In line with its commitment to academic excellence and the Louisian core value of Competence, the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Saint Louis University Chapter (JPIA–SLU) facilitated the participation of seven student representatives in the 27th Search for Outstanding Accounting Students of the Philippines (SOASP) for the elimination round held virtually on 21 February 2026.
This prestigious national competition, organized by the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACAPCI), the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and P&A Foundation Inc., gathered top accounting students from across the country to compete in a rigorous academic assessment covering all six Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure examination subjects: Financial Accounting and Reporting, Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting, Auditing, Taxation, Regulatory Framework for Business Transactions, and Management Advisory Services.
The Department of Accountancy of the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) officially nominated the following students to represent SLU: Valerie Joy C. Sagayo, Angelica Reigne Gonzales, Khryssha Mae M. Julian, Airixzel L. Rillera, John Trif L. Pacho, Paul Justin D. Puertullano, and Jay Sydney B. Dulappe. To ensure comprehensive preparation for this demanding assessment, the delegates were carefully coached and guided by Jun Macario, CPA, the Louisian Top 6 Placer of the October 2025 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE). The competition required not only mastery of technical concepts but also mental endurance, analytical agility, and composure under pressure.
While the SLU delegates concluded their SOASP journey during the highly competitive elimination round, their dedication and performance remained a significant milestone in their professional development. Vying for the coveted Top 25 spots provided JPIA–SLU members a meaningful avenue to benchmark their knowledge and skills against the nation’s most outstanding accounting students. Rather than a setback, the rigorous preparation and the intense competition itself served as an invaluable training ground, strengthening their academic foundation, building their confidence, and deepening their understanding of professional standards as they gear up for their ultimate goal: the CPA Licensure Examination.
Through its active facilitation of participation in the 27th SOASP, JPIA–SLU reaffirmed its commitment to developing competent, ethical, and resilient future professionals. By providing platforms for national-level engagement, the organization continues to empower its members to pursue excellence, uphold integrity, and contribute responsibly to the accounting profession and to society.
Participation in the 27th SOASP embodied the CICM advocacy of Integrity of Creation. The competition demanded honesty, discipline, and accountability in both preparation and performance. By encouraging students to engage in a transparent and merit-based national screening process, JPIA–SLU fostered ethical responsibility and respect for professional standards. Delegates demonstrated stewardship of their talents by striving for excellence while upholding fairness and integrity, values essential to becoming responsible Certified Public Accountants.
The event also contributed to several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supported Quality Education (SDG 4) by providing high-level academic enrichment that extends learning beyond the classroom. It promoted Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by equipping participants with the skills, resilience, and readiness necessary to thrive in the accounting profession. It reinforced Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) through the cultivation of integrity, transparency, and accountability in a structured academic competition. Moreover, it strengthened Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) by fostering collaboration among the university, the Department of Accountancy, national professional organizations, and foundations dedicated to the advancement of future accountants. (Article and Photos by SLU-JPIA)
