By Mikee Natinga Norico

Members of the CPU Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (CPU-JPIA) (top photo) and the CPU Junior Philippine Association of Management Accountants (CPU-JPAMA) (bottom photo) proudly pose for group photos holding their certificates and medals after earning top honors during the NFJPIA Region VI Year-End Awards at Stonehill Suites, Bacolod City.

On June 15, 2025, Central Philippine University once again affirmed its commitment to student leadership and academic excellence as two of its student organizations—the Junior Philippine Association of Management Accountants (CPU-JPAMA) and the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (CPU-JPIA)—earned numerous top honors at the NFJPIA Region VI Year-End Awards held at Stonehill Suites, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The event carried the theme “Stellaris: A Cosmic Celebration of Brilliance and Beyond,” a fitting tribute to the outstanding achievements of future professionals in the accounting field.

The National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Region VI (NFJPIA-R6) is the accredited regional implementing body of the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA) under the supervision of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). It remains the only recognized national organization for Accountancy and related courses such as BS in Management Accounting and BS in Accounting Information System. NFJPIA-R6’s mission is not only to promote academic excellence and leadership, but also to foster camaraderie, moral integrity, and holistic student development across Western Visayas—values which the Year-End Awards seeks to honor annually.

In this federation year, CPU-JPAMA stood out with several outstanding recognitions. The organization was recognized as the Outstanding Local Chapter in Region VI and was awarded Overall 1st Runner-Up in the 4th Annual Regional Convention. Several members were also honored for their individual accomplishments, including Frances Dhayanah Villaruel Leonora who was named Outstanding JPIAN; Tracy Monique Baldevieso as Most Outstanding Local Chapter President and NFJPIA R6 Academic Excellence Awardee; Emanuel Habulin and Phraniele Javing as Outstanding Digital JPIAN Artists of the Year; Wilfred Kent Casono as NFJPIA R6 Leadership Awardee; and Franz Oliver Naelgas as Outstanding Local Chapter Executive Officer.

In an interview, Frances Dhayanah Leonora, a 2nd-year BS in Management Accounting student, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. “Receiving recognition as the Outstanding JPIAN in Region 6 fills me with a profound sense of pride and joy, like a blooming flower in full sunlight. It feels like a warm embrace from the community, affirming that my efforts and dedication are valued and appreciated. This recognition is a celebration of my journey and a motivation to serve with even greater heart and humility,” she said.

Meanwhile, CPU-JPIA emerged as one of the most awarded local chapters in the region, receiving numerous organizational awards such as Outstanding Local Chapter, Most Awarded Local Chapter for Federation Year 2024–2025, Most Awarded Local Chapter in Non-Academics, Largest Delegation in Academic Contests, Most Financially Responsible Local Chapter, Best Local Chapter in Membership Compliance, and Largest Local Chapter. Their delegation was composed of dedicated student leaders led by President Zheandy Leigh D. Delos Santos, alongside executive officers Treshea Leih Deocampo, Andrea V. Sanchez, Celine Francesca W. Ang, Rey Arven Cadubla, Hannah Joy Borja, and Emmerson L. Suan.

Individual awards were also given to CPU-JPIA members. Hannah Joy Borja was named Most Outstanding JPIAN, while Rey Arven Cadubla and Andrea V. Sanchez were recognized as Outstanding JPIANs. Eillene D. Pador received the title of Most Outstanding Digital JPIArtist of the Year. Zheandy Leigh D. Delos Santos was honored as Outstanding Local Chapter President and received the Leadership Excellence Award, while Celine Francesca W. Ang was awarded Outstanding Local Chapter Executive Officer. Cadubla also earned the Academic Excellence Award.

CPU-JPIA’s participation extended to various competitions, where they likewise stood out. Clarice J. Lecobo-an was hailed as the Champion of the R6 Next Top Model (Female Category), also earning Best in Photoshoot and Best in Runway. Krizza Clarisse P. Sapio placed 1st Runner-Up in R6 Got Talent: Talentadong JPIAN. The debate team, composed of Hannah Joy Borja, Adrian Carl F. Esmenos, and Abegail V. Mandar, won as Champions of the “Vaudeville of Veracity: A Debate Challenge.” At the National Mid-Year Convention, Cadubla was a finalist in the National Accounting Quiz Showdown and participated in the Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting event.

In an interview, Zheandy Leigh D. Delos Santos, a 4th-year BS Accountancy student, emphasized the collective nature of their success. “These awards mean a lot to us because they serve as proof, not just of my own work, but of the collective hard work of our members, participants, and officers. These recognitions paid off all our sacrifices. We feel genuinely fulfilled, knowing that everything we’ve done has finally paid off,” she said. She also gave a heartfelt shoutout to her “Big Three”—VP for Academics Andrea Sanchez, VP for Non-Academics Celine Francesca Ang, and VP for Sports Sonny Bhoy Gavino—for their unwavering commitment and contribution.

The impressive achievements of both CPU-JPAMA and CPU-JPIA reflect Central Philippine University’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership development, and holistic student formation. Their success in this year’s NFJPIA Region VI Year-End Awards affirms CPU’s commitment to producing competent and values-driven student leaders ready to make a mark in the professional world.