Discover how CPA4S grew from a pioneering sustainability initiative into a national movement of leaders, partners, and advocates helping shape a more responsible future in the Philippines.
The Founder’s Story of CPA4S is more than an organizational history. It is the story of how a shared vision for sustainability, professional leadership, and long-term public value took shape in the Philippines.
From its beginnings in 2023, CPA4S emerged through collaboration, foresight, and a growing belief that sustainability must become part of professional practice, strategic leadership, and national progress. What began as a landmark initiative has since evolved into a broader movement of champions, partners, and advocates working toward a more sustainable and accountable future.
Today, the journey of CPA4S reflects both continuity and growth. It is a story built by pioneering leaders, strengthened through partnerships, and carried forward by those committed to making sustainability a lasting part of leadership in the Philippines.
At CPA4S, we believe national advocacy is about helping connect ideas with influence, collaboration, and implementation. It is not limited to one profession or one sector. It involves professionals, executives, managers, educators, organizations, and advocates working together to strengthen the country’s capacity for sustainable and responsible leadership.
National advocacy also matters because many of the country’s most pressing challenges require shared responsibility. Sustainability, governance, social responsibility, and future readiness cannot be addressed by one organization alone. They require a broader movement guided by purpose, credibility, and long-term thinking.
The story of the Association began in January 2023 through a landmark collaboration between the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). Together, they launched a transformative five-day training program for the Certificate in Sustainability for Finance.
Before this launch, ACCA awarded a scholarship to Dr. Rufo Mendoza, making history as the first Filipino to receive this prestigious certification. As an accomplished academic and former chair of the PICPA Sustainability and Integrated Reporting Committee, Dr. Mendoza became a key figure in bringing this global sustainability knowledge to the Philippines.
By April 2023, the inaugural training session had gathered 43 passionate CPAs. From this momentum, the Association of CPAs for Sustainability Inc. (ACPAFSI) was formally established.
With the organization gaining traction, CPA4S began building stronger visibility within the profession through sustainability education, broader engagement, and strategic partnerships.
This period marked the beginning of a stronger public presence, helping sustainability become more central to conversations among professionals and institutions. It also laid the groundwork for larger national gatherings and stronger collaboration across sectors.
In 2025, leadership transitioned to Normita L. Villaruz, whose presidency helped expand the organization’s activities, partnerships, and reach. Under her leadership, CPA4S strengthened collaboration with PICPA Metro Manila Region, sectoral organizations, and other institutions.
Key milestones during this period included:
The Association also translated its vision into meaningful community and environmental action through initiatives such as the Coastal Clean-Up Drive, tree planting activities, and other engagement efforts. Speaking engagements and institutional representation further amplified the organization’s voice in sustainability leadership.
In 2026, leadership transitioned to Sarah Songalia as the third CPA4S President. Building on the strong foundations of the previous administrations, the organization entered a new phase focused on strategic relevance, expanded reach, and stronger alignment with evolving sustainability and economic realities.
Under this direction, the vision and mission were refined to support a future where sustainability becomes a way of life and where strategic financial planning and responsible leadership are more deeply integrated into decision-making. This phase represents not only continuity, but also a forward-looking commitment to long-term impact.
A pioneering leader in sustainability education and professional advocacy, Dr. Mendoza played a foundational role in bringing sustainability finance training to the Philippines and helping establish the movement that became CPA4S.
Through her presidency, the organization strengthened governance, partnerships, conferences, and public engagement, helping broaden the reach of sustainability advocacy within the profession.
As the third president of CPA4S, Sarah Songalia represents the next phase of the organization’s journey—one focused on strategic relevance, expanded inclusion, and a stronger future-facing vision for sustainability leadership.
CPA4S helped establish sustainability conferences, summits, and strategic sessions as key platforms for learning, engagement, and professional influence.
The organization expanded collaboration with PICPA chapters, sectoral groups, and related institutions to strengthen sustainability advocacy and reach.
Beyond conferences, CPA4S participated in clean-up drives, tree planting activities, and other initiatives that translated vision into public and environmental action.
The organization’s leaders amplified the sustainability conversation through speaking engagements, strategic forums, and professional gatherings across sectors.
The Founder’s Story of CPA4S matters because it shows that meaningful movements do not happen overnight. They are built through leadership, credibility, shared purpose, and the willingness to act on a long-term vision.
For professionals, this story reflects how sustainability can become part of serious leadership and practice. For partners and institutions, it shows that CPA4S is rooted in real collaboration and measurable growth. For donors and supporters, it provides confidence that the organization is not only aspirational, but also grounded in history, action, and continuing relevance.
This is not only the story of how CPA4S began. It is also the story of where it is going.
The Founder’s Story of CPA4S is the story of how the organization began, who helped build it, and how it grew into a wider movement for sustainability leadership in the Philippines.
CPA4S was shaped by pioneering leaders, especially through the early efforts connected to Dr. Rufo Mendoza, institutional collaboration with ACCA and PICPA, and the continued leadership of succeeding presidents.
This page helps visitors understand the organization’s history, leadership legacy, milestones, and long-term mission. It builds trust by showing how CPA4S evolved over time.
No. While the organization has strong roots in the accounting profession, CPA4S also welcomes non-CPAs such as executives, managers, educators, institutions, advocates, and partners who support its mission.
The Founder’s Story is directly connected to the current direction of CPA4S. It shows how past leadership, partnerships, and milestones continue to shape the organization’s role today in sustainability leadership and advocacy.
Join CPA4S this September and be part of a growing movement of leaders, partners, and advocates helping shape sustainability leadership in the Philippines. The story continues through those willing to lead with responsibility, purpose, and long-term vision.
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