HEADING into its 27th year, the Search for Outstanding Accountancy Students in the Philippines (SOASP) continues its legacy of empowering the next generation of accountants.
A long-standing partnership between P&A Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI), the SOASP has consistently recognised academic excellence, leadership potential, and the evolving role of accountancy students in shaping the future of the accounting profession.
Their renewed commitment was formally recognized during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on August 27, 2025. Present during the signing were the key signatories from each organisation: P&A Foundation, Inc. Chairperson Romualdo “Boyet” V. Murcia III, ACPACI National President Aristeo Cruz, and PICPA Vice President for Operations Henry Tan, representing PICPA National President, Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores.
“This MOA signing is more than just a formal agreement: it’s a celebration of collaboration, shared vision, and a collective belief in the power of the next generation of accountants”, said Jone Mengullo, Academic Partnerships and Talent Pipeline Manager for P&A Grant Thornton.
This year’s SOASP aims to create a more inclusive and engaging experience, increasing the number of participants to seven students per school and actively encouraging participation from more provincial schools by establishing one testing centre per region to better accommodate students nationwide. Building on the momentum of last year’s shift away from the traditional pen-and-paper setup, SOASP continues to embrace innovation by leveraging technology to deliver a more seamless and accessible experience.
P&A Grant Thornton’s Chairman and Managing Partner and P&A Foundation, Inc. Chairperson Boyet Murcia III shared his optimism about this year’s developments, stressing the importance of wider participation and enhancing the student experience through thoughtful changes to the test format. “I encourage you to take this opportunity as a barometer of where you are in terms of knowledge. Let it inspire and challenge you. I hope that you participate and know that we are here to support you in any way we can,” Murcia said.
Leaders from the partner accounting organisations echoed this commitment, recognising the SOASP as a vital initiative in addressing the declining number of accountancy students in the Philippines. PICPA Vice President for Operations Henry Tan emphasised the role of programmes like SOASP in reigniting interest in the profession and encouraging more students to pursue accountancy.
Meanwhile, ACPACI National President Aristeo Cruz highlighted the need to not only increase the number of students, but also improve the curriculum and motivate graduates to take the licensure exam—underscoring the importance of celebrating student achievements to inspire future professionals.
The 27th Search for Outstanding Accountancy Students’ Grand Finals is set to commence on March 20, 2026, at the Makati Diamond Hotel.
All graduating accountancy students with good academic standing are welcome to participate in the competition. For more details and latest updates, follow P&A Grant Thornton’s official website and social media channels.
