𝐒𝐁𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐀𝐂, 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐘

To align its academic offerings with the evolving demands of the business world, the School of Business and Accountancy (SBA) held its 10th Program Advisory Council (PAC) on May 27, with the theme “Academia and Industry: Co-Creating the Workforce of Tomorrow” at the Multipurpose Hall of the San Francisco de Javier (SFJ) Building from 1:00 PM to 4:10 PM.

Dr. Danzel Olazo served as the master of ceremonies. Dr. Al D. Biag, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the need to align academic frameworks with current industry expectations.

This was followed by a presentation on university thrusts and directions by Ms. Edna Marriza C. Santos, Assistant to the President and Vice President for Organizational Development. 

The council also featured curriculum updates and student performance reports from academic heads: Dr. Ma. Lutgarda Manuela B. Punay of the Graduate School of Business; Dr. Loren Aina L. Trinidad, Management Department Chairperson; and Mr. Ednel Datu, Accountancy Chairperson.

Both Dr. Punay and Dr. Trinidad were present and opted to deliver their reports through video presentations, with Dr. Punay taking the stage afterward. Mr. Datu, who could not attend in person, also submitted a video report.

During the consultation proper, industry partners provided feedback on SBA’s academic offerings. They suggested ways to enhance course relevance, improve practicum experiences, and strengthen student competencies to better meet the evolving needs of employers. They also urged the council to regard the broader implications of artificial intelligence on the accounting profession as opportunities rather than threats.

Meanwhile, a significant part of the meeting tackled instructional enhancements in response to emerging trends in technology and industry practices, including plans to adopt auditing software, shift from Smartbooks to QuickBooks in accounting instruction, and add more information systems and control subjects to prepare for the revised Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE), set to take effect in October 2028. 

The event concluded with the reaffirmation of the council’s purpose, to gather input from industry stakeholders and academic units in evaluating and refining the SBA’s programs. Suggestions raised during the consultation will be reviewed by the college and considered in the upcoming curriculum review to ensure continued alignment with industry needs.

Student representatives also shared their perspectives on certain topics, contributing valuable insights from the learner’s point of view as part of Generation Z.

Student group representatives from Management Society (ManSoc), Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants and Auditors – United (JPIAA-U), and The Enterprise were also present to witness the exchange between stakeholders.

The annual council, sponsored by SBA, serves as a platform for dialogue between academic leaders and industry professionals to ensure the relevance and quality of the school’s programs.