The RCB Dome at the University of Baguio (UB) bore witness to an unforgettable event on March 9, 2024, organized with the collaborative efforts of the UB School of Business Administration and Accountancy (UB-SBAA) Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), Organization of Freshmen Executives (OFE), and the Student Administrative Council. Centered around the theme of “Identity and Integrity”, the recollection provided Accountancy students with a profound journey of self-discovery and emphasized the crucial role of integrity in their personal and future professional lives.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged in interactive sessions and inspiring talks, thus gaining valuable insights about their identities and learning how integrity shapes their character and actions. The event kicked off with a profound message delivered by the first guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Arnold Santonia, discussing the four greatest questions of the human heart and ending with the statement, “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without purpose”. This was later supported by the statement of the second guest speaker, Ps. Edmund Benavidez, “There are two days that are most important in life: the day you were born and the day you found out why.”
The third speaker, Ms. Jane Suyatan, then showed a guide to the students on how to persist in times of uncertainty by following the three C’s: Concentrate, Connect, Communicate. The fourth guest speaker, Ps. Bonifacio Martinez, wrapped up the discussion by speaking the Gospel to the Accountancy students. These discussions resonated deeply with the students, highlighting the significance of understanding one’s own identity and purpose in life while maintaining their integrity.
In between every two sessions, the Accountancy students were given a 15-minute working break where they were divided into smaller groups and were asked to answer and discuss with others the process questions with the facilitators guiding them along the way. Each question was geared towards self-discovery and character development and were interconnected with the discussions of the guest speakers.
The success of this recollection event was made possible with the invaluable contributions of four esteemed guest speakers and dedicated facilitators from Youth On Point Inc. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Franklin Jan Wayang, JPIA co-adviser and OFE adviser as well as Mr. John Balanquit, JPIA and SAC adviser, for their wisdom and guidance, which played a pivotal role in attaining the objectives of the event. The efforts made by Accountancy students in dedicating some of their time despite their busy schedules and attending the event was also highly appreciated.
As the participants move forward, the lessons learned from this event will serve as a guiding force, empowering them to lead lives true to their purpose and embody the essence of authenticity and integrity in all aspects of life.
This event is in response to UB’s objective of producing would-be graduates whose conduct is rightful and just. This recollection also addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal UN-SDG 8 which encourages “integrated learning and transformation strategies” towards sustainable development, in this case for would-be Accountants. Around 25 percent of the Accountancy student attendees were those getting ready to graduate during this current school year and enter the world of work.
Written by Fritzel Diale and Rc Mae Payumo
Photos courtesy of Jaira Elaine Ramiscal
