The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – University of Baguio Chapter once again brought immense pride to the university, emerging as champions at the recently concluded 15th Annual Regional Convention (ARC) organized by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Region 1 and CAR. Held virtually on June 12, 14, and 15, 2025, this prestigious gathering brought together the brightest and most dedicated accountancy students from across Region 1 and Cordillera Administrative Region in a celebration of academic excellence, extracurricular achievement, and leadership commitment.
With the theme “Eternal Ember: Carry the Flame Forward, Leave a Legacy Aglow,” this year’s ARC aimed to uphold academic distinction through creative and intellectually engaging competitions. The University of Baguio proudly fielded 24 dedicated and passionate delegates who carried the UB spirit with integrity and brilliance, a reflection of the university’s continued commitment to academic excellence and leadership development, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
In one of the highlight competitions, Deathmatch: The ObliCon Endurance Test, an academic contest focused on Regulatory Framework for Business Transactions, tackling topics under Law on Obligations and Contracts—both teams from the University of Baguio advanced to the finals. Team Retained Learnings, composed of Shaira Mae Lebadia and Joanna Barril, earned the 1st Runner-Up title, while Team ObliCare, composed of Jeduthune James Espiritu, Fritzel Diale, and Vanessa Jade Bunolna, secured 2nd Runner-Up. In the first-ever Auditing Cup, an academic competition focused on auditing theory and problems, Jim Valenzuela finished as 1st Runner-Up, while Chreza Banes placed 7th.
In the Junior Accounting Master competition, open to first and second-year accountancy students, Riann Josh Juan was declared Champion, followed by Princess Lhorengil Buada as the 2nd Runner-Up. Brett Michaels Busoy finished 7th, Nicole Thomas secured 9th, and Avril Caadlawon completed the top ten, showcasing the strong foundation of the university’s accountancy program and its dedication to early academic exposure, which promotes inclusive and equitable learning opportunities, supporting SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Meanwhile, in the Grand JPIA Cup, a comprehensive competition covering all CPALE subjects—Shaira Mae Lebadia placed as 5th Runner-Up, followed closely by April Apolonio in 6th, Joanna Barril in 8th, and Jim Valenzuela in 10th place. In the 3rd CMA Clash, which tested participants on topics aligned with the global CMA certification, Jim Valenzuela finished 9th and Glory Ann Llamas secured the 10th spot, proving the university’s readiness to compete on international certifications and aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
With consistent excellence in competitions, UB-JPIA once again proved its stronghold in academic distinction and professional readiness, with outstanding students not only within University of Baguio but also among accountancy schools in Region 1 and CAR—igniting the eternal ember that fuels the future of the accounting profession.
Written by Glory Ann Llamas and Sonya Montero
Photo courtesy of NFJPIA R1CAR
