The recognition night organized by our President Mr. Joey Regala was held at the UCPB Executive Dining Room. The conversation was light and cheery, celebrating the achievement of passing the exam with flying colors.

The most interesting part was getting to know them and learning what was their motivation for taking the exams. Each had their own story to tell.

Improving client relations was a primary response I got from the group. Mary Jane Rafol, IT auditor from Punongbayan & Araullo took the CISA exam to expand her knowledge in the field and relate better to her audit clients. Jijo C. Sevilla, an IT consultant of FS3 Consulting Inc., had a similar reason for taking CISM which was to gain credibility with his clients. And Brian Grusppe adds that this helps him deal with clients which mainly have IT background and sums up that the certifications gives one the confidence, competence, and prestige.

Certification was also seen to help achieve career goals like Peejay Sardonas, a BSP IT examiner, intends to explore a career in information security management and considers a CISM certification very handy for this. Mark Almodovar, auditor from RCBC had a CPA background and took the CISA and then the CISM to transition into IT audit. Good thing he saw a certification ad of ISACA in a newspaper. Nice job Secretariat and Marketing!

Others see taking the exam as a way to promote ISACA and reach out to other people. Joyce Ann Cacatian from Robinsons Savings Bank relates that her audit team is growing and more are willing to get certified and she sees taking the CISA to encourage others to follow suit. Jan Martin Encina from BDO shares his passion for teaching and a certification would make him more equip to do this. Joyce Ann Mendoza from BDO considers herself an ambassador now for ISACA and its certification after passing the exam.

The highlight response came from Joyce Ann Mendoza who revealed who her inspiration is for taking the exam, with them even reviewing together. This certainly got the whole group excited and intrigued. On a serious note, she plans to increase her competency in security audit and pre-implementation audit.

I can sense the energy, eagerness, and determination of this group which I find very refreshing and admirable. Looking back, this is probably how we started in our careers, with certification as our first step. I wish this group and all our passers the best and may their 'Cs' serve its purpose for them and more.

Special thanks to RJ Javier for again serving as the official photographer of ISACA Manila.

Related File: Recognition Night for the Topnotchers.pdf