"I came as one, but I stand as thousands." These empowering words from Maya Angelou encapsulate the essence of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (PICPA) journey during this pivotal year. United under the theme "Play it forward: Securing a Sustainable Future," PICPA's dedicated professionals have recognized our crucial role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for the accountancy profession and society as a whole. It was through the unwavering collaboration and a steadfast commitment to PICPA's strategic pillars that we have made remarkable accomplishments, setting a new standard for excellence. Under our collective leadership and unwavering dedication, we have fostered a culture of forward-thinking and responsibility within our organization. We understand that our present actions hold the power to shape the course of tomorrow, and we have embraced this responsibility wholeheartedly. By integrating sustainability considerations into our professional practice, we have demonstrated our commitment to building a better world. One of our primary accomplishments has been the establishment of more Upskilled PICPAns. We have conducted around 1,500 professional development activities at the Committee, Geographical Area Office (GAO), and Regional levels, ensuring the continuous growth of our members. The Annual National Convention, which brought together around 6,000 attendees, showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of our community. In our pursuit of increasing member value, we streamlined our membership services and enhanced the status of our profession within organizations and local communities. We organized the Annual Planning Conference, where National, GAO, Regional , and Chapter officers gathered to set strategic goals for the year. We have made the historic visit to 82 out of 84 PICPA Chapters from Aparri to Jolo to bring the national leadership to all members and gather proxy forms which resulted to the successful amendment of the PICPA's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, a crucial step towards becoming an Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of Certified Public Accountants in the Philippines. Our commitment to upscale our network led us to forge strong partnerships with relevant global and local organizations. We actively participated in international bodies such as International Federation of Accountants (IFAc), Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), and ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), ensuring our presence and influence in the global accounting community. We collaborated with esteemed institutions like the Bureau of Internal Revenue, (BIR), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Government Academe-Industry Network (GAIN), Institute of Management Accountants, CPA Australia, and Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, further enhancing our professional networks and opportunities for our members. Capacity development has been another vital focus, as we recognized the importance of digital literacy and system acceleration programs. We migrated our membership records and event management to the MEL System, enabling streamlined operations and efficient learning management. Additionally, we have empowered members with the knowledge and skills needed in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Lastly, our dedication to community and social responsibilities has made a profound impact on the lives of individuals beyond financial statements. Through volunteerism, philanthropy, and outreach programs, we have touched countless lives and contributed to the betterment of society. As we reflect on the achievements of this critical year, PICPA expresses profound gratitude to all those who have contributed to our collective success. With unwavering dedication, we have set a new standard for excellence and demonstrated the power of collaboration in shaping a sustainable future for the Philippine accountancy profession. Throughout our leadership journey, we have upheld the values of excellence, gratitude, and adoration (EGA) as our guiding principles. We have strived for excellence, pushing boundaries and setting new standards. We have expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving and appreciated the support and dedication of our members. And above all, we have led with adoration for our profession, acknowledging the profound impact that the field of accountancy has on society and embracing our responsibility to make a positive difference. These values have been the bedrock of our leadership journey, reminding us of the tremendous honor it has been to serve PICPA and to be part of this remarkable community. Looking ahead, PICPA remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. We will build upon the foundation laid during this fiscal year, embracing new challenges and opportunities with determination and resilience. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the accounting industry, we will remain at the forefront of change, championing ethical practices, embracing technological advancements, and nurturing the next generation of accounting professionals. Together, we will continue to shape a brighter and sustainable future for the accountancy profession, empowering generations to come. About the Author: Dr. Erwin Vincent G. Alcala, CPA, is the PICPA National President for fiscal year 2022-2023 and the School President of Saint Paul School of Professional Studies in Palo, Leyte. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the institutions to which the writer belongs.