BRIEF HISTORY OF PICPA NORTH DAVAO CHAPTER

The PICPA North Davao Chapter was finally formed when the organization's by-laws was adopted and signed. Giving historic significance to this day were the twenty four men and women Certified Public Accountants who answered the call for and participated in the organizational meeting on May 22, 1977 at Tado's Garden in Tagum, Davao at 2:00 p.m. (DST)

With the nucleus formed, the professional group wanted to exist as an affiliated Chapter of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) hence the choice of the name "PICPA NORTH DAVAO CHAPTER" and the adoption of the uniform by-laws of PICPA Chapters.

The final formation on May 22, 1977 is the beginning of the chapter's existence, the start of activities directed towards the attainment of its goals and a point where one comes to realize that the organization did not pop out from anywhere. Its history therefore is not complete without recalling the events and things that led to its formal organization.

As early as 1964 many accountants of Tagum and Maco were members of PICPA National while some just did not bother to become members of the prestigious professional organization by reason of distance, oftentimes receiving communication quite too late. The rugged road conditions then also made it difficult to become active members of the already existing Davao Chapter. These CPA's clamored for an organization htat could really served them, that which exists with their reach. This has triggered many attempts to put up a chapter in the province of Davao del Norte.

The first one was just after the division of Davao into three provinces in 1967, when accountants of Maco, Davao del Norte tried to organize themselves into a group. Names of accountants in the entire province were listed. Failing to meet the required number, the move was not ffirst pursued. Attempts were made in Tagum starting in 1972, but all were just unfortunate as the first one. Many however joined the Davao Chapter.

When the JPIA of UM College was reactivated in the second semester of 1974 to 1975, CPA's in Davao City frequented Tagum trying since then enlist some more CPA's in the area for memebership in Davao Chapter. Instead of joining Davao Chapter, they became more decided to form a chpater. However, it was only in the early part of 1977 through the persistenet appeal and prodding of DAvao City CPA's especially Abdul Abubakar that Licerio F. Floresca serioulsy considered the idea of spearheading the organization of the chapter. Adbul Abubakar's effor were not wasted because on May 06, 1977, Licerio F. Floresca finally started to go around, ably assisted by colleagues especially Arrel R. Olaño.

More than twenty accountants were listed on the first day, growing in number as each was visited. In the list, there were actually fifty CPA's who were working or residing in Davao Province. On May 15, 1977, Mssrs. Olaño and Floresca went to Davao City, ready to call anytime an organizatinal meeting. A consultation was made with Mr. Joe Cembrano, whose assistance in the chapter formation would not be forgotten just the readiness of Mr. Louie Bonguyan in availing the use of their chpater's guide and manual. Mr. Roger Oropeza was also consulted on the requirement of the chapter's affiliation and who attended to giving advises on matter affecting the chapter's early stage organization.

Finally on May 22, 1977, the first organizaiton meeting was held and attended by twenty four young and old Certified Public Accountants who hailed form the vaious municipalities in DAvao Province. Election of officers was then scheduled, together with the nomination of fifteen candidates for the eleven seats for board of directors.

On June 5, 1977 the election of the officers was held starting at 2:00pm at Tado's Garden. This was ably carried by the Ad hoc Committee on Elections headed by Mr. Raymundo A. Abenoja.

The first set of officers were: Licerio F. Floresca, President; Eduardo B. Valdez, Vice President; Arrel R. Olaño, Secretary; Alfonso R. Kilantang, Treasurer; Gregorio R. Magnaye, Auditor; Antonio V. Audiencia, Jr., Antonio T. Bagasao, Federico C. Lopez, Benjamin D. Pozas, Gaudioso B. Salisid, and Beatriz T. Sunga, Directors. They were inductged with a very simple ceremony, which was so unique, and remarkable with the use of lighted candles; and epitome of the present situation in Tagum. The affair was grace by Mssrs. Roger oropeza, Abdul Abubakar and Louie bonguyan, who had to brave both rains and darkness just to give color and significance to the affair.