Persistence, resilience, and adaptability, among others, are often cited as the most common traits that successful entrepreneurs possess. They are not afraid to fail or take risks; they continue to learn, whether from their own mistakes or from others. They will not let setbacks stop them from bringing their vision to life. They can resist strongly or ride the wave of disruption. Their innovative thinking can address a critical gap in the industry.
That is why after almost 100 years, Far Eastern University (FEU) has continuously strengthened the mold that has produced successful professionals in the business industry and the public sector. According to Dr. Maria Carmen B. Lapuz, Dean of the Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance (IABF), the institution has found more importance in experiential education, integrating it in all undergraduate programs at the institution and allowing the institution to evolve and adapt to the times.“After all, as paradigms change and businesses change, so will we,” said IABF Dean Lapuz.
Education with practical, real-world applications
Using an experiential approach, the IABF has avoided focusing on traditional business models and increasing shareholder value, just theoretical education and hard study, and emphasized memorizing processes and techniques, among other outdated teaching techniques. Notably, all its expertise is brought together by professors with extensive industry experience, who integrate it into the curriculum. IABF Dean Lapuz said, “We want to focus more on immersive learning with real-world applications to ensure students are well prepared.”
The IABF Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) program is one of the university’s oldest programs, even predating the university itself. This internationally recognized and accredited program uses case-based and problem-based learning methods, providing clarity and clarity of behavior. It also maintains strong relationships with leading financial firms to continuously develop and improve its curriculum and instruction delivery, ensuring compliance with industry standards and professional development. This allows students to apply accounting techniques and concepts at a practical level similar to what they would expect in the real world.
The school has been producing CPA license exam passers and top writers over the years.
On the other hand, its BS Business Administration (BSBA) program uses both experiential learning and a collaborative learning approach tailored to employer response and industry needs, helping to ensure that graduates develop not only technical knowledge but also valuable business skills. The live cases used by the program were coded with FEU’s industry partners to help ensure that the concepts they learn are fresh and practical.
As of 2024, the program has three specialized tracks, namely Financial Management, Marketing Management, and Business Management.
BS Internal Auditing (BSIA) is another internationally recognized and accredited program of the IABF. Like the BSBA, this program has been developed in collaboration with the needs of the industry in mind. Aligned with international internal auditing standards, it prepares students for risk-based auditing, IT auditing, and consulting roles. Its case-based learning approach uses coded cases with FEU’s industry partners and the Philippine chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
The new program BS Human Resources and Organizational Development (BSHROD) and BS Business Economics (BSBE) are initially special tracks of the BSBA program and were established in 2024. Both programs have projects on data analysis and debate and policy advocacy, while BSHROD focuses on organizational change, workforce planning with a strong focus on BSBE-driven leadership and integrated values. in the industry.
BSHROD and BSBE are expected to have their first batch of graduates (as a separate program from BSBA) in FEU’s 100th year.
A lasting legacy of change and success
FEU IABF has spent nearly a century shaping tomorrow’s business leaders, building a legacy that spans generations of influence and industry leadership. Among the distinguished alumni are pioneering figures such as Henry Sy Sr., founder of SM, Benjamin Punongbayan, founder of P&A Grant Thornton, and Alfonso Yuchengco, founder of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, whose contributions have helped shape key sectors of the Philippine economy.
This tradition of success continues with recent graduates, including Megaworld President and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, Deloitte Sweden General Manager Febb Diola, and Common Ground Country Manager Roegan Taron, among many others who continue to lead global and local industries.
The university’s commitment to good practice, ethical design, and industry relevance produces not only skilled, business-minded professionals but also community-engaged, service-oriented individuals who are ready to lead in changing environments.“We want IABF programs to focus on the university’s values of Fortitude, Excellence, and Uprightness,” said IABF Dean Lapuz.“This helps our students apply concepts to practice, make data-driven decisions, adapt, and become business leaders who shape the future.”
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