Laguna University – Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (LU-JPIA) conducted a two-day webinar series sharing review tips on becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) via Zoom and LU-JPIA Facebook Live last October 21, 2021 themed “Future CPA’s: Rising Solidarity Amidst Pandemic”.
The program began with an introductory prayer led by one of the LU-JPIA students. This was followed by the opening remarks of Ms. Marian G. Magcalas, Officer In-Charge of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) and Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information System (BSAIS), thanking everyone in advance who made this event a reality.
Mr. Reynaldo R. Ocampo, CPA, MBA, and the Philippine Review Training Center (PRTC) Review Director, imparted some of his personal experience, expertise, and advice in preparation of Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountant (LECPA).
From his opening statement, he said, “Huwag mong katakutan ‘yang board exam because ‘Fear can be expelled with knowledge.’” According to him, the last three examinations have low passing rate with the latest having only 15%. “It (LECPA) is challenging but not impossible to pass,” he added.
He also encouraged the students to take LECPA saying, “Once nag-exam ka, may chance ka. ‘Pag ‘di ka nag-exam, walang chance.” Furthermore, he offered ten strategies that will enhance the reviewees’ chances of passing the board exam: (1) Know why you want to become a CPA; (2) Know the ‘enemy’—referring to the Board of Accountancy who creates the exam; (3) Know yourself; (4) Prepare and execute a study plan; (5) Monitor progress; (6) Read and solve learning materials in advance; (7) Quality over quantity of learning materials; (8) Have a study buddy; (9) Exercise and have enough sleep; and, (10) Ask divine intervention.
Mr. Rian Soliman, CPA, MBA, an Auditing Reviewer demonstrated how PRTC’s LMS works. Their LMS, called Team PRTC Online, is accessible in their official website via mobile device and computer. He enumerated features of their LMS—dashboard tab viewing all the subjects, diagnostic exams, other activities; news tab for updates and announcements; to-do list; and more.
He also said that reviewees can download handouts, video lectures and track their progress during the review. Moreover, he mentioned that LMS access is applicable to enrolled reviewees, “You will be provided with a username and password via Team PRTC once we have processed your enrollment.”
Bryan Trinidad, CPA, MBA, CMA, also a Management Advisory Services (MAS) Reviewer mentioned his PRTC review and licensure exam experiences. He pointed out that what they experienced and achieved will be experienced by today’s aspirants as well.
He guaranteed, “We are here to help you become Certified Public Accountants. Definitely!” as he stressed the three killers of accounting problems that need to be addressed: lack of concepts, carelessness, and time constraint.
As the discussions came to an end, PRTC Team announced their calendar of activities for the next batch, May 2022 Batch. Discussion materials and video lectures were previously released in November and are available until May of the following year. They are also accepting enrollees for the current batch.
A question-and-answer portion was followed after the discussions and a certificate of appreciation was given to every speaker by Atty. Jill Manangkil – Benitez, CBAA faculty member. In final remarks, Dr. Norayda M. Dimaculangan, Dean of College of Business Administration and Accountancy, thanked the PRTC team for orienting and motivating CPA candidates. She also acknowledged the institution, CBAA professors, and LU-JPIA students for their participation and contribution to the success of this webinar.
This event was led by Mr. Mickey Paul Parejas, a 4th year BSAIS Representative.
By: Lalaine Luz S. Betuin