16/08/2025
PICPA-CAGAYAN WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS THRU INDUCTION, LEADERSHIP EVENT
With the current federation’s theme, “Action with Impact”, The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) - Cagayan Chapter celebrated its new fiscal year with an induction and leadership training of its new officers last 15 August 2025 at The CSU Hotel, Tuguegarao City.
Mr. Steven B. Bañez, the new President, kickstarted the event as he welcomed the members, guests, and participants.
"This is our first activity, with more to come, and I welcome you to the first activity for the fiscal year 2025-2026," he remarked.
Succeeding the welcoming remarks, Ms. Monaliza V. Guzman, Immediate Past President has delivered her valedictory address, extending her gratitude to everyone who supported her during her term.
"It has been a great privilege to me to have been chosen as, and to have the opportunity to be the chapter president of PICPA for fiscal year 2024-2025. In the past twelve (12) months, it has been the most hectic and action-packed journey of my life, but it is also a rewarding experience as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant)," she said.
Moreover, Ms. Editha Tan, Senior Regional Director of PICPA-Northern Luzon, officially charged the new set of officers with their duties. The following leaders will serve to advance the professional development and strengthen the camaraderie of the CPAs of Cagayan:
President: Steven B. Bañez, CPA
Vice President for Membership: Heud Marrion B. Urbina, CPA
Assistant Vice President for Membership: Alfredo C. Cariaga Jr., CPA
Vice President for Professional Development: Anthony Ceasar F. Zambale, CPA
Assistant Vice President for Professional Development: Atty. Cornelio A. Addun, CPA
Secretary: Rachelle Anne D. Guinucud, CPA
Assistant Secretary: Mildred Corazon R. Pagalilauan, CPA
Treasurer: Jacqueline E. Verbo, CPA
Assistant Treasurer: Reymond I. Domingo, CPA
Auditor: Karl Eric S. Reyes, CPA
Assistant Auditor: Shannen D. Calimag, CPA
Director in Public Practice: Ma. Belen Lim, CPA
Director in Education: Jaybie T. Guinucud, CPA
Director in Commerce and Industry: Shirly Leocel A. Narag, CPA
Director in Government and Ex-officio President: Monaliza V. Guzman, CPA
Public Relations Officer: Karen Rose G. Pagulayan, CPA
Committee Chair for Student Activities: Pitt Raniel F. Tagupa, CPA
Consultants:
Miguel F. Lim, Sr., CPA
Dr. Giged T. Battung, CPA
Dr. Emerita P. Geron, CPA
Ms. Tan also delivered an inspiring message and challenged the new set of officers for an impactful leadership.
“Remember, vision alone is not enough. Vision without action remains only a dream. And action without vision can lose its way. When the two come together, that is where you make a lasting impact, not just for yourself but for everyone whose life is being touched by you," she said.
To fomally close the event, Sir Miguel F. Lim, Sr., a PICPA-Cagayan Consultant, delivered a humorous and heartfelt address. He began with classic jokes that filled the room with laughter before reciting the moving prose-poem, Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann.
He then addressed the young PICPAns and JPIA members directly, saying, "I always tell young people, especially this JPIAns, my generation failed you. My generation failed your generation. Look at our country now. There's so much bicker, there's so much hatred, there's so much lying.”
He added that the accounting profession is important in efforts toward transparency in transactions, noting that it is how important the role of accountants is.
“So do something about this country. I hope your generation, young JPIAns, will do better than my generation," he expressed.
The event was made possible with the help of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)-Cagayan State University Chapter, led by its President, Ms. Sophia Bobillo, and was hosted by Ms. Rosalie Pineda, a 3rd year BS Accountancy student at Cagayan State University.
"Understanding Others by Understanding You" Leadership Training
Meanwhile, as part of the event, Dean Arthur Sonday III, PICPA - Regional Sectoral Representative for Education in Northern Luzon, led an impactful discussion on "Understanding Others by Understanding You." The topic focused on how to deal with and work with people with diverse background within an organization.
During the training, participants completed a questionnaire that intends to identify their personality types and were lectured on the strengths and weaknesses of the dominant, influential, steady, and corrective personality types. "This chapter is a mixture of young ones and young-once, so it is really a very interesting chapter. You must learn how to synergize to create value," he said.
