By Michael Aaron Gomez
The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) congratulates Mr. Erick Jan Sagot, an alumnus of the Accountancy Division of the School of Business and Governance (SBG), for placing 2nd at the 2018 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examinations (CPALE), garnering a rating of 91.17%. Mr. Sagot joins the other 100 new CPAs from the University, whose results combined for a passing rate of 56.98%, compared to the national passing rate of 25.18%.
At a press conference held with Davao media at the TV Studio at the Institutional Communications and Promotions Office (ICOMMP), at the 3rd Floor of the Community Center of the First Companions, Jacinto campus, Mr. Sagot credited his study ethic and mental preparation as reasons for his success. “The exam is not all about kung unsa lang ang matun-an,” he said. “The exam is also about mental endurance and being prepared spiritually, emotionally, and physically.” He added, “It is not just a battle of luck and wit, but a battle with yourself during the exam—more than academic preparation, kailangan i-compose ang self and keep yourself sane.”
Joining Mr. Sagot at the press conference was AdDU Executive Vice President Jeremy S. Eliab; SBG Dean Jenner Y. Chan; and Chairperson of the Accountancy Division Leopoldo D. Medina. “Siguro ang pinakadahilan kung bakit we produce excellent graduates, na topnotcher material, is yung training talaga since first year,” Mr. Medina said, when asked what it was about the Accountancy program that has enabled it to produce topnotchers nearly every year. Mr. Medina also mentioned that since 2009, the University has been producing CPA topnotchers. “During the first year, talagang intensive training na talaga,” he added, “in terms of problem solving, reading and understanding the concept…importante din ‘yung person of excellence talaga, ‘yung magis, talagang ‘yun ang na-instill sa mga minds nila.”
“It is our tradition to commit ourselves to deliver excellent instruction particularly here in Davao and Mindanao,” Dr. Chan said, when asked for comment. “With the success of Mr. Sagot, we also share this with Davao and Mindanao.” For his part, Mr. Eliab noted the mission of the University as a Jesuit, Catholic, and Filipino educational institution. “We really maintain our standards,” he said. “We won’t apologize, and we will never apologize for our standards. It’s difficult, but it will really have fruits in the future, especially for future leaders in Mindanao.”
Based on the results of the 2018 CPALE, the University has produced the highest number of passers in Visayas and Mindanao; and among the schools with at least 50 examinees, the University has also attained 9th place. Additionally, out of the 10 schools who have achieved the highest passing rates, only the Ateneo de Davao University and UST have been represented by 100 passers.
The Ateneo de Davao University once again congratulates Mr. Erick Jan Sagot for his wondrous achievement, and for upholding the standard of excellence the University instills in its students. Warm congratulations also go to Dr. Chan and Prof. Medina, as well as the rest of their colleagues at the School of Business and Governance, whose collaborative efforts have combined to build a robust program that consistently forms and develops excellent leaders for Mindanao.
