PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter - SMMC

🏆 Celebrating Excellence, Service, and the Filipino Professionals

Yesterday, September 4, at The Manila Hotel, we witnessed a proud moment for the accounting profession as Dr. Estelita C. Aguirre was recognized as one of the Outstanding Professionals of the Year 2026 under the Business, Education, and Social Cluster – Accountancy.

It was truly inspiring to see fellow PICPA members come together to show their support and celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Dr. Aguirre’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the excellence, dedication, and integrity that our profession stands for.

Adding to the pride of the evening, PICPA was also recognized as one of the finalists for the Outstanding Professional Organization of the Year Award. 🎉

These recognitions remind us that excellence is not achieved overnight. It is built through years of hard work, integrity, commitment, and genuine service to others.

Congratulations, Dr. Estelita C. Aguirre, and congratulations to PICPA!

May we continue to uphold the values of our profession and inspire more CPAs to lead, serve, and make a difference.

Integrity in Practice. Trust in Service.

From Inspection to Improvement: Turning Insights into Better Practice

Despite the challenges brought by the habagat, PICPA SMMC successfully concluded its two-day seminar, “From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience: SOQM and Engagement Documentation,” held on August 28–29, 2026.

The seminar served as a valuable platform for learning, knowledge-sharing, and professional development, equipping participants with practical insights on strengthening System of Quality Management (SOQM) implementation and enhancing engagement documentation practices. The active participation and enthusiasm of our attendees truly contributed to the success of this event.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our QAR Resource Speaker, SMMC Board Director Alberto Benitez, for generously sharing his firsthand QAR inspection experiences, lessons learned, and practical guidance that will help practitioners continuously improve audit quality.

Missed this session? Don't worry. Another run is coming this October 2026. Stay tuned and take the next opportunity to learn, improve, and elevate your professional practice.

Congratulations to Dr. Estelita Aguirre - PRC Outstanding Professional of the Year in Accountancy! 👏

Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Southern Metro Manila Chapter cordially invites everyone to our ACCREDITED WEBINARS & SEMINARS ON SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026

WEBINAR SCHEDULES
September 23 AM/PM
September 25 AM
September 29 AM/PM
September 30 AM/PM
October 9 PM

SEMINAR SCHEDULES
September 18
September 19

Click Register Here and Registration Link to find out more about the topic.

Webinar link will be provided to paid-for registrations

SEPTEMBER 2026 – ACCREDITED SEMINARS

👉Topic: Taking Control of BIR Assessments: From Notices to Negotiation
Speaker: Mr. John Alexis Sumulong
Date & Time: September 18, 2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18791– 8.0 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5449

👉Topic: Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act 2026 UpdateS: Key Changes, Compliance Implications & Action Plans for Businesses
Speaker: Atty. Willie B. Santigo, CPA
Date & Time: September 19, 2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18793– 8.0 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5450

SEPTEMBER 2026 – ACCREDITED WEBINARS

👉Topic: Developing Ethical Leaders for Accounting Profession Part 1
Speaker: Mr. Jeff-Mike Smith V. Sule
Date & Time: September 23, 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18888– 1.5 CPD units Competence C
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5491

👉Topic: Developing Ethical Leaders for Accounting Profession Part 2
Speaker: Mr. Jeff-Mike Smith V. Sule
Date & Time: September 23, 2026 | 2:00-4:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18894– 1.5 CPD units Competence C
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5493

👉Topic: Cyber Risk: What is it and Why is it Relevant in Every Audit?
Speaker: Mr. Benigno F. Leongson
Date & Time: September 25, 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18984– 1.5 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5529

👉Topic: Understanding Estate and Donor's Taxes: A Practical Guide for Taxpayers and Practitioners
Speaker: Atty. Gemmalu Molleno-Placido
Date & Time: September 29, 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18999– 1.5 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5531

👉Topic: Emerging Financial Reporting Issues: Extended Producer Responsibility Obligations and Electronic Settlements
Speaker: Mr. Leo Nino F. Punzalan
Date & Time: September 29, 2026 | 3:00-5:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18996 1.5 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5533

👉Topic: Keeping Up with Developments in Withholding Tax Rules
Speaker: Ms. Trishia Amor Gatdula
Date & Time: September 30, 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-19008– 1.5 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5534

👉Topic: The Changing Value Added Tax (VAT) Rules
Speaker: Mr. John Paulo Garcia
Date & Time: September 30, 2026 | 2:00pm-4:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-19009– 1.5 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5536

OCTOBER 2026 – ACCREDITED WEBINARS

👉Topic: Employee Benefits Taxation: Rules, Issues and Compliance Tips
Speaker: Ms. Maricris U. See
Date & Time: October 9, 2026 | 2:00pm-4:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18997– 1.5 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5537

The journey to Auckland begins now!

Get ready for an extraordinary international experience as the PICPA Metro Manila Region brings you to Auckland, New Zealand for the 21st PICPA MMR International Conference!

📅 May 25–31, 2027
📍 Auckland, New Zealand

Experience a week filled with professional learning, meaningful connections, inspiring experiences, and unforgettable adventures in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

And because this is an experience you won’t want to miss…

📝 PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Be among the first to secure your place at the 21st PICPA MMR International Conference.

👉 Pre-register here:
https://bit.ly/21stPICPAMMR_ICON_Registration

📌 Mark your calendars. Pre-register today. And get ready for Auckland!

21st PICPA MMR International Conference
May 25–31, 2027 | Auckland, New Zealand

More details and conference updates coming soon.

Join Us for a 2-Day CPD Seminar!
Transform inspection findings into opportunities for continuous improvement through this comprehensive two-day learning experience.
Seminar Topics:
Day 1:
From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience – Part 1: System of Quality Management (SOQM)
- Designed for sole practitioners and small firms, this seminar provides Professional Accountants in Public Practice with practical guidance on establishing, implementing, documenting, monitoring, and improving their System of Quality Management (SOQM) in accordance with Philippine Standards on Quality Management (PSQM) 1 and PSQM 2. Drawing from actual Quality Assurance Review (QAR) inspection experiences, participants will gain insights into common firm-level deficiencies and practical approaches to strengthening quality management processes to develop a better-documented SOQM Manual.
Day 2:
From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience – Part 2: Engagement Level Documentation
-Designed for sole practitioners and small firms, this seminar focuses on preparing engagement documentation that supports Philippine Standards on Auditing and Quality Assurance Review (QAR) inspection expectations. Using actual inspection experiences, participants will learn practical documentation techniques from engagement acceptance through audit completion, enabling firms to produce better-documented audit files.
SEMINAR SCHEDULES
Aug. 28
Aug. 29
Click Register Here and Registration Link to find out more about the topic.
For Inquiry pls. contact Pen Carin to [email protected] or
text to 09175583640 (globe) / 09190951070 (smart).
Topic: From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience Part 1: System of Quality Management (SOQM)
Speaker: Mr. Alberto C. Benitez
Date & Time: August 28, 2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18632– 8.0 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5400
Topic: From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience Part 2: Engagement Level Documentation
Speaker: Mr. Alberto C. Benitez
Date & Time: August 29, 2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18654– 8.0 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5401

Get ready for the 2026 PICPA MMR Tax Conference, happening on September 16–17, 2026 at the Grand Ballroom, Century Park Hotel Manila!

With the theme “Beyond Compliance: Tax Strategy, Governance, and Growth,” this 2-day conference brings together leading tax and business professionals for timely insights, strategic perspectives, and practical discussions on the evolving tax landscape.

Featuring distinguished speakers from the BIR, leading accounting firms, and the business sector, covering topics such as:

🔹 Strategic Tax Leadership for Sustainable Business Growth
🔹 Tax Considerations in Financing Structures
🔹 Tax Benefits and Strategic Investments
🔹 Tax Relief, Amnesty, and Emerging Tax Reforms
🔹 Audit Readiness and Tax Controversies
🔹 Taxation of Digital Services
🔹 Global Tax Developments and Cross-Border Business
🔹 Tax Governance, Ethical Leadership, and Business Resilience

📅 September 16–17, 2026
📍 Grand Ballroom, Century Park Hotel Manila
Registration Fee: ₱7,000
Earn 16 CPD Units

REGISTER NOW:
https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5433

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of tax developments, strengthen your strategic knowledge, and connect with fellow accounting and business professionals!

See you at the 2026 PICPA MMR Tax Conference! 💙💚

Join us for the 11th Regional Accountant's Forum, one of the Metro Manila Region's premier professional development events, happening on September 10–13, 2026 at the beautiful Discovery Samal, Davao City.
Theme:"Beyond the Numbers: Leading with Integrity, Innovation, and Influence"

Expand your knowledge through insightful technical sessions led by distinguished industry experts, regulators, and thought leaders as they discuss the latest developments in ethics, taxation, sustainability, artificial intelligence, psychology, governance, and leadership.

Why You Should Attend
✔ Earn 12.5 CPD Units
✔ Learn from renowned resource speakers
✔ Network with fellow CPAs and finance professionals from across the country
✔ Experience a world-class venue in one of the Philippines' top island destinations

Registration Fees

Twin Sharing
₱50,000 – Registered and paid on or before August 30, 2026
₱52,000 – Registered and paid after August 30, 2026

Solo Room
₱58,000 – Registered and paid on or before August 30, 2026
₱60,000 – Registered and paid after August 30, 2026

Reserve your slot today! Seats are limited and will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

📅 Registration Link: bit.ly/11thPICPAMMRRAF_Registration

For inquiries, please contact:
📞 0917-629-7674
📧 [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you to Discovery Samal for four days of learning, collaboration, and unforgettable experiences.

See you in Davao!

📢 Join Us for a 2-Day CPD Seminar!

Transform inspection findings into opportunities for continuous improvement through this comprehensive two-day learning experience.

📚 Seminar Topics:

Day 1:
From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience – Part 1: System of Quality Management (SOQM)

- Designed for sole practitioners and small firms, this seminar provides Professional Accountants in Public Practice with practical guidance on establishing, implementing, documenting, monitoring, and improving their System of Quality Management (SOQM) in accordance with Philippine Standards on Quality Management (PSQM) 1 and PSQM 2. Drawing from actual Quality Assurance Review (QAR) inspection experiences, participants will gain insights into common firm-level deficiencies and practical approaches to strengthening quality management processes to develop a better-documented SOQM Manual.

Day 2:
From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience – Part 2: Engagement Level Documentation

-Designed for sole practitioners and small firms, this seminar focuses on preparing engagement documentation that supports Philippine Standards on Auditing and Quality Assurance Review (QAR) inspection expectations. Using actual inspection experiences, participants will learn practical documentation techniques from engagement acceptance through audit completion, enabling firms to produce better-documented audit files.

SEMINAR SCHEDULES
Aug. 28
Aug. 29

Click Register Here and Registration Link to find out more about the topic.

For Inquiry pls. contact Pen Carin to [email protected] or
text to 09175583640 (globe) / 09190951070 (smart).

👉Topic: From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience Part 1: System of Quality Management (SOQM)
Speaker: Mr. Alberto C. Benitez
Date & Time: August 28, 2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18632– 8.0 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5400

👉Topic: From Inspection to Improvement: Lessons from Experience Part 2: Engagement Level Documentation
Speaker: Mr. Alberto C. Benitez
Date & Time: August 29, 2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm
Accreditation #: ACC-2009-001-18654– 8.0 CPD units Competence A
Registration Link: https://picpasystem.com.ph/events/?eventid=5401