AFTER a few years of setback in the Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants, MMSU is back in the groove after posting a new institutional record, the highest since its first batch of accountancy graduates took the board examination in 1986.

Out of the university’s 37 first-time examinees, 33 – all members of Class 2013 – made the mark, posting a passing average of 89.19 percent. Including the 50 percent success rate of retakers (3 of 6), MMSU’s overall institutional rating is 83.72 percent (36 of 43), more than twice the 40.84 percent national average. This is a big leap from previous results. Last May, MMSU examinees turned in a dismal 18.75 percent passing rate (3 of 16).

One of the retakers who made it this year belongs to Batch 1986. Through the decades, she repeatedly tried her chances in the board exam considered as the most difficult in the Philippines, second only to the bar examination.

Only schools with at least 50 examinees and a passing rate of at least 80 percent were included in the top performing schools. Had there been a category for schools with less than 50 examinees as in past years, MMSU would have ranked anew as among the top performing schools. In 2000 and 2002, MMSU ranked first in Category D-schools with 10-25 examinees. It was also a top performer in 2004, 2005, and 2007. So far, MMSU has produced nine topnotchers in the CPA examination, with Rolie R. Rosales attaining the highest rank. He placed 4th in 1997.

In the testimonial program held at the Teatro Ilocandia yesterday, Oct. 30, President Miriam Pascua hailed the new CPAs for their collective achievement that brought honor to the university. She also commended the accountancy faculty members for going the extra mile to help students pass the board examination. The president said she kept a close eye on their batch and helped the accountancy department address difficulties they have faced in the past. Academic Affairs Vice President Wilma C. Natividad also congratulated the passers and reminded them to adhere to the highest ethical standards of the profession

CBEA dean Lorna Olivia F. Salmasan and Accountancy Department chair Angelina A. Tagay credited this milestone to the hard work of the students, the team work of faculty members, and the overwhelming support of the university administration.

For their part, the passers thanked the university, particularly Dean Salmasan and their teachers who alternately visited them in Manila during their board examination review to boost their morale and to guide them in their lessons. Class 2013 underwent the Technical Competency Enhancement Program during their senior year. It was a series of review sessions done mainly on Saturdays.

Things are indeed looking up for the MMSU accountancy program. Last Sept 22-24, MMSU was also recognized as Most Awarded Accountancy School in the 2013 Mid-Year Convention of the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, Region I and CAR.