18/07/2026
: SCHEMA News
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ง ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ฌ
In celebration of the newly minted Louisian Certified Public Accountants (CPA), a testimonial banquet was held at the Saint Louis University (SLU) Maryheights Campus Audio-Visual Room last July 12.
Organized by the SLU Department of Accountancy (DOA), in collaboration with the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants - SLU Chapter (JPIA-SLU), the event, themed โHiraya: Pagpupugay sa mga Bagong Luwisyanong CPA,โ celebrated the hard-earned milestone of the Louisian May 2026 Licensure Examination for CPAs (LECPA) passers.
๐พ๐ค๐ข๐ข๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐ฎ
In lieu of the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) Dean, Dr. Glory I. De La Peรฑa, the welcoming remark prepared by the Dean was delivered by the DOA Head, Dr. Lorie Ann Q. Barry. In her message, it was emphasized that in every discouragement and uncertainty, a success story is able to bloom because one chooses not to give up.
Furthermore, the Deanโs message reminded the new CPAs of the importance of integrity in the profession. โProtect your integrity at all costs, because while knowledge can be updated and skills can be improved, once integrity is compromised, rebuilding trust becomes far more difficult.โ
Pledges then followed the inspirational welcoming remark. The Louisian CPA Pledge was led by Maโam Jennifer R. Marquez, while former DOA Faculty and current PICPA Board of Director, Maโam Josephine M. Acop, led the PICPA Pledge.
Before the banquet proper, attendees raised their glasses as Mr. Jordan M. Tangonan ended the first segment of the program with a toast to the new Louisian professionals. Preceding the w**e toasting was an inspirational message further delivered by SLU Alumni Association President, Maโam Cherrie O. Pacial.
๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐๐๐จ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐ ๐พ๐๐ผ
In his testimony, Lander B. Maramag narrated the true essence of faith and belief in oneself. Even as a Magna Cum Laude graduate, he was not immune to the towering expectations the examination demands. However, even after being devastated by the results of his attempts, he remained tenaciousโrefusing to let the dream of becoming a CPA come to an abrupt halt. โHindi ko maisip paano ko nagawa yunโฆ parang three days lang ako nag-grieve, nag-mourn,โ he said, after starting his refresher course within the same week the results came out.
In his journey, he shared having learned Godโs three answers to every prayer: No, Wait, and Yes. โNa-experience ko lahat yun kasi noong nagfail ako, sabi ni Lord โNo, this is not your time.โ And then โWaitโ kasi na-conditional akoโฆ And then โYes,โ eto nga pong nakapasa na ako.โ
In an interview, Maramag stated that graduating with honors is merely a reward for hard work during the undergraduate years, which should further help rather than pressure during board review. He advised graduates not to let external pressure and expectations affect them and instead to remain courageous.
Graduating during the pandemic, Vaughn Ryan S. Bayacsan then narrated how he immediately worked as an audit associate upon graduation to gain experience that he had hoped would aid him in the board exam. After being disappointed by his first result, he chose to defer subsequent exam windows and transitioned to a national government agency. Even though he was met with the same fate on his second try, he still chose to pick the pieces up at some point, which ultimately led to him delivering his testimony, โIf there is one profound truth this journey has taught me, it is the necessity of taking a leap of faith. When you stumble, do not hesitate to rise to the occasion; trust Godโs timing completely, for his timing is absolute perfection.โ
In another testimony, Zandra V. Belandres shared how, โsometimes, ambition needs patience.โ Even as an individual full of ambition, she decided to defer her attempt until she felt more prepared. โWhen I finally took the May LECPA, I still wasnโt 100% ready. But then again, no one ever really isโpeople just become brave enough to try, and thatโs what I chose to do.โ
โNo matter how hard the exam was, I told myself, โIte-take ko na โto.โ Because regardless of the result, at least I had the courage to show up. And finally, andito ako sa harapan niyo bilang CPA na,โ she added before expressing gratitude to the people that supported her.
Belandres ended her testimony with the quote, โYou decide how your story ends. You may not be able to rewrite your past or undo the chapters that shaped you. But every moment moving forward is a chance to turn the page.โ
Meanwhile, in an interview, Kyla Mae C. Barcellano advised students and reviewees, โPatience, practice as much as possible, discipline, manage your time, always keep your hopes, and trust yourself,โ reminding future examinees that discipline and confidence lead to success.
๐พ๐๐ก๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ช๐ง๐๐๐
As the event neared its end, special awards were presented by Maโam Kimberly Erika Q. Elegado and Maโam Ernestine Marie G. Navarro. Dazzling the venue, Nenita P. Liis and Maramag were named Binibining Hiraya and Ginoong Hiraya, respectively. Furthermore, recognition was given to the eventโs Best Testimonies, with Liis and Maramag both bagging another award alongside Bayacsan, Belandres, and Maria Angelica D. Sangil.
Officially drawing the event to a close was a speech by Dr. Elvira D. Dacayo. โYour stories remind us that passing the CPA Licensure Examination is not simply about intelligence; it is about discipline, resilience, faith, and the courage to keep going despite setbacks.โ Dr. Dacayo further thanked the passers for being a testament that every late night spent studying, failure, and sacrifice are stepping stones towards success.
Certificates of recognition were conferred to the passers by Dr. Barry, together with DOA Faculty members, throughout the event. Maโam Noreen M. Lab-as and Atty. Bernadette C. Mendoza accompanied Dr. Barry for the first batch, while Dr. Lerma B. Bautista and Dr. Dacayo joined the Department Head during the second batch of awardees.
by Erika Carrera
Photos by Van Revson Domingo
