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SGV Global Compliance & Reporting (GCR) Partner Saha A. Bulagsak was the resource speaker in the Withholding Tax on Wages (WTW) and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) seminars under the SGV TaxBaSe series. The seminars were held from 17 to 20 October at the SGV Cebu, Makati, and Clark offices.  Saha with the SGV Clark participants Saha discussed the taxation of compensation and other employee benefits, including fringe benefits. She was joined by GCR Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño in the question-and-answer sessions at the Makati and Clark offices.   Fatma, Leo, Stewart, and Saha during the Q&A sessions in Makati and Cebu (From left to right) Fatma, Saha, and Leo GCR Senior Director Fatma Aleah A. Datukon, Director David Jonathan F. Manalili, and Associate Director Stewart Herbie T. Po hosted the sessions in SGV Makati, Clark, and Cebu, respectively. 

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte was a panelist at the Asian Development Bank’s Gender Equality and Climate Resilience: Role of Public Financial Management (PFM) event on 7 November 2023. Benjie participated in the panel discussion on Improving climate outcomes through PFM. Over 80 ADB staff attended the hybrid event. (From left to right) Moderator Tahmeen Ahmad with Panelists Yoko Watanabe, Benjie Villacorte, Antonio Blasco, and Srinivas Gurazada Benjie talked about the landscape of sustainability reporting in the Philippines’ private sector and discussed the standards and sample disclosures that the industry reports on. He also shared how the public sector may learn valuable lessons from the experiences of the private sector on sustainability reporting and in terms of establishing clear sustainability goals, integrating sustainability into core processes, engaging with stakeholders, utilizing technology, adopting reporting frameworks, and embracing knowledge sharing.  Other panelists were Climate Change, Resilience and Environment Cluster (CCRE) Environment Director Yoko Watanabe and Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Secretariat Head Srinivaz Gurazada and PEFA Senior Governance Specialist Antonio Blasco. ADB Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department (PPFD) Senior Tahmeen Ahmad served as the moderator. ADB PPFD Director General Aman Trana gave the closing remarks. 

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Glenda C. Anisco-Niño was a panelist at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s 2nd Sustainability Forum on “Advocating Sustainability as a Serious Business.” The forum was held on 24 October 2023 at the RCBC Hexagon Lounge. It was also streamed online to RCBC clients. The forum aimed to highlight RCBC’s commitment to sustainable finance and development. Glenda at RCBC’s 2nd Sustainability Forum Glenda talked about sustainability for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), reconciling costs, the possible long-term benefits of sustainability, and ways for SMEs to start integrating sustainability in their operations. She also discussed how banks can further support SMEs in their sustainability objectives. RCBC President and Chief Executive Officer Eugene S. Acevedo delivered the opening remarks and provided an overview of the bank’s sustainable-finance programs. RCBC Chief Sustainability Officer Armi Laberte spoke about the bank’s sustainability highlights and plans. Glenda (second from right) with co-panelists and moderator during the panel discussion During the panel discussion on Sustainable Finance, Glenda was joined by co-panelists RCBC Chief Risk Officer Gabby Tomas, RCBC Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking Beth Coronel, and Topline Energy Independent Director and former Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Atty. Leonido Pulido.

SGV Consulting Partner Joseph Ian M. Canlas was a speaker at the 64th Annual National Convention and Seminar organized by the Association of Government Internal Auditors (AGIA) from 17 to 20 October at the Boracay Newcoast Convention Center in Malay, Aklan. Around 800 participants attended the sessions in-person, while 200 participated virtually.  Ian at the AGIA 64th Annual National Convention and Seminar Ian talked about navigating the complexities of risk. He shared insights on current and emerging risks, the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework and related roles and responsibilities, and examples of ERM implementation best practices applied by government agencies. Ian receives token of appreciation from AGIA Board Other speakers from the public and private sector and academe also conducted technical training sessions and panel discussions on topics such as the future of IA, use of data analytics, leadership, governance, integrity, accountability, and navigating risks. AGIA is a non-government organization that aims to provide quality seminars and training for internal auditors and allied professionals in the Philippine public sector.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte was a speaker at the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) Conference 2023 held at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. The conference highlighted solutions to accelerate the Philippines’ private sector net-zero journey. Benjie answers questions during the opening plenary session During the opening plenary session, Benjie talked about the state of net-zero corporate pledges in the Philippines. He shared how SGV, as a member firm of EY, is committed to EY’s global Carbon Ambition to achieve net zero by 2025. He talked about the establishment of the SGV Sustainable Actions for Value-Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council and the operationalization of sustainability within the Firm. Benjie mentioned how SGV engages with its stakeholders by hosting awareness sessions such as the Sustainabits and WebCCaSS sessions for its employees and dialogues with its suppliers on greening SGV’s supply chain. He also mentioned some of the initiatives implemented by the Firm to reduce GHG emissions, such as lessening business travels of engagement teams and using a renewable-energy service provider. Benjie signs NZCA’s pledge of commitment on behalf of SGV Benjie signed a pledge of commitment on behalf of the Firm to commit to taking immediate action toward achieving carbon neutrality.  Members of the CCaSS team and SGV’s SAVE Council, namely Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell, Associate Director Louie Adrianne R. Cediño, and Senior Associate Zoe Aurora H. Romero, supported BNV during the event. (From left to right) Senior Associate Zoe Aurora H. Romero, Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell, NZCA Executive Director and Energy Development Corporation AVP and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Atty. Allan Barcena, CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, and Associate Director Louie Adrianne R. Cediño The NZCA is an initiative by the Energy Development Corporation, a leading vertically integrated geothermal power producer. It aims to engage with corporations in the Philippines to achieve net-zero emissions aligned with the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of up to 72.29 per cent conditional emissions reduction by 2030. 

SGV partners, managers, and staff participated in the Mining Philippines International Conference and Exhibition. The conference, with the theme “Seeing Green: Shaping a Sustainable Minerals Development Industry,” was organized by The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. This was the first in-person Mining Philippines Conference in three years since the pandemic. It was held at the EDSA Shangri-La Manila. (From left to right) SGV Senior Policy Advisor, former Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert, EY Global Lead Mining & Metals Analyst Associate Director Angie Beifus, SGV CCaSS Partner Katrina F. Francisco, SGV Market Group 7 Leader Jose Pepito E. Zabat III, and Alumni Partner Jaime “Jimmy” F. Del Rosario SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Katrina F. Francisco was a resource speaker on “Leveraging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) for social responsiveness.” In the session co-presented by SGV, Katrina talked about unlocking lasting benefits for social development and management programs.  EY Global Lead Mining & Metals Analyst Associate Director Angie Beifus was also a resource speaker on “Optimizing opportunities: The global landscape of mineral development.” SGV Assurance Partner Eleanore A. Layug and SGV Market Group 7 Leader Jose Pepito E. Zabat III (center) with members of the mining and metals sector group SGV had an SGV Sustainability Booth during the conference. Delegates from the exploration, mining, mineral processing and services industries including professional associations attended the event. 

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), in collaboration with SGV as its Knowledge Partner, conducted the 2023 NextGen CEO program from June to November 2023. This marks the program’s third year and aims to empower leaders to future-proof their businesses and emerge as transformative trailblazers in their respective sectors. The program concluded with the graduation ceremony and the recognition of the Outstanding Transformative Leader along with special awardees on 9 November 2023 at the Sheraton Hotel. SGV Consulting Leader and EY Asean Business Consulting Leader Rossana A. Fajardo, Consulting Partner Maria Kathrina S. Macaisa-Pena, SGV Consulting Markets Leader and Principal Lee Carlo Abadia, and Consulting Principal Randall C. Antonio led the program with the sponsorship of SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan. Consulting support team members Carol Aquino-Formilleza, Irish Anne Galaroza, and Patricia Ann Empleo assisted with planning and logistics for the face-to-face classes and virtual catch-ups. NextGen Leaders receive plaques of recognition The recognized Transformative Leaders are: 2023 Outstanding Transformative Leadership Awardee Donn GamboaWhite Cloak Technologies, Inc.Project: Unang Paglinang – Aims to provide an avenue for young, bright minds to leapfrog societal barriers and grasp a brighter, more secure future while contributing to the country’s rise as a go-to destination for IT Talent.  2023 Transformation Challenge Special Awardees Atty. Jo Kristine “Kaye” CeleraRegulatory Affairs Director – East ZoneManila Water CompanyProject: SCALE-UP - Aims to effectively create a culture of responsible sanitation management. Rolan Marco “Rolan” GarciaFounding CEO and Managing PartnerEmbiggen GroupProject:  Embiggen Ventures – Aims to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence’s use in driving new disruptive businesses. NextGen CEO Transformative Leaders Efren Caringal, Jr.COOInsular Life Neal Carlson “Neal” CoGeneral ManagerParkmall Micah del CarmenPresidentNoahsys Corporation Gene Atilano GañganDirector for Research and Talent Intelligence PracticeZMG Ward Howell, Inc. Eduardo Luis “Ed” LuyPresident and COOMacroAsia Corporation    Sergio “Serge” Oñate Ramos IIIPresident and Co-FounderPCI Innovations Tech Center, Inc.  Elvin Ivan “Elvin” UyExecutive DirectorPhilippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Al Douglas “A.D.” VillaosSenior AVP - Business DevelopmentVivant Energy Corporation Juan Antonio “Ja” VillaluzPresidentSouthland College Cristina “Tina” VivasHead of Consumer Goods and Retail, Food Service, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals DivisionZMG Ward Howell, Inc. Technology@Speed Plenary participants The program commenced on 29 June with a Leading with Purpose session.  Through 20 July to 17 August, various plenary sessions delved into EY’s transformative drivers: Humans@Center, Technology@Speed, and Innovation@Scale. Social events were also integrated into the program on 24 August and 19 October. Leading with Purpose session Technology@Speed Plenary with guest speaker Noel Mendoza Leaders in their respective fields were invited as plenary guest speakers to share insights and experiences related to each of the transformative drivers. These included EY Singapore Business Consulting Partner Zee Fakier, EY Sydney Associate Director Nadia Woodhouse, AIA Philippines Chief Technology Officer Noel Mendoza, and Sanofi Australia & New Zealand Managing Director Gladys Peters. BS Works Chief Executive Officer and NextGen Committee Chair Cliff Eala was also present.  SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan speaks at the SGV-MAP social event NextGen Committee Chair Cliff Eala gives his speech at the SGV-MAP social event As the program’s final requirement, participants proposed a transformative idea for implementation within their respective companies, sector, or larger community. These ideas should embody Purpose and the transformative drivers emphasized during the program. The participants were coached by CL Follosco Group, Inc. CEO and President Maria Ester Follosco-Bautista; UBE Media, Inc. President Donna May Lina; Asticom Technology Inc. President and CEO Mharicar Castillo Reyes; Pacific Sun Solutions, Inc. President Deliza Goze Ridoloso and SGV Consulting Partners Rossana A. Fajardo, Ryan Gilbert K. Chua, Jan Ray G. Manlapaz, Marnelli Eileen J. Fullon, Charisse Rossielin Y. Cruz, Warren R. Bituin, and Principal Lee Carlo B. Abadia. 

The SGV Consulting team organized the 8th installment of the SheInspires series titled “The Style Revolution: Creating Great Impressions” on 26 October 2023 at the Washington SyCip Development Center (WSDC) Training Rooms. The seminar aimed to underscore the influence of professional dressing on leadership presence and the development of a stronger brand image in today’s workforce. Business of Style President and CEO Tati Miranda Fortuna at the SheInspires forum Business of Style President and CEO Tati Miranda Fortuna emphasized the importance of making great first impressions. She discussed the ABC of Leadership Presence (Appearance, Behavior, and Communication) and presented a selection of basic clothing essentials for men and women. She also shared a guide to curating a sustainable wardrobe.Consulting Partner Maria Kathrina S. Macaisa-Peña and Consulting Leader Rossana A. Fajardo delivered the opening and closing remarks, respectively. Consulting Principal Lee Carlo B. Abadia and Assurance Partner Djole S. Garcia served as moderators during the question-and-answer session with Tati. Tati talks about work wear wardrobe essentials for men This installment was the first in-person session of the SheInspires series since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 

SGV Assurance Associate Shannen C. Jagwani ranked 1st in the May – June 2023 US Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. She also received the Priscilla S. Payne Outstanding Student Performance Award for her excellent scores on the exam. The results were announced on 20 September 2023.  SGV Assurance Associate Shannen C. Jagwani, CPA, CMA The CMA title is a credential that represents enhanced expertise in areas of accounting and finance, with competencies in strategic thinking, business analysis, and leadership. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Congratulations, Shannen!

SGV Assurance Partner Bienvenido “Bien” M. Rebullido II and members of the SGV Clark team participated in the ACPAPP Central Luzon and PICPA Angeles City Chapter joint seminar on International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1 and the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. The seminar aimed to help audit practitioners from different parts of Central Luzon (Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, and Zambales) gain a better understanding of the said topics. Bien talks about ISQM 1 and its objective Bien was the technical speaker for the session while SGV Clark Head and Partner-in-Charge Margaux A. Advincula, Market Group 7 Leader Jose Pepito “Peps” E. Zabat, Global Compliance and Reporting Partner Hentje Leo Leaño, and Tax Director David Jonathan Manalili were also in attendance. Bien (center) receives a certificate of appreciation; he is joined by Margaux (fifth from left) and Peps (fifth from right) ACPAPP Central Luzon President Ligaya T. David and PICPA Angeles City Chapter President Aira Vanessa B. De Guzman gave the welcome remarks and President’s report and closing remarks, respectively. ACPAPP Central Luzon Director of Professional Development Marvin Mallari led the reading of the Oath of the CPAs. Former ACPAPP Central Luzon President Ma. Lerma M. Reyes introduced Bien as the seminar’s resource speaker and facilitated the question-and-answer session.