The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Foundation is transforming its national office in Mandaluyong City into a green complex.
A hoisting ceremony was held to mark the start of the project, which involves incorporating ornamental and eventually edible plants into the office’s landscaping. The project is dubbed “PICPANS Be Counted! Let’s Turn Our Green Dreams to Reality.”
PICPA members can support the initiative by donating for naming rights in the various gardens planned for the compound. These include a healing garden, wall garden, hanging garden, box garden and hedge garden.
The project aligns with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. “We are now mindful of the environmental impact of our business,” said PICPA national president Randy Blanza.
PICPA Foundation chair Erwin Alcala said the goal is to create a green haven for CPAs. “We use computers and cellphones in the office, which contribute to pollution,” he said. “A green space can help improve air quality for CPAs visiting our headquarters.”
Alcala said they hope other PICPA chapters will replicate the project.
The PICPA Foundation, established in 1981, is the socio-civic arm of PICPA. Its primary mission is to conduct research and development programs to assess the impact of business and technological advancements on the accountancy profession.
Prior to the foundation’s establishment, PICPA managed corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs through a committee. However, the increase in CSR activities necessitated a separate entity.
The greening project is part of the foundation’s community development and outreach program. The foundation also has programs on research and development, professional development, and scholarships. These programs address concerns about the attractiveness and retention of accountants in the profession.
“Our profession faces challenges,” said Alcala. “Enrollment in accountancy programs is declining, and we need to understand why.” He noted the increasing demand for accountants despite a low supply of CPAs.
PICPA collaborates with the foundation to address these concerns. “We offer free seminars and visit schools to promote the accountancy profession and learn about the challenges students face,” said Blanza.
He said PICPA’s 10-point agenda includes outreach to schools. “We used to focus on accountancy students, but now we also target senior high school students, especially those in the Accountancy, Business and Management [ABM] strand,” he said.
The PICPA Foundation supports 30 to 40 accountancy scholars annually, assists accountancy schools with facilities and covers review fees for qualified applicants preparing for the licensure exams.
PICPA has 84 chapters nationwide with around 42,000 active members.