St. Thomas More College (STMC) proudly participated in the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Quiz Bowl held on July 14, 2025, at Holy Angel University. Representing the college were some of its outstanding accountancy students—Analeah Cuevas, Sophia Claire L. Perez, and Hermyn Thomas Pineda—under the guidance of their Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) adviser, Mr. Gian N. Catahum.
The competition brought together aspiring accountants from various institutions, providing a platform for participants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of accountancy. Through their participation, the STMC delegates exemplified the institution's commitment to academic excellence, professionalism, and continuous learning.
Mr. Catahum's dedication to mentoring and motivating his students played a significant role in preparing the team for the competition. His guidance reflects STMC's mission of nurturing competent and future-ready accounting professionals who are equipped to meet the demands of the profession.
For the student participants, the event was more than just a competition—it was an opportunity for growth and preparation for their future careers. Sophia Claire L. Perez, a third-year accountancy student, shared that joining the PICPA Quiz Bowl was both fulfilling and inspiring.
"The experience reminded me to stay grounded and continue striving toward becoming a CPA," Perez said. "It also served as excellent preparation for the CPA Licensure Examination because it allowed us to practice handling pressure, especially when answering complex or unfamiliar questions independently."
Perez further shared that the competitive spirit naturally emerges during the quiz bowl, particularly when the correct answers are announced. Seeing STMC's name recognized among larger and more established institutions brought a sense of pride and accomplishment.
"It's satisfying to see that STMC can compete with bigger schools," she added. "The competition wasn't just about winning—it was about building confidence, discipline, pride, and perseverance as future Certified Public Accountants."
The participation of STMC in the PICPA Quiz Bowl highlights the college's ongoing efforts to cultivate academic excellence and professional competence among its students. Through experiences such as these, aspiring accountants gain valuable exposure, strengthen their skills, and further their commitment to achieving success in the accounting profession.
