Empowering Business Leaders: 72nd AfNA Course Kicks Off on Valentine’s Day
The 72nd Accounting for Non-Accountants (AfNA) Course officially opened on February 14, 2026—fittingly beginning on Valentine’s Day, a date often associated with commitment and meaningful connections. In many ways, the timing symbolized the participants’ shared commitment to strengthening their financial competence and building stronger, more informed organizations. The program, organized by the UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI), will run until March 21, 2026, bringing together a diverse and accomplished group of leaders for an intensive and collaborative learning experience.
The batch is composed of 28 participants who bring with them a wealth of professional experience and academic achievement. While the majority of the class is based in the National Capital Region, the program also draws people from across the Philippines, including Region IV-A, Region III, and representatives from Regions I, V, and XI. The geographic diversity reflects the continuing relevance of financial literacy and management skills across regions and industries.
The academic profile of the group is notably strong. Twenty-four participants hold university degrees, including several with master’s and doctorate-level qualifications. Beyond their educational achievements, the participants occupy influential roles within their respective organizations. The class includes C-suite executives such as chief financial officers, presidents, and vice presidents, as well as general managers and specialized technical leaders, including engineering team leaders, cost estimators, and finance specialists. Their presence underscores the growing recognition that financial fluency is essential not only for accountants but for leaders across all functions.
Organizationally, the 72nd AfNA class represents a broad cross-section of the Philippine economy. Participants come primarily from the service and manufacturing sectors, followed by trading and government. This mix creates a rich environment for discussion, allowing insights to flow across industries and perspectives.
Day 1 was facilitated by Diogenes Dy, Assistant Professor at the UP CEA Virata School of Business, University of the Philippines Diliman. He led the participants through a discussion of basic accounting concepts, laying a strong foundation for the sessions to follow. Through clear explanations and practical examples, he emphasized how understanding core principles —such as the accounting equation, financial statements, and the role of accounting in decision-making— enables non-accountants to engage more confidently with financial information.
The program is managed by Engr. Jefferson Sumalabe and Ms. Neldie De Jesus, who are leading the coordination and delivery of the course to ensure a meaningful and well-structured learning experience for all participants.
As the program unfolds over the coming weeks, the 72nd AfNA Course promises to be more than just a training on accounting concepts. It is a platform for shared learning, strategic thinking, and practical application—equipping leaders with the financial confidence needed to steer their organizations toward stronger performance and sustainable growth.