The Development Center for Finance successfully conducted its last public seminar for 2019. The Financial Planning and Forecasting Seminar was held at the Cesar E. A. Virata School of Business, University of the Philippines, Diliman for three consecutive Saturdays (September 14, 21 and 28). It was well attended, having 42 participants.

Dr. Arthur Cayanan handled Day 1. He discussed critical factors considered in financial planning and forecasting – macroeconomics using actual Philippine historical data, industry analysis and its common techniques, and the strategic planning model.

On Day 2, Prof. Pamela Lloren-Alcantara reviewed participants on financial statement analysis and walked them through the financial statement method in forecasting, and cash budgeting.  Learnings were reinforced through exercises.

The last day was held at the computer lab. Prof. Diogenes Dy guided participants through hands-on preparation of forecasted income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows of an actual company through MS Excel and using tools and techniques learned during the past two sessions. Discounted cash flow valuation was taught and computed.

Some of the feedback about the seminar were:

“Very lively conduct of the presentation and discussion, which made the participants more interested.”

“Sir Cayanan knows his craft very well. He has so many relevant examples that were helpful for the topics.”

“Too many learning today but professor was able to deliver it in an efficient and timely manner.”

“The speaker is very knowledgeable and its very nice that he shares some excel shortcuts/formulas to the class.”