Polytechnic University of the Philippines

BSA students claim top berths in 18th NAQDown

Mark Anecito R. Perlas, Jireh Presmo, News, College of Accountancy and Finance

Fransh Andrei Abad, a 4th-year BS Accountancy (BSA) student at the PUP College of Accountancy and Finance, emerged as the champion of the 18th National Accounting Quiz Showdown (NAQDown). He also received the prestigious Apex Ascendant of South Luzon Order of the Mist Walkers special award.

Meanwhile, Rhea Niduelan, also a 4th-year BSA student, placed 4th runner-up in the competition, which carried the theme, “The Elemental Ascent: A Summit of Mastery,” held at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas last February 13, 2026.

The competition featured elimination, semi-final, and final rounds, covering topics from the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE). Over 200 students participated in the elimination rounds, with the top 20 advancing to the finals.

BSA students claim top berths in 18th NAQDown

Reflecting on their preparation, Niduelan emphasized the importance of mindset. “It has to be like, ‘Let’s just try it.’ ’Yung mindset na to always go for it despite feeling not ready,” she explained. She added that the experience was more than just recognition, it reinforced her ability to represent PUP Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) Manila, NCR, and South Luzon.

Abad expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout the competition. In a social media post, he wrote, “Thank you to everyone who helped me in so many ways to get here. Ito na ’yung ROI [Return on Investment] natin!” He noted that, despite limited preparation due to academic commitments, the victory felt even more meaningful, having competed against some of the country’s top accountancy students.

Organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), the 18th NAQDown is an annual national inter-local chapter quiz bee coordinated by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA). The event aims to promote stewardship and uphold the academic excellence of aspiring JPIA members across the country.