It is a very special day for Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) - Abu Dhabi Chapter as it celebrates its 19th year anniversary along with the Induction of Officers, and Members’ Oathtaking. A virtual ceremony was held (via zoom) on 27th day of August 2021, presided with full vibrance by chapter’s Director for Publication and Press Relations (PPR) Ms. Mildred Mumar-Nuez, CPA, CMA and chapter’s Secretary Mr. Alvin E. Calledo, CPA as the masters of ceremony, supplemented by a technical session being given by the resource speaker Coach Jonathan Oboza Petalver, founder and CEO of the The Academy of Global, President of Petalver Consulting Services, an author and a global speaker. Aforementioned happenings are just another exemplification that a pandemic might cancel plans, including face-to-face events and all other forms of gatherings, but it can never cancel the purpose of those with a heart for service and the sense of camaraderie that instills on every PICPAn.

 

Ms. Jesca Benevie Española, CPA, chapter’s Assistant Director for PPR led a humble prayer. Mr. Gregorio Pellosis Jr., CPA , CrFA chapter’s Director for Ways & Means started off the afternoon with a warm welcome to all 84 attendees. Attendees include distinguished guests, visitors, partners, officers, members, associates, families, and friends. The event became even more special because of the participation of the people behind PICPA Abu Dhabi’s well-built legacy, the ever-supportive past presidents and now advisers namely: Mr. Alfred Geronimo, CPA, Ms. Mylin Alonzo MILLAN, CPA, Mr. Williard Maquirang, CPA, CMA, Mr. Antonio GIMENA, Jr. CPA, Mr. Albert Prieto, CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CPA, Ms. Marybeth Junio, CPA, CMA, Mr. Silveriano Prieto, Jr. , Ms. Ma. Sharina De Dios, CPA, Mr. Johann Salangsang, CPA, CMA, CSCA, MBA, and Ms. Maria Angelica Alulod, CPA, CMA.

 

Following Mr. Pellosis’ welcome remarks, PICPA Abu Dhabi Chapter President for fiscal year 2020-2021, Ms. Maria Angelica Alulod, CPA, CMA, delivered preceding year’s report. It was filled with each committee’s diligence and accomplishments - a clear illustration on how PICPA Abu Dhabi marched ahead amidst challenging times. She thanked all the officers for their positive response for call and for involvement in the organization and for their valuable contribution, hard work and efforts on coming up with extraordinary approaches on extraordinary times brought by the pandemic. She also thanked all the members and partners for their continued support to the organization, who enable PICPA Abu Dhabi to pull through during the difficult situations. She ended her speech expressing how honored and privileged she feels to have shared the worthwhile journey in leading the organization and how proud she is for what PICPA Abu Dhabi has done and accomplished. Accordingly, Ms. Alulod also received the Golden Falcon award for successfully leading PICPA Abu Dhabi chapter for fiscal year 2020-2021.

 

Mr. Chad Myko Bayon-on, CPA, CMA, chapter’s Director for Professional Development and Research, discussed about the things that members could expect for the upcoming fiscal year as he presented the calendar of activities. First on the list is the technical session that’s happening on the same day to be given by Coach Jonathan, with theme “Gear Up: Increasing Win Probability in this New Digital Economy”. Coach Jonathan, awaken every attendee of the event with his very interactive and dynamic presentation – inspiring CPAs and Finance professionals to use numbers to touch people’s heart, and leaving them equipped with valuable knowledge that can be put into good use both in their professional and personal lives. “People could have been knocked down, but that doesn’t mean that they’re already knocked out, unless they tell themselves, “I quit”.” is one of those many takeaways from the sessions.

 

During the short break, Ms. France Ann Elia, CMA, serenaded the attendees with her soothing voice which was immediately followed by the introduction of the honorary guest speaker Consul General Marford M. Angeles, Deputy Head of Mission – Philippine Embassy, Abu Dhabi. He gave an inspirational message to all participants. Consul General Angeles also shared an interesting fact on how UAE and Philippines’ diplomatic relationship started 47 years ago, having Philippines as one of the first countries to reached out UAE after it has been founded. He congratulated PICPA Abu Dhabi for its nineteen years of service to the Filipino community in the UAE. ConGen Angeles also led the induction of officers for the fiscal year 2021-2022.

 

Furthermore, Ms. Loida Haydee Reyes,CPA, CMA, newly inducted president of PICPA Abu Dhabi for fiscal year 2021-2022, touched the hearts of the participants as she delivers her heartfelt inaugural address and expressed her gratefulness to everyone who tirelessly supports the chapter, highlighting the officers for their dedication. After her speech, she led the oath-taking together with Ms. Krizel Asi, CPA (chapter’s Director for Membership), and the 29 new members.

 

Ms. Kathleen Gonzales, CPA, CMA, newly inducted vice president, has then closed the event with her captivating speech where she also reiterates the meaning and value of PICPA National theme for this fiscal year: “Transform - Embracing Possibilities, Realizing Potentials”.

To conclude, it was an insightful and purposeful afternoon for all the attendees, and it is indeed a successful event to begin the fiscal year. But wait… there’s more! this is only the beginning. Geared up with unity and passion, PICPAn, the stakeholders, and the leaders, are now enthusiastically ready to serve as PICPA Abu Dhabi embarks its 19th year of excellence.

 

#PICPAAbuDhabi20212022 #GratefulToServe