The University of the Philippines Visayas College of Management (UPV CM) showcased its strength in finance and investment education as its BS in Accountancy students distinguished themselves in two prestigious national competitions held during the first quarter of 2026.
On January 23, 2026, the UPV CM team emerged as Regional Champion and National Second Runner-Up in the 25th Inter-Collegiate Finance Competition (ICFC). The all-female team—Roxine Anne B. Barrion, Christine Faith O. Chang, Ericka Jane G. Lalata, Nicole Kelanie A. Cubin, and Samantha N. Lagura, all fifth-year BS in Accountancy students—first topped the local elimination round held in the morning, emerging as Regional Champion and the lone qualifier from Western Visayas to advance to the national stage. From an expanded national field, they secured a podium finish as National Second Runner-Up. The team was mentored by Prof. Lourence G. Delfin Jr. of the Department of Accounting.
Now in its 25th year, the ICFC is a project of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), organized by the Junior FINEX Committee (JFINEX) of the FINEX Research and Development Foundation, Inc., in partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co. The ICFC is widely regarded by business schools and industry practitioners as the country’s most prestigious collegiate-level finance quiz bowl, with questions modelled after the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I examination.
Further underscoring UPV’s caliber in finance and investment research, the College also performed strongly in the 18th CFA Institute Research Challenge (IRC). The CM team, composed of fourth-year BS in Accountancy students Criser Joshua Pimentel, Ma. Angela Clarito, Mia Elise Bugna, Julieanne Fernandez, and Rene Jose Cada placed National First Runner-Up in the Philippine local finals held at the Wynwood Hotel, Ortigas on February 20, 2026. As first runner-up, the team will advance to the Sub-Regional Final Round and represent the Philippines on the international stage.
In this year’s IRC, nearly 30 university teams nationwide competed for a spot in the finals, with only four ultimately qualifying after two rounds of screening. The participating teams conducted an in-depth equity research and valuation for Cebu Pacific Air, and defended their investment recommendations through a 10-minute presentation and a 15-minute Q&A session before a panel of industry experts. The UPV CM team was coached by Ms. Rowelle L. Serilo of the Department of Accounting, working alongside an industry mentor from the CFA Society Philippines.
These twin achievements in the ICFC and the CFA Institute Research Challenge highlight CM’s commitment to rigorous training in accounting and finance, and affirm the competitiveness of our students in national arenas that reflect global standards.
Written by Prof. Kim Rommel E. Panaguiton, with sources from the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines and the CFA Society Philippines.
Photo attributions: CFA Society Philippines and Prof. Lourence G. Delfin Jr.
#UniversityofthePhilippinesVisayas
