The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Doha LLC (G), an organisation for Filipino finance professionals in Qatar, celebrated its highly anticipated 17th General Assembly and Induction Ceremony with the theme "Advancing Excellence, Empowering Professionals: Where Expertise Meets Impact”, on July 19, at Wyndham Doha West Bay.
The event was attended by more than 80 members and associates, honored by the presence of Philippine Ambassador to Qatar HE Lillibeth Pono, PPO-Q Chairman Engr. Teofilo Tongson Jr., Chairman of the Board Lyndon Magsino, Board of Directors, and past presidents among others.
During her keynote speech, HE Pono highlighted the importance of accountants in the business world and how their unseen efforts create a ripple effect in maintaining seamless business operations and efficient resource management.
The ambassador, who is also a certified public accountant, mentioned, "Our work is the groundwork for the integrity and success of the institutions and the business that we serve”. This message resonated deeply with the attendees, reinforcing the pivotal role that each accountant has in the community.
Following the ambassador’s address, Lyndon Magsino, Chairman of the Board, delivered a powerful message, acknowledging the critical contributions of council officers. His remarks underscored their collective responsibility and commitment to advancing the organization’s goals.
Throughout the event, members and associates gathered to recap the organization’s achievements from the previous year and engage in networking.
The key feature was the introduction of a new set of officers for FY2024-2025, who pledged to uphold the organization’s vision and mission, aiming to advance finance professionals to new levels of success and development.
Lyndon Magsino introduced the newly appointed officers and HE Lillibeth Pono officiated their induction. All members present during the assembly also took the oath of membership led by the newly elected President, Kathryn Joyce Fajardo.
The newly inducted council officers for fiscal year 2024-2025 included Jyerex Abrasado as Senior Vice President, Rowena Cahintong as Vice President, Keyziel Joy Domingo-Taroma as Secretary, Jeamma Varry Tamayo as Treasurer, Kaiser Sevillano as Auditor, Marivel Pagayonan as Accountant, and Keziah Sadiwa as Press Relations Officer.
Head for various committees were Sherman Ilustre for Continuing Professional Development, Effie Sevillano for Corporate Social Responsibility, Marilou Tabisora for Corporate Governance and Compliance, Kentry Ayson for Education, Hashim Tating for Community Affairs, Rey Barcena for Sports, Maria Irene Laforteza for Ways and Means, Carmi Bue for Social Media Relations, and Micah Lizette Pataueg for Membership.
The Associate Volunteers elected for fiscal year 2024-2025 were Katherine Javier as Head –Committee on Associate Affairs, Katherine De los Santos for Press Relations, Cyrelgerom Catchero for Continuing Professional Development, Jeremy Santiago for Corporate Social Responsibility, Roque Galgo for Education, Aaliyah Remo for Community Affairs, Jay Rafael Angeles for Sports, Najeeb Mamacotao for Ways and Means, Catherine Deligero, Alvin Guanzon, and Charianne Liezl Tomacruz for Social Media Relations, and Ruby Nepacena for Membership.
The event was imbued with vibrant colors reminiscent of Zamboanga City’s Dia de Colores festival, celebrating the cultural roots of the newly elected president. Reflecting the diverse origins and aspirations of the officers, these colors symbolized a harmonious fusion of ideas aimed at achieving concrete results and sharing unique experiences to propel PICPA to new heights.
"Together, we will push the boundaries of excellence within accounting and finance. We will introduce new ideas and apply our vast experience to become a model of success, setting a standard not just in Qatar but globally”, remarked President Fajardo.
Another highlight of the program was the symbolic handover of the chapter leadership by FY2023-2024 President John Vincent Gunita to the incumbent president, Kathryn Joyce Fajardo, where the latter expressed her enthusiasm and acceptance of the challenges attributed to leading one of the most dynamic professional organizations in Qatar.
She also outlined her calendar of activities for the FY2024-2025 which focused on professional advancements, increasing the competitiveness of accountants and other finance professionals in the market, and enhancing services to its members. She shared her vision of success, emphasizing the importance of innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Moreover, a special presidential legacy award was given toFY2018-2019 President Sharon Dela Cruz, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contribution to nurturing future leaders. Her dedication inspired many and created a legacy of leadership that ignited the potential and cultivation of a generation of successful leaders.
The event concluded with three speakers who shared insights and compelling messages about the impact of artificial intelligence, pitching ideas, and leadership.
The presenters were Dr. Alvin Abainza, a co-founder and Director of Mind Motion, Dr. Raymond Carasig, also known as "RJ Kenzo”, who discussed pitching ideas to aid accountants in improving confidence and presentation skills, and Grace Moran, DTM, a three-time distinguished toastmaster, who gave an inspiring speech on her journey and leadership.