ADALIN, ARVIE A.

BSA-5101
BOA UPDATES
Sticking to its purpose to be updated on the recent developments in the CPA
Licensure Exam and other related matters affecting the accountancy profession, PRISM-
CABRIA Batangas conducted its annual BOA Forum with Dr. Gloria T. Baysa last
September 29, 2018 at LPU-Batangas. Dr. Baysa, discussed first those important
reminders that are sometimes neglected during the board exam which includes those
things that are only allowed to bring, the manner of shading the answers and the reminder
to attach the scratch paper and the questionnaire and forward it to the examiner to avoid
issues with the PRC. The indication whether an examinee is passed, failed or conditioned
was also emphasized. Aside from this, those changes in the syllabi was presented
particularly in Taxation and RFBT to further notify the students of those topics that will be
effective this year and in 2019. New topics on special concerns like globalization,
governance and ethics are to be included in the CPALE and it will focus more on
applications and analysis and a shift to task-based stimulated questions. There are also
three additional accounting programs starting this academic year and they are: BSMA,
BSIA AND BSAIS. These will allow bridging programs and prevent discrimination among
the programs.
This seminar was very informative for it gave me a greater view of what to expect
in the coming board exams and the future of this profession. Dr. Baysa was also able to
discuss the relevance of CPD units in the profession. She gave true to life experience
wherein the need of the knowledge in the changes of the standards is a must. In fact, that
was the first time that I heard IPD or Initial Professional Development which is intended
for the students which has the same purpose with CPD. Also, during the q&a, I learned
that government employees are not required under this law. I enjoyed listening and
grasping the substance of each discussion relating to that. It was a great opportunity for
me to clear up my mind about the importance of this controversial issue being faced by
different professionals.
Personally, I think earning CPD units through seminars and other means is very
important in this profession. Since, we are part of the business world where innovation
and consistent change is evident, being updated must be a priority to offer the best needs
of our clients. We are not confined to the practice or business transaction only in our
country but also to the other parts of the world therefore we need to cope with those
changes to achieve comparison and uniformity. However, though the purpose of this CPD
is beneficial to everyone, the only downside of this is the cost and time of earning those
required units. The 120 units requirement have not got easier to accumulate because a
seminar could cost hundreds and sometimes thousands for a minimal number of units.
Therefore, those who could be responsible for this should help these licensed
professionals through free or budget friendly seminars to lighten their burden.