From the Sidelines
By: Ray G. Talimio Jr.
“Why Saint Matthew Inspires the Highest Honor in the CPA Profession”
The Parangal San Mateo is the highest and most revered award conferred by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants Foundation Inc. (PICPA Foundation) to certified public accountants who exemplify leadership, integrity, and impactful service to the profession and society. It is a triennial event that began in 2001, and while the tradition usually honors three distinguished individuals, there have been instances where the awardees have been more or fewer depending on the recommendation of the screening and selection committee.
Named after Saint Matthew (San Mateo), the patron saint of accountants, tax collectors, and finance professionals, the award symbolizes moral transformation and ethical accountability. Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector working for the Roman authorities before he became one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. At that time, tax collectors were despised by the Jews for serving the interests of the Roman occupiers and for their perceived greed and corruption. Despite this stigma, Jesus approached Matthew, who was sitting at his tax booth, and said, “Follow me.” Without hesitation, Matthew stood up, left everything, and followed him. This moment captures the spirit of total surrender and moral renewal that Parangal San Mateo seeks to honor among CPAs who devote their lives to service, leadership, and ethical commitment.
I had the privilege of serving as Event Chairman of the Parangal San Mateo in 2022 under the PICPA Foundation Chairmanship of Mr. Lope L. Bato Jr. That year’s awarding ceremony was held at The Manila Hotel’s Centennial Hall and was a moving celebration of professional legacy. The event honored only two individuals whose contributions to the profession and society stood out with excellence and integrity.
This year, the Parangal San Mateo is chaired by Atty. Zeny Alcantara, with Atty. Randy Blanza of the Bicol Region serving as Chairman of the PICPA Foundation. Atty. Blanza assumed the role as immediate Past National President of PICPA, in line with tradition, as the Foundation’s Chairmanship is conferred upon the outgoing PICPA President at the start of the new fiscal year every July 1.
This year’s honorees are:
• Dr Mariano Lerin of Cebu, school President of Mater Dei College and former CPA commissioner of the University of San Jose Recoletos
• Gov Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas of Batangas, widely known for the Supreme Court’s landmark Garcia Mandanas ruling which affirmed the constitutional right of local government units to their equitable share in national taxes
• Atty Eugene Mateo, former Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy and a respected executive in the mining industry
• Leo Matignas, retired SGV partner and internal audit and risk management expert with global credentials
• Wilson Tan, chairman and country managing partner of SGV and a recognized leader in audit and sustainability reporting
• Atty Conrado Valix, president and director of CPAR and a distinguished author and educator in financial accounting and accountancy law
Awardees when I chaired the event in 2022 were:
• Mr Jose Sio of SM Investments, Chairman of the Board since 2017
• Dr Pio Baconga of Pilgrim Christian College
The PICPA Foundation’s current roster of trustees also exemplifies service. Alongside Melanie Rosalind Talimio, the Foundation includes Aphat Martinez, Evelyn Corpuz, Kathie Sobremonte, Dolly Miguel, Sugar Sagarino, Sonia Segovia, Ging Ireneo, Lito Martin, Sonia Golez, Lita Aguirre, Minette Ame, Erwin Alcala, Gerry Sanvictores, and Roland Pondoc, with Lolit Tang serving as Executive Director.
The Parangal San Mateo is more than a ceremonial tribute. It is a reflection of the profession’s noble calling and a challenge to all CPAs to aspire not only for technical competence but also for moral leadership. It reminds us that at the heart of our work is service, faithfully rendered, responsibly carried out, and always in pursuit of the common good.
As PICPA and its Foundation continue this tradition, may every awardee’s story serve as both guide and inspiration for the next generation of accountants who seek to walk the path of Saint Matthew not merely as professionals of numbers but as guardians of truth.
Photo Credits:
Photos courtesy of Ray G. Talimio Jr. and Melanie G. Talimio during Parangal San Mateo 2022 and 2025 events at The Manila Hotel
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official position of any organization mentioned.
About the Author:
Ray G. Talimio Jr. is a Past President and Past Chairman of the Board of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (Oro Chamber). He currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council Region X, Chairman of the MSME Development Council of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro, and Chairman of BIMP-EAGA for Northern Mindanao. He is also a current officer of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and served as Past Senior Regional Director and Past Chapter President. He is a staunch advocate for MSME development, regional economic integration, good governance, and public-private partnerships
