January 29, 2025 – The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Mountain Province State University (JPIA-MPSU) officially launched JPIA Week 2025 with a Community Social Responsibility (CSR) through an outreach program in Sitio Chapyosen, Can-eo, Bontoc, Mountain Province, centered around the theme “Bridging Gaps, Building Connections.” This initiative strengthened community ties by addressing key needs through education, health, and social support activities.
The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various organizations, including the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), represented by Arthur Odsey; the Provincial Information Office, through Tyrel Faniswa; SK Poblacion; the Supreme Student Council (SSC); the Student Nurses Organization (SNO); the Business Administration Student Organization (BASO) represented by their Program Chairperson, Megan Reyna Matias; Student Cultural Arts Group (SCAG); and The Journal, the official student publication of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Their combined commitment and teamwork embodied the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, fortifying the event’s goal of nurturing stronger community connections through meaningful and impactful initiatives.
Led by JPIA adviser and BSA Program Chairperson Jenifer N. Damayan, BASO adviser and BSBA Program Chairperson Megan R. Matias, and JPIA Officers’ Governor Vhladimir L. Cariño, the financial literacy session emphasized the importance of savings and smart spending for local weavers and parents. The discussion provided practical strategies for economic security, guiding participants on effective budgeting, expense management, and prioritizing essential needs. By equipping them with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, the session aimed to nurture long-term financial stability and resilience within the community.
Mr. Gerald Atiwag, one of the speakers from the JPIA Officers highlighted the importance of “having discipline in terms of money by knowing and following one’s order of priority such as the Needs over Wants” so that financial literacy in the smallest unit of society can be attained.
Meanwhile, SNO Governor Heather S. Engngeg and Barney June Fomocao spearheaded Health Awareness Training on Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) for elementary school students. The session highlighted essential hygiene practices and disease prevention methods to equip young learners with the knowledge to safeguard their health and promote community well-being.
Further, the team distributed donated books and toys to the children of Sitio Chapyosen, filling the day with smiles and encouraging a love for learning. Along with this, donated clothes for children and adults provided comfort and support, which promoted a sense of care and togetherness in the community.
In response, the Chapyosen Multigrade School Principal, Ms. Nena Camaton conveyed her thanks for the organizer’s efforts in extending the ‘blessings’ of clothes, toys, and sweets to their students and parents in Chapyosen.
The support from the SSC through President Hill Coleman Awichen also displayed student leadership in advocating positive change and building lasting connections.
Arthur Odsey enunciated to the community members that such efforts and the change begun by the activity should be made sustainable and not just a mere one-time thing but that it should be the ‘beginning of a lasting impact, especially to the weaving industry of the community.’
Parents from the school also expressed their gratitude to the various organizations partnering to conduct the activity at Chapyosen saying, “Iyaman for choosing Chapyosen to conduct this kind of activity. We look forward to more collaboration with your organizations, especially as we pursue the urnos of our weaving industry towards the better financial stability of families in our community.”
Likewise, Mr. Odsey also expressed his gratitude for the community’s response towards the conducted activity saying, “Thank you kasin. It was an inspiring, fun, and productive day for us and the community. Next time to kasin!”
This outreach initiative powerfully demonstrates JPIA-MPSU’s commitment to social responsibility, community development, and education. With the successful launch of JPIA Week 2025, the momentum from this event is expected to inspire further efforts to strengthen ties between the university and the community in the coming days.
Special Mention: Provincial Information Office, PYDO, SNO, SCAG, GSO-MPSU
