CvSU Imus' First CFMS Passer: Justine Aleman Sets a New Standard

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In a field dominated by challenges and steep learning curves, Justine Grace Aleman has carved her name into Cavite State University - Imus Campus’ history by becoming the first-ever Certified Financial Management Specialist (CFMS) from the esteemed alma mater. But behind the monumental achievement lies a story of quiet determination.

From aspiring accountant to financial management major, student leader, and now, a certified finance specialist, Justine's journey is not just about passing an exam but is about proving that excellence knows no boundaries, even in the most underrated corners of academia.

Justine Grace Aleman never set out to make history.

In fact, when she first walked through the gates of Cavite State University - Imus Campus, her goal was simple: study accountancy, finish strong, and find her place in the world of finance. But fate, as it often does, had other plans.

“Actually, ang original plan ko talaga na program is Accountancy,” she said, looking back. “Pero sa campus natin, hindi siya ino-offer. So pinili ko yung pinakamalapit which is Financial Management.” It was a detour she never anticipated, but one that would quietly prepare her for a future no one, not even Justine, saw coming.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

In the beginning, Justine was just another FM student trying to navigate college life but as semesters passed, the world of finance stopped feeling like a Plan B and started to feel like purpose.

“Mas lumawak ‘yung knowledge ko about finance. Hindi basta-basta napupulot kung saan ang mga ganung kaalaman,” she reflects, emphasizing the crucial role her professors played in helping her learn in ways that were clear and efficient.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗽

Passing the CFMS exam was no easy feat and doing it as the first from CvSU-Imus added an extra layer of pride.

“Hindi ko expected na ako ‘yung first,” Justine admits. “Gusto ko lang talaga na hindi masayang ‘yung mga natutunan ko sa mga professors ko.”

Unlike traditional review sessions, Justine’s preparation was self-driven. “Sa CPACE (Center for Professional Advancement and Continuing Education), module lang ang binibigay. No live lessons. So self-study talaga,” she recalls.

With just a month to prepare and strict Zoom exam protocols, she leaned heavily on the foundation built by her instructors. “Hindi ko sinabi sa professors ko na kukuha ako ng exam. Pero lahat ng tinuro nila—lumabas sa exam. Doon ko nakita ‘yung halaga ng edukasyon sa CvSU.”

Passing the exam didn’t just affirm her skills and also challenged the perceptions of others. “Super underrated ‘yung campus natin sa mga big companies,” she says. During her internship, she was offered a position even before completing her required hours. “Nagulat sila na galing ako sa school na hindi nila kilala, pero kaya kong gawin ‘yung mga ginagawa nila. Doon nila na-realize na may ibubuga ang mga estudyante ng CvSU-Imus.”

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻

Throughout her college years, Justine didn’t just shine academically. She also took on the role of Treasurer for the Central Student Government (CSG), a position that added weight to her already full plate. It was her first time as a student leader, and the learning curve was steep.

“Ang dami kong kailangang i-grasp agad,” she admitted. “But I relied on what I knew. And of course, may mga mentors din like Doc Ching, who really helped me understand how to execute proper financial statements.”

Leadership taught her more than budgeting and reports but it taught her humility. “There was a time may nagpatulong sa akin na treasurer, and I couldn’t answer their question,” she said. “Doon ko narealize na hindi pwedeng ako yung nakakataas pero hindi ko sila matulungan. I had to do better.”

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲

Juggling academics, leadership, internship, and CFMS preparation required tough choices. Justine eventually filed a Leave of Absence from CSG duties to focus on her internship and exam prep. “Nararamdaman na lang ako ng CSG virtually,” she recalls with a laugh, relying on her committee to execute plans while she gave instructions remotely.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆

As graduation approaches, Justine reflects on how far she’s come and what lies ahead. “Kung kaya kong gawin ‘to, baka sa iba pang bagay mas kaya ko pa,” she says with a smile.

Her message to fellow graduates and future Financial Management students is one of perseverance and self-belief: “Keep moving forward. Huwag kayong titigil sa paggawa ng mga bagay na makakabuti sa inyo.”

Justine Grace Aleman is more than a top student or a first-time CFMS passer. She is a testament to what CvSU students can achieve when equipped with determination and mentorship to defy limits.

In her own quiet, powerful way, she has raised the bar not just for herself, but for every student who dares to dream beyond the ordinary.

Written by Carlos Pilar, Staff Writer