MMR, GAO AND CHAPTER VIRTUAL ANNUAL PLANNING CONFERENCE

Theme: Filipino CPAs RISING in Solidarity Amidst Challenging Times

The world, in general, and Philippines, in particular, are literally at a standstill and are effectively frozen because of the pandemic brought about by COVID-19. We are in the midst of a new battle between public health and commerce. According to World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 may still persist "on-off" until vaccine is developed and widely distributed. We therefore brace ourselves to so many possibilities. A large number of MSMEs will close down due to loss of income and loss of aggregate demand, both domestic and international markets. Large number of workers will be retrenched resulting to much higher unemployment rate in the next two (2) years. It may take 2-3 years before Philippines can return to normal.

Some writers say, "the truth is that almost everyone knows nothing and almost everything is just a guess" which I completely agree. Our profession, like any others, is not spared from all the hurdles. The immediate challenges and obstacles faced by the four (4) sectors namely: academe, commerce and industry, government, and public practice are to be dealt with squarely. We stand in solidarity as we make ourselves relevant to our country despite the hardships that we encounter at our inner core from our family life, to work life, to spiritual life. With the "new normal", we are left with only one choice and that choice is to continue the fight against the virus by making ourselves virus-free, by boosting our immune system, by observing all the proper health protocols, and by educating others the proper dealings of COVID-19 because no matter how we protect ourselves, our enemy is invisible.

Sudden major impacts of the perceived "new norm" to the Accounting Profession in our day-to-day work include Work From Home (WFH) arrangements, virtual meetings and virtual trainings. We should continue to deliver our mandate as CPAs as seamlessly as we can, notwithstanding the difficulties. RISING, the 6-point agenda for PICPA FY 2020-2021, where R represesents Recovery Programs; I represents In-house Programs; S represents Social Responsibility Programs; I represents International Programs; N represents New Programs; and G represents on-Going Programs, befits action with optimism as we rise above overcoming the fears of uncertainties in the middle of trying times. We rise together by first acknowledging the heroic acts of people during the pandemic, from whom we draw inspiration and motivation. We rise together to reflect how our community and the world have come together with resilience and compassion. We rise in solidarity as we support each other in bouncing back from economic and non-economic downfall.

In times of an upheavel such as this unprecedented pandemic, we can get into a headspace to imagine a more hopeful future. Although there are many obstacles in life, hope allows us to approach them with a success mindset. It helps us to get closer to our goals despite the ups and downs of life.As it can be said by Pittacus Lore, "Even when the world throws its worst and then turns its back, there is still always hope."

6-Point Agenda of President Lope L. Bato, Jr.

R- Recovery Programs

The outgrowth of the pandemic calls for re-tooling, re-purposing, and re-pivoting for many CPAs. PICPA will implement the livelihood bridge project and free skills training project to help support the CPAs recover from economic and non-economic downfall. Partnership and collaboration are to be forged with private companies and with government agencies like TESDA in the implementation of the recovery programs.

I- In-house Programs

The use of technology is inevitable. Database on members' information through the use of Eventsbank will pave way for PICPA to reach out to its more than 150,000 members globally so they will be updated on the acitivities of the Institute and on how they can benefit from their membership. PICPA aims to secure International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001:2015 certification on quality management system of documented information.

S- Social Responsibilty Programs

PICPA enters into agreements with government agencies ( BIR,BLGF,CDA,COA,DILG,DTI) and private organizations (PCCI, TMAP, PAMA, etc.) for the implementation of Financial Accounting and Tax Advisory (FATA) Project. The project is a free seminar workshop focused on financial accounting and taxation to help support barangays, municipalities, cities, and micro enterprises in bookeeping, financial management, preparation of financial statements, and compliance to tax obligations due to government to help support nation building.

I- International Programs

PICPA will continue to bring Philippines in the international arena of the accountancy profession through its active involvement as officer, committee chairperson, or member of International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), and ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA).

N- New Programs

Media campaigns of PICPA's activities will be optimized to manifest its relevance towards nation building. Members in good standing will be issued with Member Privilege Card (MPC) to avail of discounts and freebies with merchant partners of PICPA. Under the "new normal", the Free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on the Net Project will be implemented where webinars will be offered for free to members in good standing.



G- on-Going Programs

Various programs and projects of previous PICPA administrations will be continued such as but not limited to supporting activities of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and Board of Accountancy (BOA), the Performance Governance System (PGS), and the conduct of major annual events like PICPA Women Summit in celebration of Women's Month, Non-Government Organtization (NGO) Summit, and Cooperative Summit.