What it's like to be the First Filipino Accountant

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Filipino accountants are now starting to conquer the world. There are lots of Filipino accountants overseas and abroad. Filipino accountants in Dubai, United States, Australia, and New Zealand are starting to make a name for their self. But who is the very first Filipino accountant? Let’s see.

Based on research, the first Filipino to obtain a Certificate in Public Accounting from the United States, making as the first Filipino Certified Public Accountant is no other than Don Vicente Fernandez Fabella. He is from Pagsanjan Laguna, born on May 7 1891, the son of Juan Fabella and Damiana Fernandez. His wife is Carmen de Jesus and he is a father to Sor Maria del Carmen, Armand and Virginia.

Don Vicente Fernandez Fabella attended University of the Philippines (1912) finishing Bachelor of Philosophy (undergraduate), University of Chicago finishing Bachelor of Philosophy and Northwestern University (1915) finishing Bachelor of Commerce.

His affiliations are as follows:

• Certified Public Accountant at Wisconsin state (1915)
• Educator at University of the Philippines in accounting and audition (1916)
• Opened his own accounting firm Vicente Fabella and Company (1916)
• Founding Far Eastern College (now Jose Rizal University) of Accountants Commerce and Finance (1919)
• President of Far Eastern College (1919)
• Hid office is the basis of ACT 3105 – The CPA Law of the Philippines (1920)
• Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) founding member (1932)
• 4th International Congress on Accounting in London, Philippine delegate (1933)
• Helped established the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and ROTC (1937)
• Joined the Central Bank survey Commission, as asked by President Ramon Magsaysay (1955)

Do Vicente F. Fabella is a member of Delta Mu delta, a society of Northwestern University. He is also an American Association of University Instructors in accounting member. He was credited for having elevated public accountancy to the status of profession and the training of CPA as his lasting contribution in building the nation.

Truly Filipino accountants are making ways to build the nation, to make a huge impact in the society and for the future of everyone. Don Vicente F. Fabella is not an ordinary accountant. He is not the first Filipino accountant for nothing. He continue his learning, getting degrees, he start to build a school, take part in making laws regarding Accounting and helps the country towards progress. Without him, accounting in the Philippines may not be the like of today.