in regional tax qu
The University of Baguio (UB) Accountancy student Cherry Ann Guitoc showcased her exceptional talent, wit, and expertise in taxation securing the first runner-up position with 196 points in the Bureau of Internal Revenue- Cordillera Administrative Region’s (BIR-CAR) prestigious Search for the “Philippines’ Brightest Buwis Masters” (PBBM) of 2023. First place was Kalinga State University with 204 points and second runner-up was University of the Cordilleras with 176 points. Held at Newtown Plaza Hotel in Baguio City on July 5, 2023, the regional-level competition witnessed a fierce battle between universities and colleges from around the Cordillera region, with each institution vying for supremacy in the field of taxation.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kareen Leon, Dean of the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA), and Dr. Candido Perez, Program Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) , and with the support of Ms. Louise Bangsael, President of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) – UB Chapter, Ms. Guitoc and five other UB BSA students demonstrated their expertise in taxation. The five other students were Krizzia Mae Astronomia, Quiana Tosca Soriano, Limuel Pudao, Jessica Bernal, Alyssa Mae Abaag. Ms. Astronomia achieved recognition as well, ranking twelfth in the highly anticipated event. They were all given cash awards and certificates at the end of the competition.
The contest started very intensely from the elimination round where thirty-four (34) students from different universities and colleges in CAR answered a twenty-five (25) item questionnaire in two hours. From there, the top 12 were chosen for the final round where the aforementioned two UB students entered the finals. The final round was composed of 10 questions each for the easy (5 points per question), moderate (8 points) and difficult round (15 points).
Indeed, a celebratory event, especially since the competition is the first tax quiz bee held by the BIR in three years after the pandemic hit in March 2020. Participating itself was already a successful feat for the six UB participants in the challenging competition. Their willingness to take part in such a rigorous event demonstrates their commitment to learning and growth within the field of accountancy.
Article by: Louise Langsa Bangsael and Aileen Joy Basug
