You are not just limited to work as a company accountant when you’re a certified CPA. Like these 3 Outstanding Filipino Accountants, you should strive to go beyond borders. 

Nicanor Icasiano y Reyes Sr. (est. 1857 - during World War 2)
Nicanor Reyes may not be an accountant, but he was a pioneer of its education.

Nicanor graduated with a bachelor’s degree at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1915. He migrated to the United States to receive his bachelor’s degree in Commercial Science at New York University and Ph.D. in Accountancy at the University of Colombia. Despite his achievements, he never became a Certified Public Accountant.

At that time, Certified Public Accountancy was a profession only available to foreigners. But, this did not deter Nicanor to pursue his dreams. He envisioned a school that would promote the teaching of accountancy to Filipinos as he believed that his countrymen are capable of professional positions. His vision became a reality when he became the founder and first President of Far Eastern University (FEU) in Manila. His success was short-lived as he and his family were killed by the Japanese soldiers during the onset of World War 2.

Vicente F. Fabella (1891 - 1959)
Vicente F. Fabella did what Nicanor couldn’t do: become the first CPA of the Philippines.

In 1912, Vicente received his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines. He then migrated to the United States to earn bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce in the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, respectively. In 1915, he became a Certified Public Accountant at the state of Wisconsin, USA.

Vicente was credited for his contribution in elevating the status of profession and training of CPAs. In 1916, he taught accountancy and auditing at University of the Philippines and founded his own accounting firm. He was instrumental in founding the Far Eastern College (now Jose Rizal University) of Accountants, Commerce and Finance, and his office became the basis for the ACT 3105 the CPA Law of the Philippines. In 1955, he was asked by President Ramon Magsaysay to be part of the Central Bank Survey Commission, which he accepted.

Jose Diokno (1922 - 1987)
Jose Diokno wasn’t just an accountant. He was a CPA, attorney, senator, and pro-human rights, advocate.

Jose was only 17 when graduated as summa cum laude of commerce in De La Salle University. Later on, he took the CPA board exam and Philippine Bar Examination, which he both passed as the top examiner.

Jose Diokno was known for his passion as a nationalist and human-rights advocate. He became famous for pursuing American citizen Harry S. Stonehill for charges of tax evasion and bribery with government officials and forming the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) to help the victims of Martial Law. As a senator, he passed pro-Filipino laws such as providing incentives for Filipino businessmen and investors, and a more humane process of taxation.

 References:

http://www.geemiz.com/biographies/first-filipino-accountant-vicente-f-fabella.html
http://www.filipiknow.net/good-filipino-politicians-in-history/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicanor_Reyes_Sr.
https://www.geni.com/people/Vicente-F-Fabella/6000000011604508526
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_Diokno#Early_life_and_education

Contributed by: Allison Julianne Macasaet
She is a freelance writer on the side, a student of international relations on the other. Interests include fantasy books, international relations, and lifestyle.