Newly licensed Lousian Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), their families, and the Lousian community gathered at the Audio Visual Room of the Saint Louis University (SLU) Maryheights Campus on 12 July 2026 for “Hiraya: Pagpupugay sa mga Bagong Luwisyanong CPA.” This testimonial banquet, organized by the Department of Accountancy (DoA) of the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS) in collaboration with Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), was held to pay tribute (pagpupugay) to the success of Louisians in the May 2026 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE).
The program formally commenced with the distribution of certificates, recognizing each newly licensed CPA. This was followed by the welcome remarks by SAMCIS Dean Glory I. Dela Peña, PhD who emphasized that the gathering was organized to honor the passers’ journey that is marked by sacrifice, resilience, perseverance, and unwavering faith.
To reaffirm their commitment to the profession, the newly licensed CPAs then participated in the recitation of the Louisian CPA Pledge, led by Jennifer R. Marquez, CPA, followed by the Philippine Institute of Certified Accountants (PICPA) Pledge, led by Cherie O. Pacial, CPA, MBA. Afterwards, Jordan M. Tangonan, CFMA, CIAS, CHRP®, CRFA®, MBA, led the ceremonial wine toast, symbolizing a celebration of the passers’ success and the beginning of their professional journey.
Adding greater significance to the celebration was the presence of representatives from PICPA and the SAMCIS Alumni Association, together with the DoA faculty and students. Their participation served as a testament to the strong bonds that unite the Louisian accounting community where every achievement is celebrated as a shared triumph and every fulfilled dream inspires countless others to pursue their own Hiraya.
At its core, “Hiraya: Pagpupugay sa mga Bagong Luwisyanong CPA” celebrated not only the fulfillment of professional aspirations but also the values that guide Louisian CPAs in their lifelong journey of service and excellence. The event reflected Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by recognizing academic achievement and inspiring the continuous pursuit of learning and professional growth. It likewise embodied SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the meaningful collaboration among the University, the DoA, professional organizations, alumni, review institutions, and students, underscoring that every CPA’s success is made possible through a community united by mentorship, encouragement, and shared purpose. The recitation of the Louisian CPA and PICPA Pledges further reinforced SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, reminding the newly licensed professionals of their commitment to uphold integrity, accountability, and ethical practice.
Complementing these advocacies, the event likewise echoed the CICM advocacy of Integrity of Creation, symbolizing gratitude, growth, and rootedness while emphasizing that the realization of one’s hiraya carries with it the responsibility to serve the profession and society with humility, compassion, and unwavering integrity. (Article and Photos by SLU JPIA)
