Cebuano CPA ties 6th place

FROM FISHERMAN'S SON TO TOPNOTCHER

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Ompad's story is one of resilience, hard work, and family support. Growing up in a family of fishermen in Bantayan, Cebu, he faced the challenges of childhood and the struggle to secure scholarships for his education.

Ompad's story is one of resilience, hard work, and family support. Growing up in a family of fishermen in Bantayan, Cebu, he faced the challenges of childhood and the struggle to secure scholarships for his education.

"Growing up was hard. During my accountancy days, I had to find scholarships. I was a university scholar," he said, highlighting the determination that shaped his academic journey.

Ompad first earned his CPA title at the University of Cebu Main Campus before pursuing law, guided by the values of discipline and perseverance instilled by his parents.

Law school brought new challenges. "During the bar review, I was retrenched from my job as a finance manager in Lapu-Lapu City. I couldn't concentrate at first," he recalled.

With the support of his wife, Jennifer, also a CPA, and their three children, he dedicated himself fully to bar review.

"I told my wife, 'I will focus on the review instead, although naguol gyud ko ato kay wa na ko'y work unya naa ko'y tulo ka anak gibuhi plus mabdos pa akong asawa sa among fourth child,'" he said.

Despite the challenges he faced, he said he had no idea that God had a much bigger plan for him. Though he lost his job and had to focus solely on his bar review, he not only passed the bar exams but also ranked in the top 10.

"Ang akoa ra gyud nga makapasar ko wa' ko nag-expect nga mo-top. Mao na nga lipay kaayo ko labi na akong family ug akong mga parents," he said.