News - The CAE Campus Ledger

The College of Accounting Education (CAE) of the University of Mindanao gathered students, faculty members, parents, and guests for the CAE Recognition Ceremony on July 13, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the UM Matina Auditorium. Centered on the theme, “Celebrating Excellence: Building a Sustainable Legacy,” the event recognized students who demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities throughout the academic year. The ceremony formally commenced with the registration and attendance of students and guests, followed by the preliminaries, which included the opening prayer, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and the UM Hymn. Dean Lord Eddie I. Aguilar, CPA, MBA delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the College of Accounting Education’s commitment to maintaining its culture of academic excellence and consistency. He commended the awardees for their unwavering dedication, sacrifices, and hard work that led them to be recognized as Dean’s Listers during the ceremony. Quoting Aristotle, Dean Aguilar reminded the students that, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.” He further encouraged the honorees to continue striving in their studies and acknowledged the collective efforts of the CAE educators, whose guidance and commitment have significantly contributed to the students’ achievements. In his inspirational message, Dr. Eugenio S. Guhao, Chief Academic Officer, encouraged the students to remain steadfast in pursuing their goals and aspirations despite the challenges that may come their way. He reminded the awardees that the world is not theirs alone and emphasized the importance of valuing and preparing for their future, assuring them that by loving their future well, they will never lose their sense of purpose. Dr. Guhao further urged the students to continue striving for excellence while upholding the values instilled by the institution as they prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead. One of the highlights of the program was the awarding of certificates of recognition to students who excelled academically, with a total of 111 students from the first year to the fourth year being honored for their scholastic achievements across various distinctions. Among the awardees, 61 first-year students were recognized as Dean’s Listers, while 27 second-year students received the same distinction. Meanwhile, 1 third-year student and 22 fourth-year students were likewise honored, reflecting the College of Accounting Education’s continued pursuit of academic excellence. Beyond academic distinction, the College of Accounting Education also recognized students who excelled in co-curricular and extracurricular competitions at the regional and national levels. Among those honored were Norlejan A. Piquit, who emerged as champion and earned distinguished runner-up awards in various regional and national academic quiz bowls; Leilaine T. Pacaña, who likewise garnered accolades in several regional and national quiz bowl competitions; and Keith Jane R. Adlawan, champion of the Regional Academic Festival Extemporaneous Speaking competition. The ceremony also recognized Kevin Clark Bastan and Ghizlain Lorbert Mamac, who were named Ambassador of Goodwill and Ambassadress of Goodwill for Culture and Arts, respectively, during the 29th Regional Mid-Year Convention. Students who showcased their talents in culture, arts, and recreational competitions were also commended during the 29th Regional Mid-Year Convention, awardees were named thtough the following: Normae Joy Gabutero, Athena Rose Ebol, and Dave Eco, champions of the “Street Cipher: 3 on 3 Groove”; Eann Johna Betonio, Ethyl Rose Sonico, Alheyana Solis, Ariel Mabasa, Allen Baluarte, and Christopher Quimpan, champions of “Adventure: Spoof and Laughs”; and Moamar Kasan, Precious Zamora, and Zudise Abbas, first runners-up in the “Sync’d Up TikTok Groove-Off.” In addition, Kent Rey Jaranilla, Trisha Mae Acon, Alexandria Nicole Abrajano, Vince Delgado, and Bai Johana Kamal were recognized as first runners-up in “COD: The Bullet Rush,” while James Rhie Leigh, Erween James Eleguen, Gem Sevilla, and John Gabriel Feril earned second runner-up honors in the Valorant competition. The College also acknowledged students who represented CAE in prestigious academic competitions, including Gelsay Caseres, Mark Louise Potutan, Neliah Andrea Ganiera, Ivander Mamac, Marianne Puno, Deofa Maye Caliva, Ralf Vinz Emperado, Andre Bon Basil, Khyle Quieta, Christian Lawas, Jolhania Mohamad, Aron Rogeil Niala, John Denver Palaganas, and Trixie Panzo, who distinguished themselves in various quiz bowls, taxation cups, and Case competitions. Special Leadership Awards were likewise conferred upon the presidents of the College Student Government and the recognized student organizations for School Year 2025–2026. The awardees included Kurt Sidric Resus, President of the College of Accounting-College Student Government (CAE-CSG); Cyrene Mae Castañarez, President of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA); Arielle Lorraine Dalumpines, President of DySAS; Maria Angela Yvonnie Oliveros, President of CAEBA; Aron Rogeil Niala, President of AAA; Leonisa Torino, President of the University of Mindanao ISACA Student Group (UM ISG); and Ralph Dorren Pomaloy, President of MASS. The recognition highlighted their dedication to leadership, service, and student welfare within the College of Accounting Education community. The program also featured an intermission number by Pauleen Osorno, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy student, before concluding with the closing remarks of Assistant Dean Devzon U. Porras, who commended the students for their accomplishments and challenged them to uphold the legacy of excellence that the College of Accounting Education continues to foster. Through the annual recognition ceremony, the College of Accounting Education reaffirmed its commitment to honoring academic distinction and nurturing future professionals who embody competence, leadership, and service. Anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), the event underscored the institution’s dedication to providing inclusive and equitable educational opportunities while cultivating students who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and sustainable development. ✍️ Candice Mae Garcia 💻 Charles Emyrrhson Tabac 📷 Jerald Maylas