By Karen de la Cruz

MMSU accountancy students garnered multiple awards during the 2025 Regional Midyear Convention  (RMYC) of the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants - Region 1 and Cordillera Administrative Region (NFJPIA-R1CAR), held from January 7 to 9 in Baguio City. 

As one of the most performing academic organizations in the region, the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)- MMSU Chapter was recognized as the first overall runner-up in the search for the Most Outstanding JPIA Local Chapter. The chapter was also awarded first runner-up in both most outstanding in academics and non-academics categories. 

Competing against accountancy students from colleges and universities in Region 1 and CAR, MMSU delegates emerged champions in several individual categories, such as Alwin Ray Suniga in CAT CUP 3– Management Advisory Services, Camille Ann Raña in CAT CUP5– Auditing, Johari Bacolod in the Search for Best Accounting Wizard (SBAW), Dan Gideon Cariaga in JPIAN CUP, Paul Japhet Ballungay in Rainbow Microphone, and Christian Jaylord Tomas and Nicole Calamaro as Mr. and Ms. Ambassador of Goodwill 2025. John Manuel Sanchez also won the extemporaneous speaking competition and the Most Outstanding JPIAN award, while Novie Grae Balete triumphed in the Quizidents contest.

In group competitions, MMSU accountancy students were also recognized as champions, such as the group of John Manuel Sanchez, Jesmark Duque, and Hanadi Bautista in the debate cup and Jesmark Duque, Diana Isabel Remetir, Paul Japhet Ballungay, Frances Mae Riets, Trisha Larra Mae Inaligo, Athena Kate Basilio, Shane Angela Paguyo, and Janssen Maligsay in the Best Dance Crew competition. Additionally, during the debate cup, John Manuel Sanchez was recognized as the Best Speaker and Best Debater.

Other awardees include May Carolyn Basilio, who placed second in extemporaneous speaking, and Clarisse Danielle Romualdo, the second placer in essay writing. Christine Mae Viloria also secured third place in the SBAW.

In the Tax Case Study contest, the group of Novie Grace Balete, Wayne Ansley Udaundo, Pulene Lao, Ma. Alexandra Aningat and Cariza Joyce Ignacio won Best Paper and 1st Runner-Up overall. In sports, Derrick Rykiell Labso and Charel Pastor secured second place in mixed-doubles badminton, while Khristel Kaye Cabasaan, Kyla Quilit, Donnavic Padua, Maerelle Anne Abad, and Rhea Symonelle Bartolome took the second spot in the Mobile Legends competition. Meanwhile, Hanadi Bautista, Allyana Apongol, and Charel Lyra Pastor placed third in the Mindblitz contest, while JPIA  also won third place in the parody-making competition.

Students who seized the podium finishes will represent Region 1 and CAR at the National Midyear Convention in Bacolod City. 

The 23rd edition of NFJPIA-R1CAR’s RMYC, themed “Glacial Oasis: Drift in the Snow’s Embrace, Discover Winter’s Mystiqueserved,” served as a platform for student leaders and aspiring accountants to network, share insights, and deepen their knowledge of accounting practices and professional development through company talks from different firms and institutions.