Unveiling the Journey to the World of Accountancy
TO mark the much-awaited Accountancy Week, the SBCA Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants organized a two-day event last Mar. 25 and 26 at the Manny Reyes Hall to enlighten Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) senior high school students about the multifaceted realm of accountancy. The two-day event was hosted by Ysabella Sy (III-BSA) and Jeremy Barrientos (I-BSA).
Amidst the hall, attendees were greeted by engaging booths, including the JPERYA and JPIA merchandise stalls, adding an interactive dimension to the event. Beyond these internal showcases, JPIA also forged strategic partnerships with esteemed businesses such as Tala by Kyla, Khalifa's Shawarma, Playful Projects, and others. On the first day, attendees were greeted with opening remarks from the Dean of the School of Business, Accountancy, and Management, Atty. Juan Ruffo Chong, who expressed pride in the Accountancy program, its faculty, and JPIA. He praised the exceptional passing rate of SBCA in the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exam (CPALE), surpassing the national average.
Following this, Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo, the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the pivotal nature of choosing one's academic path. Drawing from personal experience, he empathized with the students, offering insights on navigating familial and peer pressures and advocating prayer as a steadfast solution. His words resonated deeply, providing attendees with valuable guidance and encouragement as they embarked on their educational journey.
The first speaker for the opening day, Atty. Kristofferson Dela Cruz, CPA, challenged the notion that prowess in mathematics alone guarantees success in BSA. He emphasized the indispensable role of analytical skills alongside mathematical proficiency. Addressing another common fallacy, “Pirma-pirma ka lang, kikita ka na,” stressing the importance of starting from the ground and embracing the journey's challenges. While acknowledging the value of the accountancy program as a foundational platform, he cautioned against pursuing it without genuine passion.
Prof. Jeser P. Javier CPA, the second speaker, shared his narrative detailing the journey to his success as a Certified Public Accountant. Reflecting on his educational background, he remarked on the absence of accounting subjects in high school, underscoring the evolving landscape of education in the present day. Recounting his college experience, Javier said,“No one told me na ganito kahirap ang accountancy,” likening it to the process of refining a diamond, where intense pressure is required for brilliance to emerge.
For the last speaker on the event's first day, Mr. Danny Cabulay, CPA injected humor and relatability into his address, likening the process of choosing a school to choosing a “jowa”. In his talk, he debunked common stereotypes about accountants, emphasizing the nature of the profession. Contrary to the misconception that accountants are boring, he highlighted the opportunities for travel and the importance of integrity within the field. Ending his speech on a high note, Mr. Cabulay further proved that accountants are not boring by inviting attendees to join him in a lively dance, effectively reinforcing his message that accountants embody vibrancy and vitality.
On the second day, Prof. Marix Panaguiton, CPA the Accountancy Department Chair, kicked off the talk with her opening remarks. She expressed confidence that the talks would serve as a platform for attendees to gain a deeper understanding and clarity regarding their career aspirations in the field of accountancy.
Prof. Jeser Javier CPA, who previously spoke on the first day, took the stage as the first speaker. His focus was on illuminating the job opportunities awaiting graduates in the field of accountancy. Stressing the importance of audit firms as a prime launchpad for CPAs, he emphasized the allure of having audit firm experience on one's resume, famously saying, "Ang bango ng resume mo 'pag galing ka ng audit firm," Javier said.
Following Prof. Javier, SBCA alumnus Mr. Karl Cabrera brought a unique perspective to the students. Despite being the only non-CPA among the speakers, his insights into the banking industry offered valuable insights to the attendees. Mr. Cabrera's speech delved into the realities of entry-level positions for recent college graduates, debunking misconceptions about high salaries and emphasizing the importance of passion in one's career choice. Encouraging attendees to persevere in their chosen paths, he concluded by advocating for financial literacy, urging everyone to have a bank account as a crucial step towards financial empowerment and stability.
The third speaker, Mr. Lance Jeremy Espejo, CPA, also an SBCA alumnus, adopted a relatable approach, reflecting on his own college experiences. Admitting to not being a top student, he candidly shared his study habits, admitting, "nag-aaral lang talaga ako pag may exam na or pag feeling ko babagsak na ko," he said. However, Espejo emphasized the transformative power of hard work, exemplified by his success in passing the CPA licensure exam in October 2023.
Subsequently, Mr. John Michael Lopo CPA, CEO of Advanced Review Solution (ARS), and the final speaker of the event, focused on effective study techniques to tackle the perennial challenge of studying under the accountancy program. Stressing the importance of analysis over memorization, he highlighted the necessity of diligence and resourcefulness.
Concluding the event, Cheska Galvez (IV-BSA), Vice President for Internal Affairs of JPIA, expressed gratitude to JPIA and extended well-wishes to the attendees, appreciation for the organizers, and a hopeful sentiment for the attendees' newfound knowledge and insights.
Volume 29 | Issue 3
