The PICPA Northern Emirates Chapter has officially been inaugurated in a grand ceremony held on July 13, 2024, at the Pullman Hotel in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The event marked a significant milestone for the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) in the region, as it brought together a distinguished group of founding officers, members, and honored guests to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The highlight of the evening was the oath-taking ceremony of the founding officers. Leading the oath-taking were the prominent Board Members: Mr. Warren Dy, Ms. Mohaina Asira, Mr. Rolando Caypuno, Mr. Thomas Padua, and Mr. Rafael Pacatang. This significant event was followed by the oath-taking ceremony for the newly passed CPA Board exam passers from the recently concluded SPLE (Special Professional Licensure Examination) held on June 16, 17, and 18. The new CPAs, Mr. Janiel Alcalde, CPA, and Mr. Ryan Tizon, CPA, CMA, proudly took their oaths alongside Ms. Sheila Abajero, a former SPLE passer who also joined the ceremony.

The program began with a captivating opening ceremony featuring the enchanting violin music of Ms. Vyaina Asira Dy. Distinguished guests, including Vice Consul Aleah Marie B. Gica, Atty. John Rio A. Bautista, Labor Attache, MWO Dubai Office, Engr. Elmer O. Casao, 2024 PPO-UAE Chairman, Engr. Rafael C. Lontoc, 2024 PPO-UAE Vice-Chairman (Dubai), and Dr. Nino Miranda Decenorio, Senior Vice President of Bath SPA University, Ras Al Khaimah, were also present to witness the event. Representatives from the Filipino Social Club, including Ms. Ellanie Villena (Vice President), Mr. Christian Belleza (Secretary), Ms. Cecil Leoparte, and Engr. Jethroefel Ramboyong, further graced the occasion with their presence.

The oath-taking was administered by Vice Consul Aleah Marie B. Gica, adding an official touch to the proceedings. Following the ceremony and dinner, the event continued with a series of insightful technical talks by distinguished speakers: Engr. Jethroefel Ramboyong on “Mastering Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Accountants,” Ms. Lyza Tamsi, CPA, CMA, on “Power BI and Data Analytics,” and Mr. Rafael Pacatang on “Current Developments in UAE Corporate Income Tax.” The event was skillfully emceed by Mr. Bernard Gernales and Mr. John Robinson Leonardo.

In addition to the founding officers, several other members and guests attended the event, showcasing the strong community and support within the PICPA Northern Emirates Chapter. These included John Paolo Joson, Bernabe Pedro Cunanan, Christine Joy Cortes, Jojo Tamsi, Florangel Tolentino, CPA (Committee on Meetings and Events), Joma Roche, Maria Teresa Bernal, and Peter Paul Lavina Abing.

The founding officers of the PICPA Northern Emirates Chapter are:

1. Mr. Warren Dy, CPA, CMA, CICA, CFA, MBA

• President and Founding Chairman
• Member of the Board of Directors

1. Mr. Rolando S. Caypuno, CPA, MBA

• Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors

1. Ms. Michelle Pacis, CPA

• Secretary and Founding Member

1. Ms. Mohaina Asira, CPA, MBA

• Treasurer and Member of the Board of Directors

1. Mr. Salvador Caacbay, CPA, CMA, CIA, MBA

• PRO and Founding Member

1. Ms. Camille Samonte, CPA

• Auditor and Founding Member

1. Mr. Thomas Padua, CPA, CMA, FMVA, RCA

• Committee Chair – Professional Development and Member of the Board of Directors

1. Mr. Rafael Pacatang, CPA

• Head of Tax Matters and Member of the Board of Directors

1. Ms. Lyza Tamsi, CPA, CMA

• Committee – Education and Founding Member

1. Mr. Kirk Edwin De Jesus, CPA

• Committee – Fellowship and Founding Member

1. Mr. Aldrin Abalos, CPA, CMA

• Founding Member

1. Mr. Mark Davidson Nerizon

• Committee – Sports and Founding Member

1. Mr. Art Noel Berones

• Committee on Publication and Founding Member

1. Ms. Marie Kris Angeles, CPA, CMA

• Committee on Publication and Founding Member

1. Ms. Maria Cristina Suyom, CPA

• Committee on Membership and Founding Member

1. Mr. John Robinson Leonardo, CPA

• Committee on Marketing and Founding Member

1. Ms. Clarisse Francisco, CPA

• Committee on Marketing and Founding Member

1. Ms. Junaifa Asira, MBA

• Partnership and Outreach – Founding Associate Member

1. Ms. Teresita Cruz

• Coordinator – Associate Membership and Founding Associate Member

1. Ms. Denise Ysabel Reyes

• Coordinator – Associate Membership and Founding Associate Member

1. Mr. Arvin Sayson Añana

• Partnership and Outreach – Founding Associate Member

1. Atty. Barney Almazar

• Legal Adviser

1. Atty. Dexter Destajo, CPA

• Chapter Adviser

1. Ms. Florangel Tolentino, CPA

• Committee on Meetings and Events

Congratulations to PICPA Northern Emirates for this significant milestone. We look forward to your contributions to the accounting profession in the UAE and beyond!