FY 2008 - 2009: 1st Quarter

PICPA Year 2008-2009…I am off to a challenging phase of my career outside of the office!!! Now its my turn to lead the Eastern Metro Manila Chapter (EMMC) and continue with the legacy that has been laid down by my predecessors. Bagging the Hall of Fame Award for the Most Outstanding Chapter Category last PICPA Year is more than pressure enough for the incumbent board. However, we don’t see it totally in that angle. There is nothing to be worried about as you have the all out support of all those people who made it happen and continue to make things happen. The results of our transition meeting and planning conference last June 28-29,2008 at the MMLDC, Antipolo City and July 4 -6, 2008, at the Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City respectively, is proof enough that this will be another great year for EMMC. Loadful of ideas were brought to the table to align our programs and plans with the “Vision in ONE” theme. We were focused on giving the best service to our members and realize the intended objectives. So what has happened since then?

The months of July and August are still planning months for us as we prepare for the critical projects involving the membership, professional development and social involvement aspects of the organization. While we were at this mode, the celebration of the Accountancy Week last July 20 to 25, 2008 kick started our work for the Metro Manila Region and EMMC. Our Chapter placed 3rd in the Overall Sportfest Competition. We have fielded 10 teams in badminton and 4 teams for bowling. For bowling, the MNTC/TMC from the First Philippine Holdings Group won 1st place and your EMMC officers team got the 3rd place. Ms. Ellen Ramos of MNTC/TMC scored the highest individual score for the female category.

Accountancy Week/Donate-a-Book

July 25, 2008 was designated EMMC day and we celebrated this day with the students of Miriam College, New Era University, UE Manila and CCM at the Little Theatre Auditorium of Miriam College. The JPIA Officers of Miriam College assisted us in organizing this half day event. Dean Maricon Lupisan gave the welcome remarks and have extended their offer to host this event again next year. Dr. Tony Tecson, MMR VP for Finance, gave an inspirational talk, Mr. Allan Cao, Assurance Director of Isla Lipana & Co. discussed about the Philippine Standards on Auditing and Mr. Francis Ricamora, Tax Director of Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co, gave a talk on Tax Updates. The question and answer session was fun filled that increased the excitement level of the approximately 300 people in the crowd racing towards the microphones! Tokens, gift certificates and cash were given to the students who posted questions to the speakers. The event was concluded by our Donate-a-Book project. Representatives from each of the schools were all given relevant materials that will be a valuable addition to their respective libraries.

Professional Development

Seminars are continued to be offered at the PICPA House in Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City. Course topics included Auditing Standards, Proper Presentation of Financial Statements. Code of Ethics & Good Governance and comprehensive VAT & Income Taxation. Please log on regularly to the PICPA website for information on future dates of other courses.

Your officers are also working up plans to bring the seminars to your doorstep. We have identified certain organizations, government agencies and companies to make arrangements for future seminars that would cater more effectively to their specific professional needs. We are also exploring our involvement as a conduit to the students and the companies in the Public Practice and Commerce and Industry sectors to address the completion of their practicum requirements.

Social Involvement

In cooperation with GK Kapit Bahayan Sub-urban Chapter, Montalban Rizal, EMMC has embarked on its first Feed-a-Child prject last November 10, 2007 benefiting more than seventy (70) identified malnourished children from the initial target of thirty (30) of GK PICPA Village in Montalban. For a period of six (6) months, three (3) times a week, the children were provided nutritious snacks supplemented with Vitameal, a nutrient-dense rice and lentil meal intended for malnourished kids. Given a still large number of remaining children that needs our help, we have agreed to continue this project. Based on the current data provided to us from the Office of Nutritionist-Dietitian of Rodriguez, Rizal, we are aiming to help at least seventy-one (71) malnourished (3rd degree) children ages 1-to 72 months. These kids need immediate attention as severe malnutrition could lead to infant mortality, growth stunting, anemia, decreased learning capacity, weakened immune system and blindness. The estimated cost of providing nourishing meals to a child for six (6) months is around P1,500. The Chapter shall commence another round of this effort on October 12,2008.