The Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI) hosted the sectoral highlight of the 2025 Accountancy Week Celebration (AWC), "Spotlight on Commerce & Industry" event on July 16, 2025, at the Century Park Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Manila. Themed “Action with Impact,” the event celebrated the critical role of CPAs in today’s dynamic business landscape, focusing on leadership, innovation, and holistic professional development.
The event, hosted by Ms. Meljorie A. Cruz, ACPACI Vice President (VP) for Partnerships, and Ms. Elaine E. De Guzman, ACPACI Secretary, drew a strong attendance of professionals and industry leaders. The program opened with a prayer, followed by the Philippine National Anthem and the ceremonial Oath of CPAs, led by Ms. Ofelia P. Oroceo, ACPACI VP for Community Development.
Key accountancy leaders, including Ms. Teresita A. Del Rosario, PICPA VP for Commerce & Industry; Atty. Aristeo R. Cruz, ACPACI National President; Mr. Kurt Kenneth W. Dayrit, AWC 2025 Chairperson; and Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, PICPA National President, delivered inspiring messages. They highlighted the enduring relevance of CPAs in commerce and industry and urged bold, value-driven leadership in the profession.
Mr. Aphat C. Martinez, Jr., 2022 ACPACI President, introduced the keynote speaker, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who delivered a video message on the future of Philippine architecture and infrastructure, emphasizing the vital role of financial professionals in national progress.
Atty. Walter L. Abela Jr., ACPACI Past President (2020–2024), introduced Atty. Roel A. Refran, COO and EVP of the Philippine Stock Exchange, who presented the technical session on the “Economic Briefing for the Commerce & Industry Sector.” An engaging open forum followed, moderated by Ms. Marie Fe F. Dangiwan, ACPACI VP for Capacity Building.
A roundtable discussion titled “Not Your Usual Bookkeeper: CPAs Lead the Private Sector,” featured distinguished panelists:
- Ms. Chaye Cabal-Revilla, CFO and CSO, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
- Dr. Joselito G. Diga, SVP and Group CFO, United Laboratories, Inc.
- Ms. Janis M. Maghinay, President and CEO, Prople BPO, Inc.
- Mr. Jamie E. Ysmael, President and CEO, Healthway Philippines
The panel was introduced by Mr. Elano C. Marcelo, Immediate Past ACPACI President, and moderated by Ms. Catherine E. Lopez, ACPACI Auditor. They explored how CPAs are reshaping the corporate landscape through strategic vision and leadership.
The third session, “Work-Life Harmony: The Calm Path to Peak Performance and Well-Being,” was led by renowned motivational speaker Ms. Marie Antoniette P. Miranda, introduced by Ms. Lolita P. Tang, 2018 ACPACI President. A Q&A session, moderated by Ms. Cecilia A. Carandang, ACPACI VP for Operations, followed. The session highlighted strategies for achieving personal and professional balance to sustain excellence.
The final technical session, “Call to Serve: CPAs Making a Difference Beyond the Numbers,” featured inspiring talks by Fr. Marc Will R. Lim of the Salesians of Don Bosco and Mr. Leonardo J. Matignas, Jr. Introduced by Ms. Anna Lissa C. Chua-Dycaico, 2023 ACPACI President, and moderated by Mr. Ronald S. Leabres, ACPACI Treasurer, the session underscored the significant social impact CPAs can achieve through service and advocacy.
All keynote speakers and panelists received tokens of appreciation from PICPA and ACPACI Board of Directors in recognition of their valuable contributions.
To add vibrancy and connection, Mr. Lujer P. Danao, ACPACI VP for Membership Development, facilitated engaging games and activities to build camaraderie among attendees. Ms. Maria Nerissa A. Rosales, ACPACI VP for Professional Development and Relevance Sustainability, then provided a concise wrap-up of the day’s key insights.
The event also heralded upcoming milestones, including the 41st ACPACI Annual National Convention in Baguio City and the 3rd ACPACI International Convention (ICON) in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mr. Marvin L. Madrigalejo, ACPACI Executive Vice President, delivered a heartfelt closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their dedication and enthusiasm.
The 2025 AWC Spotlight on Commerce & Industry was a dynamic celebration of CPAs leadership, resilience and relevance in today’s fast-changing world. Through insightful discussions and shared inspiration, the event reinforced the profession’s commitment to driving meaningful impact.