By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Congratulations to Hannah Joy Angelitud Borja, third-year BS Accountancy student, for being named Most Outstanding JPIAN in Region 6, a true testament to her resilience, faith, and dedication.
Hannah Joy Angelitud Borja, a third-year BS Accountancy student under the Central Philippine University- College of Business and Accountancy (CPU-CBA) and a native of Alimodian, Iloilo, recently earned the title of Most Outstanding JPIAN in Region 6.
When asked about her reaction to receiving the award, Hannah expressed heartfelt humility. “I honestly did not expect to win, knowing there are many deserving and outstanding JPIANs in our region,” she shared. “While I no longer seek validation through awards, I’m genuinely happy that my efforts this academic year have been recognized. For me, this is more than just an achievement, it’s a testament to my passion, resilience, and faith in God.”
Reflecting on her journey with the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), Hannah shared that the organization has been a source of invaluable lessons. “Faith, discipline, commitment, and resilience have been the core lessons I’ve embraced,” she said. “Being part of JPIA exposed me to countless stories of perseverance and success that inspired me to embody the same strength.”
Balancing the rigorous demands of an Accountancy program alongside leadership and extracurricular commitments has not been easy. Yet, Hannah credits her ability to overcome these challenges to her unwavering commitment and reliance on faith. “I maintain self-discipline and lift myself during difficult times by surrendering my worries to God,” she remarked.
Beyond academic rigor, Hannah shared how JPIA has shaped her character and career outlook. “JPIA instilled in me core values essential to an accountant—integrity, objectivity, and attention to detail. These values are not only vital for the profession but for life,” she noted. Interestingly, Hannah initially did not plan to become a CPA. However, through engaging activities like company talks and case studies, she found a renewed passion and excitement for the accounting field, motivating her to make a lasting impact in the corporate world.
Hannah acknowledges the supportive Centralian community for much of her success. “What I’m most grateful for about CPU is how it instills the importance of faith. At CPU, I learned to pray, surrender everything to the Lord, and seek His guidance,” she reflected. “CPU also emphasizes excellence, especially in my program, where a strict cutoff grade demands discipline, dedication, and genuine commitment.”
To fellow Centralians aspiring to earn similar recognition, Hannah offers this thoughtful advice: “Cultivate a genuine passion for holistic growth. Excelling in academics, leadership, non-academics, and socio-civic involvement is crucial, but it shouldn’t just be about winning awards. True excellence comes from sincere self-development.”
She continued, “You don’t have to be perfect to be outstanding. What matters most is perseverance, showing up, believing in yourself, and rising each time you fall. And never forget, you can’t do it alone. Stay grounded in faith, seek God’s guidance, and keep growing.”
Centralian Hannah Joy Angelitud Borja’s journey is a powerful testament to how resilience, faith, and dedication pave the way for remarkable achievements. Her story serves as a shining inspiration to the entire Centralian community.