It was a privilege to join distinguished leaders from across the Asia-Pacific as a panelist at IFAC Connect AsiaPac in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributing to the conversation on “Women in Finance: Shaping the Future of Regional Leadership.” The session brought together world leaders to discuss how our profession can strengthen leadership, embrace digital transformation, uphold public trust, and prepare the next generation of accountants for an increasingly complex world.
I was honored to share perspectives drawn from my journey as a CPA public practitioner, my work with PICPA and IFAC. Our discussions reinforced a belief I hold deeply—that while technology will continue to reshape our profession, our greatest competitive advantage will always be ethical leadership, sound professional judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the public interest.
The Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountants (IAI) hosted various meetings with IFAC, Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), and ASEAN Federation of Accountants during this event. PICPA also made side meetings with PAO partners ACCA and AAT. This occasion also provided a very proud moment for PICPA because of Gerard Sanvictores‘ election as CAPA Deputy President.
PICPA has a proud tradition of producing leaders who have shaped not only the Philippine profession but also the regional and global accountancy community. Our 4 predecessors have served as Presidents of AFA and Washington SyCip becoming the first Asian IFAC President in 1981. The PICPA historical record likewise reflects 2 previous Filipino CAPA Presidents.
For many years, PICPA’s representation within CAPA’s leadership had been limited. That is why I consider PICPA’s election to CAPA Board in 2023, under the leadership of PICPA President Randy Blanza, very meaningful. I vividly remember working tirelessly, campaigning even until nightime to voting members during the CAPA meetings in Sri Lanka on October 5-6, 2023 to help restore stronger Philippine representation within CAPA Board, advising my PICPA president to just be ready with his campaign pitch, relax and watch TV with my co-chair of international affairs committee, Abner Ty. After almost 2 decades, PICPA has finally gotten back a CAPA Board seat. Seeing that collective effort continue to bear fruit today is both professionally fulfilling and personally rewarding.
President Gerry’s election to CAPA Deputy Presidency is not simply an individual achievement—it reflects the confidence of the Asia-Pacific region in the capability, integrity, and leadership of Filipino CPAs. More importantly, it signals renewed opportunities for PICPA to contribute meaningfully to regional initiatives, strengthen international collaboration, and help shape the future of our profession.
Indeed, the future of our profession will not be built by one country or one institution alone. It will be built through collaboration, trust, inclusion, and leaders willing to serve beyond themselves.