Saint Mary's University's Department of Accountancy holds seminar on Integrity, Well-Being, and Taxation

BS Accountancy and BS Management Accounting students of Saint Mary’s University gathered at the Bouckaert Hall on April 29, 2026 for the Accountancy CARES One-Day Seminar, themed Accountants Beyond Numbers: Integrity, Well-Being, Competence, and Leadership — a day-long program designed to prepare future accountants for the full breadth of what the profession demands.

The seminar opened with a session on ethics, where resource speaker Mr. Sherween Jerry Paul V. Saquing drew participants into a candid conversation about how integrity is formed — or compromised — long before one enters the workplace. Using relatable, everyday scenarios, the session challenged students to recognize that the ethical habits they build today will define the professionals they become tomorrow.

The second session, facilitated by Mr. Mikko De Vera, RPsy, RPm, took a markedly personal turn. Students were invited to write down their own dreams and aspirations, grounding the discussion on mental health and well-being in something deeply individual. The session drew on the principles of a growth mindset, encouraging participants to view the inevitable challenges of a demanding career not as failures, but as part of the journey toward becoming resilient professionals.

Atty. Mark Angelo Enriquez, CPA, closed the day’s technical discussions with a timely session on recent tax developments, covering the CMEPA Act and the expanding framework on VAT on Digital Services — two legislative developments with direct implications for accounting practice in an increasingly digital economy.

The seminar was organized by the Department of Accountancy, headed by Mr. John Lindy R. Soriano, CPA, MSA, in partnership with the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – SMU Chapter.