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Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), represented by Director of Global Market Development for the TRUE Program Mihir Thakkar, officially awarded the Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Precertification to the SGV 1 and SGV 2 Buildings, making them the first TRUE Precertified facilities in the country. TRUE is a zero waste certification program dedicated to measuring, improving, and recognizing zero waste performance. Precertification recognizes projects that have implemented the fundamental actions and policies needed to effectively pursue zero waste and have demonstrated a commitment to achieving TRUE certification. The official awarding ceremony was held on 8 November 2023 at the SGV 1 Building in Makati City. (From left to right) CCaSS Director Rey Azarcon, CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, Director of Global Market Development for the TRUE Program Mihir Thakkar, SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, Chief Sustainability Officer and SAVE Council Chair Clairma T. Mangangey, and SAVE Council Partner Alvin M. Pinpin during the official awarding ceremony SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan along with SGV Sustainable Actions for Value-Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council Partners Clairma T. Mangangey, Benjamin N. Villacorte, and Alvin M. Pinpin received the certificate on behalf of SGV. This signifies the Firm’s commitment to resource efficiency and responsible waste management in the operations of the SGV 1 and SGV 2 buildings. SGV Partners and Leaders with Mihir and the SGV TRUE team The awarding highlighted SGV's achievements and efforts in promoting environmental stewardship. It offered a platform for the GBCI to discuss the opportunities and best practices within the region for achieving full TRUE Certification with members of the Procurement and Facilities Group (PFG) and the Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team, who also comprise the SGV TRUE team. The TRUE Program for the SGV 1 and SGV 2 Buildings is a project of the SAVE Council's Environment Pillar. It is also a testament to the growing emphasis on sustainability in the built environment.

Members of SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team hosted a Sustainabits session on tackling the food waste problem on 27 October 2023. The session, titled “The Avalanche of Food Waste: A Threat to Climate Change and Hunger,” aimed to raise awareness among SGVeans about the global food waste problem, which impacts the twin challenges of climate change and hunger.  CCaSS team talks about the avalanche of food waste The presenters during the session were Associate Director Charmaine Dialde, Senior Associate Rianna Bengzon, and Associate Paul Ludovice. They discussed the difference between food waste and food loss, statistics on food waste in a global and local setting, and the relevant sustainable development goals focusing on the matter. They also touched on the main drivers of food waste and its environmental impact contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and wasted resources. The team concluded their presentation by sharing tips on how to prevent food waste at home or in the office and the global initiatives on combating food waste to inspire the attendees to reduce their own food waste. CCaSS Partner Conrad Allan M. Alviz delivered the closing remarks. He highlighted the need to be more conscious about food waste and consumption to help protect the environment, especially this coming holiday season. The session concluded with a Declaration of Commitment on reducing food wastage, urging SGVeans to take a step towards the reduction of food waste, thereby decreasing its corresponding environmental impact.  The SAVE Council’s Sustainabits is a monthly thirty-minute session that covers concepts, trends, regulations, and industry practices around sustainability and climate change. 

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 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.

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.

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. 

SGV Clark Head and Partner-in-Charge Atty. Margaux A. Advincula, joined by Business Tax Advisory (BTA) Senior Associate Atty. Jessica Ella S. Lagman and Atty. Fatima Kate N. Garo, participated in the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (AmCham) – North Luzon Chapter’s meeting on updates and developments for New Clark City held at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Clark Office in Clark Global City on 19 October 2023. Atty. Margaux at the AmCham – North Luzon Chapter’s meeting on updates and developments for New Clark City Atty. Margaux introduced BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang as the guest speaker for the event. Engr. Bingcang talked about the BCDA’s commitment to leveraging the potential of its strategic Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to foster sustainable growth and create opportunities for all. He led the discussion on the latest developments, upcoming projects, and available opportunities for partnerships in New Clark City (NCC). BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang  Engr. Bingcang highlighted the present and future NCC projects related to infrastructure, tourism, housing, sports and education – specifically mentioning the NCC-to-Clark Airport access road, as well as the NCC-to-SCTEX Tollgate openings this November 2023, and the North-South Commuter Railway Project, which would allow people to travel from Manila to Clark or vice versa in less than an hour. Atty. Margaux (third from left, first row) with AmCham North Luzon Board Members Erlinda Pamintuan (fourth from left, first row), Francis Initorio (tenth from left, second row), Vice President Krizia Tranquilino (third from right, first row), and BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang (eleventh from left, second row) with other meeting attendees The meeting brought together AmCham members, business owners and investors, as well as prominent business leaders in Clark, Pampanga.

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.