The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Saint Louis University Chapter (JPIA-SLU) participated in the Deloitte Tax Challenge 2026, an international competition designed to enhance students’ knowledge of taxation and expose them to real-world issues and trends. The event was held virtually, with the submission of entries on 30 September 2025, and the national finals scheduled for October 2025. Representing SLU were four BS Accountancy 4 students: Ashanna Nicole G. Bautista, Airixzel L. Rillera, Jecy Mae Padre, and Neil Joshua T. Tigas.
The competition required participants to form a team of four and submit both a video presentation and a written essay addressing the topic: “Will the US tariff prove advantageous or disadvantageous to the Philippines?” Each member contributed equally to the video, while the essay showcased their collaborative analytical skills. This rigorous process allowed the team to apply taxation principles in a practical context, strengthening their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Although the SLU team did not advance to the national finals round, their participation was a valuable learning experience. The challenge provided them with exposure to international taxation frameworks such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines, Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) actions, and the United Nations Model Conventions, which are highly relevant to their future careers. More importantly, the competition fostered teamwork, critical thinking, and confidence in presenting ideas before an academic and professional audience.
The event aligned with SLU’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) initiatives, particularly SDG 4 – Quality Education, by promoting academic excellence and career readiness. It strengthened the JPIA’s mission of nurturing competence and leadership among its members while building connections with industry partners like Deloitte.
According to the SLU team, their journey in the Deloitte Tax Challenge 2026 was a success in terms of growth and experience, despite them not advancing to the finals. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of Louisians who embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. With this in mind, JPIA-SLU remains committed to encouraging its members to participate in similar competitions, confident that these experiences will continue to shape them into competent and globally competitive professionals in the field of accountancy.
