Exciting opportunities await accountancy students as representatives from the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) paid a courtesy visit to St. Thomas More College–Clark on July 8, 2025. The delegation was led by newly inducted PICPA Chapter President for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, Ms. Leah S. Manalang, accompanied by Chapter Secretariat Ms. Joan Galang.
The PICPA representatives were warmly welcomed by Dr. Maricel D. Lumpay, President of St. Thomas More College; Dr. Ramon T. Quito, VP for Academics; and Mr. Gian N. Catahum, Program Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program.
The courtesy visit marked an important step toward strengthening collaboration between STMC and PICPA, with the shared goal of providing students with greater opportunities for professional growth, networking, and industry engagement. Through this partnership, the college seeks to enhance its academic and co-curricular initiatives by connecting students with practicing professionals and relevant industry programs.
In an interview, Mr. Gian N. Catahum highlighted the college's commitment to actively participating in PICPA-sponsored programs that support the professional development of both faculty members and students. These initiatives include participation in regional and national accounting conventions, attendance at PICPA-accredited webinars and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs, and involvement in community outreach projects such as financial literacy campaigns and tax assistance programs.
"These activities will provide students with valuable opportunities to learn from industry experts, expand their professional networks, and showcase their skills beyond the classroom," Mr. Catahum shared.
The Accountancy Program also envisions integrating PICPA-related activities into its co-curricular framework to promote early professional competence and industry readiness. Planned initiatives include incorporating PICPA programs into leadership and skills development activities, establishing mentorship and internship partnerships with PICPA members, and awarding co-curricular credits to students who participate in PICPA-sanctioned events.
Looking ahead, St. Thomas More College–Clark aims to further strengthen its relationship with local and regional PICPA chapters through several strategic initiatives. These include developing a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for collaborative projects, hosting PICPA activities and seminars on campus, encouraging active faculty and student participation in PICPA programs, and engaging STMC alumni who are active PICPA members as mentors, sponsors, and guest speakers.
According to the administration, these initiatives reflect the institution's commitment to maintaining high academic and professional standards. By fostering stronger connections with the accounting profession, STMC ensures that its students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills, professional values, and industry exposure necessary for success in the field of accountancy.
As the partnership between STMC and PICPA continues to grow, accountancy students can look forward to a wider range of opportunities that will help shape them into competent, ethical, and globally competitive future Certified Public Accountants.
