PICPA holds meet for officers' induction, general assembly

The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Doha recently held its 14th general assembly and induction ceremony of its council officers, members, and associates.

The event, which carried the theme ‘Transitioning to the New Normal: Navigating opportunities through digital transformation, gearing towards professional advancement and global competitiveness’, served as the group's kick-off activity for the 2021-22 fiscal year.It featured the induction of a new set of office-bearers, members and associates, followed by a hybrid webinar on public speaking by Dr Reynaldo B Castillo. During the event, the chapter leadership was handed over symbolically by outgoing chapter president Alvin R Polido to newly-elected president Abdul Rahim G Gandamra.The inspirational remarks of Philippine ambassador to Qatar, Alan L Timbayan, was delivered by Benjamin A Celedio Jr, third secretary and vice consul at the Philippine embassy. Physically present at the event were Philippine labour attaché to Qatar, Adam A Musa, Philippine Professional Organisation-Qatar (PPO - Q) chairman Adonis Q Talabo, and PICPA Doha’s board of directors and advisers, as well as past presidents and other guests.Timbayan’s speech stated, “I have full admiration for the accounting profession. Accountants work in silence, without much cacophony about their work, yet they work with such attention to detail and with the most impact on an organisation.“And so, I know PICPA's reputation as a professional organisation and the brand of excellence that it represents. I am sure that the same is true for PICPA Qatar Chapter with whom the Philippine embassy in Qatar had the privilege of working in the past.”Musa said, “As I continue to deliver exceptional services to our Filipino community in Qatar and as we struggle to fight Covid-19, we’ll be able to win this battle.”Talabo added: “Your plans and programmes should be centred for the benefits of your members. Sometimes we need to reach out to our members because they are the reason we exist. It is not easy to lead an organisation, you need passion to be successful.”After the symbolic handover of chapter leadership, Gandamra expressed his enthusiasm and acceptance of the challenges of leading one of Qatar’s most dynamic Filipino professional groups. He also outlined his planned activities for the fiscal year in sustaining the group’s professional development, involvement, and career advancement.Gandamra said, “This very event is a testament of PICPA Doha’s commitment in upholding its mission to provide quality professional service to its members and stakeholders amid uncertainties by adapting to the new normal by embracing possibilities and realising our potentials through innovative solutions.The new set of office-bearers of PICPA Doha was officiated by PICPA national deputy executive director Josue I Sengco and PICPA Doha founding president Lyndon M Magsino.The newly-inducted council officers are Christian Dave M Barrameda (senior vice president), John Vincent P Gunita (vice president), Carmie Joy D Bue (secretary), Micha Lizette M Pataueg-Vardanyan (treasurer), Chubet Ann P Villanueva (accountant), Vernie Chris A Zabala (auditor), and Princess Joy T Bigay (press relation officer).PICPA Doha also has heads for various committees handled by Merolie A Daguyam (continuing professional development), Kathryn Joyce T Fajardo (corporate social responsibility), Sherman C Ilustre (education), Mary Grace A Cabrera (community affairs), Karish Laura T Elentante (sports), Ariel Joseph P Teologo and Rey E Barcena (ways and means), Clint Daniel S Fadera (social media relations), Wilnessa P Dugang (website management), Jo-Hanna L Imam (Membership), and Michelle Eugene L Baraquio (corporate governance and compliance and BOD secretary).The newly-inducted set of associate volunteers are Mary Ann G Salubo (head – committee on associate affairs), Dennis B Freyra (deputy head – committee on associate affairs), Kashmir C Tolentino (volunteer – secretary). Other volunteers for the following committees are Roque L Galgo (CSR), Eduardo A Chavarria (community affairs and social media relations), Robalee B Minoza (education), Federico F Faldas (ways and means), Morris L Montecillo and Carl Albrecht B Bautista (membership), and Reynold G Kilem and Ruby I Nepacena (events).Outgoing council members were also honoured with certificates and plaques on the occasion. A posthumous award was given to Richard B Ali, PICPA Doha president fiscal 2013-2014, for his invaluable contribution and unwavering support to the organisation as one of its pillars.