𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗖𝗣𝗔𝘀: 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

The applause echoed through the DPT Auditorium as medals glinted under the lights—each one a symbol of perseverance, sacrifice, and dreams realized. On the afternoon of December 16, 2025, the University of Mindanao (UM), through its College of Accounting Education (CAE), gathered its academic community to celebrate a milestone that marked not just the end of a journey, but the beginning of many more. At exactly 3:00 PM, the Convocation of New UM CPAs honored the university’s newest Certified Public Accountants who successfully passed the October 24-26, 2025 CPA Licensure Examination (CPALE). Setting the tone for the celebration, the event was anchored on the theme “Rising with Integrity, Celebrating the Triumph of New UM CPAs,” and was hosted by Ms. Angena Marie San Pablo, CPA. Families, faculty members, students, and university officials filled the venue, united in a moment that reflected years of dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond the formalities and applause, the convocation served as a moment of reflection—an acknowledgment that the success of the passers was not achieved in isolation. Instead, it stood as a testament to the institution’s enduring commitment to quality education and outcomes-based learning, as well as to the collective effort of students, mentors, and families who journeyed together toward this achievement. Throughout the program, college leaders delivered messages of inspiration and encouragement, reminding the new CPAs that the title they earned carries both honor and responsibility. They emphasized that while technical competence is essential, it must always be guided by integrity, professionalism, and social responsibility. In this light, the new CPAs were encouraged to continue showcasing the legacy of excellence built through years of dedication and the collective hard work of the CAE faculty. Central to the program was the message of leadership and purpose delivered by Mr. Lord Eddie I. Aguilar, CPA, MBA, Dean of the College of Accounting Education. Capturing the spirit of the occasion, he quoted British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, saying, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” He emphasized that passing the CPA Licensure Examination is not the finish line, but rather the beginning of a new chapter—one that calls for perseverance, humility, and continuous growth. Building on this message, Dean Aguilar urged the new CPAs to carry with them the core values of the University of Mindanao—excellence, honesty and integrity, innovation, and teamwork—as they step into the professional world. By living out these values, he noted, they would not only honor their alma mater but also uphold the standards of the accounting profession. Adding a significant part to the celebration, Mr. Jade D. Solaña, CPA, MBA, Head of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program, formally introduced 31 of the 46 newly licensed CPAs. Each introduction highlighted the graduates’ experiences throughout their academic journey at UM, their current professional engagements, and the motivations that led them to pursue Accountancy as a career. Despite their varied stories, common threads emerged. Many came from the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand, while others traced their interest to childhood memories of counting cash or early exposure to financial matters. Meanwhile, some viewed Accountancy as a strong pre-law course, while others found inspiration in their families or were drawn by the wide range of career opportunities the profession offers. In turn, the new CPAs shared heartfelt advice for aspiring accountants. They spoke of the importance of resilience, perseverance, and discipline, especially during moments of doubt and exhaustion. Above all, they encouraged students to trust the process, remain prayerful, and hold on to their faith—reminding them that success is built on persistence and belief. Following these personal testimonies, Mrs. Esterlina B. Gevera, CPA, MBA, former Dean of the College of Accounting Education, highlighted the university’s remarkable performance in the recent CPA Licensure Examination. She proudly shared that the University of Mindanao ranked Top 1 among Higher Education Institutions (HEI) offering Accountancy in the Davao Region and 8th nationwide among institutions with 50 or more examinees—a feat made even more meaningful given the CPALE’s reputation as one of the most challenging professional board examinations in the country. While celebrating this achievement, Ma’am Gevera reminded the academic community to remain humble and grounded. She commended the CAE faculty for their dedication and perseverance, emphasizing that true success is sustained through continuous improvement, gratitude, and faithful service rather than recognition alone. Complementing these messages of excellence, the convocation formally recognized the new CPAs through the awarding of medals, symbolizing not only academic achievement but also the resilience required to reach this milestone. This segment underscored that each success is the product of a strong academic foundation built by committed mentors who invested their time, expertise, and passion in shaping competent and ethical professionals. As the program drew to a close, heartfelt expressions of gratitude filled the hall—for families who offered unwavering support, for mentors who guided tirelessly, and for a community that believed in every step of the journey. The atmosphere was one of pride, hope, and quiet confidence as the new CPAs stood as living proof of the university’s mission. Ultimately, more than a ceremonial gathering, the Convocation of New UM CPAs reaffirmed the University of Mindanao’s commitment to producing competent, ethical, and globally competitive accounting professionals. This article aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), as it highlights education that empowers graduates for meaningful and responsible careers. As they move forward, these new CPAs continue to carry the enduring legacy of the College of Accounting Education—proudly standing as the product of the faculty’s hard work, guidance, and unwavering dedication to excellence.  _ ✍🏻 💻 Candice R. Garcia