PICPA Abu Dhabi Turns 18; First Online Induction and Oath-taking a Success!

Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) – Abu Dhabi chapter celebrated its 18th anniversary with an online induction of officers, members’ oath-taking and a technical session. The event was held via Zoom webinar from 4:00PM – 7:00PM on Friday, November 20, 2020. The Ambassador of the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates, Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana graced the event and gave an inspirational message to all participants. Ambassador Quintana congratulated PICPA Abu Dhabi for its eighteen years of service to the Filipino community and also encouraged the organization to reach a next level of service, accomplishments and to continue helping the Filipino finance professionals in the UAE. Her Excellency also led the induction of officers for the fiscal year 2020-2021.

Right after the induction of officers, a technical session entitled “Infuse Joy in Your Workplace for a Meaningful Future in this Pandemic” was given by Prof. Ricardo de Vera, a Behavioral Psychologist Facilitator and Consultant of Philippine Government agencies. Prof. Ricky de Vera emphasized the difference of a workplace from a workspace and that those who are working from home should use the correct term which is a “workspace”. He also shared the tips to find joy in the workspace by starting and ending your day with gratitude, surrounding yourself with happy moments and inspiration, rewarding yourself and how to reduce worry, fear, anger, sadness and anxiety through massaging your fingers. He also stressed to not make problems on things that you cannot control. Indeed, it was an eye opener and a reminder to everyone to take things lightly and always be grateful.

The second part of the program started with the president’s report given by PICPA Abu Dhabi’s president for fiscal year 2019-2020, Mr. Johann Salangsang. He mentioned the hardwork and accomplishment of each committee and the whole chapter during his term. He also thanked each officer for their service and commitment to the organization. A golden falcon which symbolizes a successful term was awarded to him.

The newly inducted president of PICPA Abu Dhabi for fiscal year 2020-2021, Ms. Maria Angelica Alulod, delivered her inaugural address and thanked the people who tirelessly support the chapter. She also mentioned PICPA Abu Dhabi’s continuous commitment and service to the Filipino community. After her speech, she led the members’ oath-taking. Ms. Rocsan Cuarez, the chapter’s Director for Membership, represented the members in the oath-taking since the online platform cannot show all the participants taking the oath.

The calendar of activities was also presented by Ms. Mildred Mumar, the chapter’s Director for Professional Development and Research and followed by a closing remarks from Ms. Loida Haydee Reyes, Executive Vice-President for the fiscal year.

Before the event came to end, all attendees were asked to open their videos for the picture taking.

A big thanks to all the participants, our honorable guest Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, our speaker from the Philippines Prof. Ricky de Vera, PPO chairman Mr. Ramel Cenil, our ever-supportive past presidents – Sir Johann Salangsang, Mam Shai De Dios, Sir Jong Prieto, Mam Marybeth Junio, Sir Williard Maquirang, the generous partners and our family and friends.

Though this is the first time that the celebration, induction and oath-taking were done online via Zoom, PICPA Abu Dhabi’s event was definitely a success! To all the officers and members, congratulations!