An entire class of accountancy students from Ateneo de Davao University is graduating with Latin honors.

Section 5A produced 9 summa cum laude, 20 magna cum laude and 15 cum laude graduates.

Erick Sagot, class salutatorian and summa cum laude, said no one expected all of them to accomplish the feat, but acknowledged that group studies and team work were key to their success.

“Accountancy will really test your confidence, your patience. (It) even makes you doubt yourself but because isa kami, united kami we endure the pain, the anxiety, the apprehensions together,” he said.

Jedda Pascual, a summa cum laude, thanked his classmates and professors who helped them in their 5 years studying.

“Helpful sila masyado kasi kapag meron kaming hindi naiintindihan, agad eh, 'Consult niyo kami.' Hindi kami nahihiya, ang iba kasi nai-intimidate sa mga professors. Naging close din kami sa kanila kaya mas madali na lang ang interaction namin,” he said.

Jenner Chan, dean of the School of Business and Governance, said this is the first time in the university that an entire class graduated with Latin honors.

"But usually, especially in accountancy class, we have a cream of the crop. First section is our cream of the crop. Most of the time, 80 to 90 percent of the class has a Latin honor. It's just maybe this batch may be so competitive, so deserving to get the Latin honors," he said.

"These students are promising and they really perform well."

The university is hoping that the class will produce the topnotcher in the certified public accountant licensure examination next month. --Report from Bonna Pamplona, ABS-CBN News