Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc of the Commission on Audit (COA) joined Fiscal Year 2020-2021 National President Mr. Lope L. Bato, Jr. along with the new officers and National Board of Directors in the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) virtual turn-over and induction ceremony last 3 July 2020.

Taking his oath of office together with the other officers, Commissioner Pondoc is now PICPA's new Vice President - Government Sector and Senior Director - Southern Mindanao Region. The Honorable Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles served as the inducting officer for this event.

Other key officers of PICPA are Ms. Marydith C, Miguel, Executive Vice President; Ms. Gladeys Jill A. Santos-Cua, VP for Operations; Atty. Rheneir P. Mora, VP for Commerce & Industry; Ms. Milagros C. Cardona, VP for Education; Mr. Michael C. Gallego, VP for Public Practice; Ms. Estelita C. Aguirre, Executive Director; Ms. Anna Lissa C. Dycaico, Secretary; and Ms. Ma. Teresita Z. Dimaculangan, Treasurer. All the members of the national board, presidential advisers, board of trustees of PICPA Foundation, committee chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and members, regional sectoral representatives, and chapter presidents were likewise inducted.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Pondoc also had the honor of introducing President Rodrigo R. Duterte as one of the Keynote Speakers during the virtual ceremony.

"Maayong hapon sa atong tanan. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I have the high privilege and distinct honor of introducing to you our keynote speaker this afternoon. The President of the Republic of the Philippines, Mayor-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte," Commissioner Pondoc proudly declared.

In his speech, President Duterte wished the organization and the officers a meaningful event and took the opportunity to commend the CPAs for their critical role in accelerating the country's economic growth.

"May your organization (continue) to work with the government in attaining good fiscal administration based on accountability and transparency. As we move to the "new normal," let us serve the Filipino people the best of our ability and strive together to pursue inclusive and sustainable development," President Duterte said.

PICPA is the accredited professional organization (APO) of Certified Public Accountants by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) founded in November 1929. The virtual turn-over and induction ceremony of the new PICPA officers came before the celebration of the National Accountancy week with the theme, "Filipino CPAs RISING in Solidarity Amidst Challenging Times" on 12 - 18 July 2020.