OUR HISTORY
Founding of AFCA-BC
The Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants in British Columbia (AFCA-BC) was officially established in Vancouver, B.C., in 2008, thanks to the hard work and perseverance of its founding members: Angelito Aurellado, Vance Noriega, Mel & Carmen Cruz, Cecilio Sanchez, Thelma Siglos, and Meredith Yu.
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Collaborative Efforts to Form a Vancouver Chapter
For several years, the National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants (NCPACA) represented by Nanie Enriquez and the Filipino American Association of Certified Public Accountants (FAACPA) in Washington State sought to establish a Vancouver chapter. The initiative gained momentum through the diplomatic work of FAACPA past presidents Vance Noriega and Ben Pascual, along with support from AFCA Toronto’s past president, Bobby dela Cruz. Their combined efforts helped build strong connections in Vancouver, culminating in the formation of the AFCA-BC chapter.
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Early Leadership and Initial Activities
Under the leadership of the first president, Thelma Siglos, the founding group of seven members developed the chapter’s structure, vision, and initial activities. The chapter’s first major event was a joint professional development workshop with FAACPA on May 17, 2008, which attracted 57 attendees. This successful cross-border event served as an important fundraiser and promotional opportunity for AFCA-BC, helping the organization gain recognition within the local community. AFCA-BC began with 35 pioneer members.
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Expansion of Events and Community Engagement in 2009
In 2009, under the leadership of Cecil Sanchez, AFCA-BC organized several key events, including an Induction Dinner and Dance in February, a summer BBQ in July, a Fall Professional Development Workshop in October, and a Christmas Potluck in December. AFCA-BC also collaborated with the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISS-BC) to mentor new Filipino immigrant accountants, further extending its impact within the community.
ABOUT US
OBJECTIVES
To promote professional development and continuing education among members through conducting seminars and workshops;
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To promote personal development among members and facilitate their integration into Canada's professional markets;
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To develop high ideals of competence, ethical conduct, integrity and civic consciousness among members; to promote and maintain high professional standards among members;
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To foster cordial, harmonious and beneficial relationship among members;
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To establish a strong entity that can represent members in professional and other organizations in Canada; and
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To establish liaison with other organization in the furtherance of membership interests.
OUR CREED
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CORE VALUES
Upholding its core values of excellence, leadership, professionalism, respect and teamwork.
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CONDUCT
Conducting ourselves with high ethical values beyond reproach.
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CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Keeping ourselves up-to-date on technical matters.
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GIVING BACK
Giving back to the community through the use of our skills as professional accountants.
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GOOD FAITH
Acting in the best interests of our fellow members, the community and our country.
OUR CORE VALUES
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EXCELLENCE
We achieve excellence through learning. We deliver regular professional development courses to assist our members achieve their potential.
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LEADERSHIP
We attain success through leadership. We lead by example.
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PROFESSIONALISM
We strive to keep ourselves up-to-date with the changes in the practice of accounting profession to equip us and sustain our endeavor of assisting fellow members, especially those who are new to the country, and the community at large.
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RESPECT
We treat our fellow members and the public with respect, dignity and courtesy. We ensure that decisions made are ethical and reflect the Association's social conscience.
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TEAM WORK AND COOPERATION
We arrive at the best solution by working together with fellow members, partners and the public at-large. We form partnership with other organizations that share our values and interests to further the goals of the Association.
2024 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
President - Thelma Siglos, CPA, CA
Vice-President - Teresita "Tess" Martires
Secretary - Emelyn Tugade, CPA, CGA
Treasurer - Ayena Cañete
Auditor - Menchu Bautista
Director - Julius Biliran
Director - Mary Anthonette Tecson, CIA/CISA
Director - Shirley Shannon, CPA, CGA
Director - Lorna Nutter, CPA, CGA
Past President - Rowena Altamirano, CPA, CGA
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COMMITTEES
Finance & Fund Raising
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Monitors the finances of AFCA.
(Financial Oversight,
Resource Development &
Budget Management)
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Assists in soliciting sponsors for Professional Development events, if necessary.
Membership
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Receives and screens all membership applications and recommends acceptance to the Executive Council.
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The Registrar maintains the member lists annually and monitors the status of members.
Mentorship Program Coordinator
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Assists new member immigrants assimilate in the Canadian workforce through mentorship with ISS of BC and other opportunities as may be available through AFCA members.
Professional Development & Education
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Plans and organizes Professional Development activities for the year which could either be 2 half day events or one full day event per year.
Public Relations & Communications
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Liaises with local Filipino print media companies to advertise AFCA activities.
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Coordinates with CRA and other non-profit organizations on AFCA’s annual participation in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).
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Coordinates with other non-profit organizations on community events such as Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony.
Social & Community Relations
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Plans and organizes social events such as Summer Picnic (if any), AGM, Christmas/New Year’s Party.
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Plans and organizes 2 or 3 Café AFCA networking events in one year.
Nomination & Election
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This Committee is automatically chaired by the immediate past president and all past presidents are the members.
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Identifies and nominates potential directors.
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Facilitates the election of officers at the Annual General Meeting.
Values & Ethics
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Reviews AFCA’s Code of Ethics
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Handles member’s breach of AFCA’s ethical standards, if any.
Web Development
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Maintains the AFCA website.
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Offers training for staff members who contribute to the website and providing support for any issues they encounter.