FEU BS in Accountancy students Leonardo Galang and Vincent Cuaresma during the awarding ceremony of the 27th Search for Outstanding Accounting Students of the Philippines (Photo from IABF Dean’s Office)
Far Eastern University (FEU) marked a strong showing in the 27th Search for Outstanding Accounting Students of the Philippines (SOASP), as two of its accountancy majors placed among the top performers in the national competition organized by P&A Grant Thornton, Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry, and the Philippine Institute of Certified Accountants.
Vincent Cuaresma emerged as champion, leading a field of 516 participants from 113 colleges and universities nationwide; fellow FEU student Leonardo Galang placed 5th. Both Cuaresma and Galang advanced to the Top 25 finalists after a series of qualifying rounds that tested core subjects in the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure examination. The awarding ceremony was held last March 20 at the Makati Diamond.
The SOASP is recognized for its rigorous assessment of technical competence, problem-solving ability, and composure under pressure. Finalists were evaluated not only through written examination but also through an impromptu question-and-answer segment that required clarity of thought and effective communication.
“My preparation was really for the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE),” said Cuaresma, noting that years of consistent study and skills development contributed to his performance. He added that his adaptability and public speaking skills, developed through general education (GE) courses, were crucial during the Q&A portion of the finals.
“Our professors exposed us to difficult problems and consistently challenged us to improve,” said Galang. His steady review in preparation for the October 2026 CPALE helped him secure a Top 5 finish despite not training specifically for SOASP.
“While my technical proficiency is the result of years of training, I believe that the biggest deciding factor is my ability to be an ‘all-rounder,’ in the sense that I have developed a combination of skillsets outside technical knowledge that allow me to be extremely flexible and adaptable. This is very apparent with the second portion of the SOASP, a Q&A competition wherein the finalists were asked unpredictable questions that must be answered impromptu,” said Cuaresma. “If I did not intentionally develop the ability for public speaking in [GE courses such as Purposive Communication and Speech Communication], I couldn’t have performed as well in the Q&A portion of the SOASP.”
“I believe the strongest factor lies in the strong foundation we’ve built over the years. Our professors trained us excellently, exposing us to difficult problems and questions, and challenging us to surpass ourselves, over and over again,” said Galang.
Department of Accountancy chairperson Lady Dianne Madrid said Cuaresma and Galang have consistently ranked among the top performers in FEU’s Integrated Accounting classes. Their achievement, she noted, reflects the program’s emphasis on mastery of fundamentals, discipline, and holistic student development.
“[Watching them compete], it was clear they had what it takes to succeed. Their dedication, hard work, and resilience truly deserve recognition, and this achievement is a well-earned reward for their excellence. Finally, their efforts are being celebrated and acknowledged,” said Madrid.
The results reinforce FEU’s Accountancy program as a strong training ground for future CPAs, demonstrating how sustained academic preparation and well-rounded instruction translate into national-level success.
