To further the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Initiatives of the Firm, members of SGV’s Tax team met with representatives from the Development Action for Women Network (DAWN) in Bocobo Commercial Center, Ermita, Manila on 26 July 2022.
The SGV Tax team with DAWN and SIKHAY members
The SGV Tax team was led by Asean Tax DE&I Lead Victor C. De Dios. He was assisted by Indirect Tax (IDT) Senior Director Atty. Alden Patrick C. Labaguis, Associate Directors Atty. Gracia Mae A. Beronilla and Atty. Dawna Fya O. Bandiola, and Senior Associates Atty. Catriona Janelle V. Gayatin and Atty. Andrea Nicole C. Loreno. They met with DAWN Executive Director Carmelita “Mel” G. Nuqui and Coordinator Lance Alexander S. Velasco, who welcomed the Team by showing them a short clip of DAWN’s advocacies and activities over the years.
The SGV Tax team exchanged ideas with DAWN on DE&I initiatives such as providing possible employment opportunities to DAWN’s members, conducting training programs on taxation laws, compliance, and financial reporting requirements, and initiating other learning events. They discussed DE&I projects which can be developed to include the organization’s objective of providing help and support to women migrants and their children and to overseas Filipino workers.
Ms. Nuqui, Mr. Velasco, and Alternative Livelihood Program Coordinator Ms. Mary Joy E. Barcelona also gave the SGV Tax Team a brief tour of the Sikap Buhay (SIKHAY) production and training area, which houses sewing and handloom weaving machines and equipment and products. They agreed to continue their collaboration and partnership in implementing the proposed initiatives.
DAWN is a non-government, non-profit organization assisting distressed women migrants returning from Japan and their Japanese-Filipino children, along with migrant domestic worker returnees from Asia and the Middle East, by promoting and protecting their rights and welfare.
