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Seven SGV Consulting members successfully earned their Agile Project Management Foundation & Practitioner (AgilePM®) certifications. The AgilePM® certification represents a milestone in their professional development and stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence in project management. Certified AgilePM® professionals Director Raymante F. Asuncion, Senior Associate Aldrin C. Castro, Director Joseph Albert R. Dela Rosa, Senior Associate Kimberly E. Ebuenga, Associate Director Ma. Airra S. Hernandez, Senior Associate Maridella A. Javal, and Senior Associate Mark Christian D. Vejano obtained their respective AgilePM® certifications by demonstrating a deep understanding of Agile principles and practices. They also demonstrated their ability to apply these principles and practices effectively in complex transformation projects. The AgilePM® certification equips practitioners with critical skills to efficiently navigate and lead through the complexities of today’s fast-paced project environment.  Congratulations to our Consulting colleagues! 

SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, SGV Sustainability Services Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte, and SGV Consulting Partner Allan W. Ocho joined the 31st Accounting Teachers Conference organized by the National Association of CPAs in Education (nACPAE). The event was held from 13 to 15 June 2024 at the University of Santo Tomas. SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (second from right) receives plaque of appreciation Wilson engaged with accounting educators and industry representatives as a reactor in the Kapihan Session. He provided insights on the sustainability of accounting education, in relation to UST-AMV College of Accountancy Dean Patricia M. Empleo's presentation. SGV Sustainability Services Partner and PSRC Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte (center) receives plaque of appreciation Wilson also discussed reviving the attractiveness of the accounting practice, emphasizing SGV's role in providing diverse opportunities within the profession, including tax and consulting services, and focusing on culture, continuous learning, and innovation. SGV Consulting Partner Allan W. Ocho (center) receives plaque of appreciation He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the academe, enhancing the accounting curriculum with current issues like sustainability and cybersecurity, and upgrading the profession's image to attract future talent. The session aimed to redefine the roles of accounting teachers in sustaining the profession beyond the CPA licensure examinations. Benjamin and Allan served as resource speakers for the technical sessions titled "Preparing Accounting Teachers for Sustainability Reporting in the Philippines" and "AI and Professional Accountants: Is AI Coming for Your Job?" respectively.

SGV collaborated with international entrepreneurship leaders at the annual Youth Co:Lab Summit in Manila, aimed at nurturing inclusive youth entrepreneurship. The summit's theme this year underscored the crucial role young entrepreneurs play in driving sustainable innovation and extending their reach to underserved communities, while advocating for a just and inclusive green economy. Youth Co:Lab hosts welcome summit participants The two-day summit held from 26 to 28 June at the Asian Development Bank featured a series of key activities including a session on embracing setbacks as opportunities for innovation, a mentorship initiative addressing critical challenges, and a forum for providing constructive feedback to more than a dozen youth-led startups. SGV Partners, Principals, and Managers worked with leaders and representatives from Citi Bank, Citi Foundation, and the Asian Development Bank, offering their insights to support purpose-driven entrepreneurs. They also encouraged fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and actualizing the principles of EY Ripples and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Partners and Principals who were present at the event were Kristopher S. Catalan, Janeth T. Nuñez-Javier, Christian G. Lauron, Smith C. Lim, Francis J. Ricamora, Christine G. Vallejo, and Leomar G. Velez. Managers Joaquin Mikhail A. Afable, Paul John B. Gesta, Reah D. Gordo, Ruben D. Simon Jr., Kim Lemuel F. Velasco, and Von Zierwin M. Villanueva were also present.  The summit convened a diverse group of over 300 youth entrepreneurs, government officials, Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs), corporations, impact investors, and community organizations from the Asia Pacific region, all committed to shaping a just and sustainable future.

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Financial Crime Risk Management (FinCrime) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Associate Alech Nicole C. Margallo is now a Certified Audit and Investigations Professional (CAIP), Certified Anti-Financial Crime Professional (CFCP), and Certified Money Laundering Prevention Professional (CMLP).  SGV FSO FinCrime–AML Associate Alech Nicole C. Margallo, CAIP, CFCP, CMLP Alech completed a series of courses and modules and passed the respective online examinations for CAIP, CFCP, and CMLP. She was certified by the Financial Crime Academy, an external online education provider for the global anti-financial crime community. The CAIP certification qualifies professionals to conduct thorough investigations into corporate misconduct. The CFCP certification provides understanding of financial crime prevention frameworks. The CMLP certification focuses on combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Alech quotes Paulo Coelho, saying that impossible is just an opinion. She believes that success is attainable when we believe it is possible.  Congratulations, Alech!

SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee Chairman Benjamin N. Villacorte served as a resource speaker at the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Accountancy Week Celebration 2024 Opening Ceremony and MMR Day. The event took place on 15 July 2024 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. Benjamin talks about the EPR Act Benjamin discussed the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, emphasizing the significance of sustainable practices and their role in reshaping the future of accounting and environmental stewardship. He was joined by other speakers who talked about Corporate Finance, Agile Accounting, and Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Implementation during the technical sessions.

SGV, in collaboration with the Nordic Chamber of Commerce (NordCham), conducted a seminar on 18 June 2024 entitled "Tax Changes in the Philippines: Understanding RMC 5-2024 and the Impact of EOPT." The seminar aimed to update stakeholders on the latest tax regulations and compliance requirements. SGV Tax Principal Atty. Victor de Dios, Tax Partner Atty. Deonah Marco-Go, and Tax Principal Atty. Donna Frances Ylade-Torres during the Q&A session SGV Tax Partner Atty. Deonah Marco-Go and SGV Tax Principals Atty. Victor de Dios and Atty. Donna Frances Ylade-Torres served as resource speakers. Atty. Deonah initiated the session with an in-depth discussion on the recently issued RMC 05-2024, which further clarifies the proper tax treatment of cross-border services following the Supreme Court En Banc Decision in Aces Philippines Cellular Satellite Corp. v. the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. She highlighted the significance of the memorandum and its potential effects on business stakeholders. Atty. Donna discusses simplifying tax payment procedures The seminar's second segment addressed best practices and tax compliance under the newly implemented Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Law. Atty. Donna explained the streamlined tax payment process for individuals and businesses. Atty. Vic concluded the seminar by sharing his knowledge on customs audits and related Bureau of Customs (BOC) regulatory compliance. The event wrapped up with a panel Q&A session, allowing attendees to seek further clarification on various tax matters from the speakers.

SGV Assurance Partner and Philippine EY Private Leader Kristopher S. Catalan, along with Assurance Managers Arvin C. Bartolome and Krys Joanne J. Adison, participated in Holy Angel University’s (HAU’s) 9th Program Advisory Council Meeting held at the University’s PGN Building on 11 June 2024.  SGV Assurance Partner and Philippine EY Private Leader Kristopher S. Catalan (center) at the 9th Program Advisory Council Meeting Centered on the theme "Future-Proofing Education: Navigating Sustainability and Flexibility in the Business Environment," the meeting focused on closing the gap between the competencies and skills taught in universities and those needed in the real world. HAU alumni and business representatives offered insights and recommendations for enhancing HAU's curriculum for the upcoming academic year. As an HAU alumnus, Kristopher represented SGV at the meeting, where he discussed the importance of initiating real-world competencies and skills at the university level. He highlighted the influence of an organization's sustainability goals on its business objectives and proposed ways for HAU and other institutions to address this gap. Kristopher also stressed the importance of instilling entrepreneurial values early on, noting the Philippines' need for entrepreneurs to fuel economic growth. Other participants contributed feedback for refining the current courses, with a particular emphasis on student mental health and the core and soft skills required to navigate workplace disruptions.

SGV Forensic & Integrity Services (FIS) Associate Nikka Andrea G. Bagaporo passed the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam. She successfully completed the four key sections of the exam: Investigation, Financial Transactions & Fraud Schemes, Fraud Prevention & Deterrence, and Law.  SGV FIS AssociateNikka Andrea G. Bagaporo, CFE Recognized globally, the Certified Fraud Examiner credential denotes proven expertise in fraud prevention, detection, and deterrence. CFEs are trained to identify the warning signs of fraud and fraud risk, helping to protect the global economy by uncovering fraud and implementing processes to prevent fraud from occurring in the first place. CFEs combine knowledge of complex financial transactions with an understanding of investigative techniques, law, and how to resolve allegations of fraud. The CFE exam is administered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) - the world's largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. Congratulations, Drea!

SGV Cybersecurity Principal Philip B. Casanova was a resource speaker at the ISOG I Am Secure 2024 Colloquium I. The event took place on 13 June 2024, at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), gathering cyber leaders to discuss cybersecurity topics, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Operations Technology, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). SGV Cybersecurity Principal Philip B. Casanova at the ISOG I Am Secure 2024 Colloquium I Philip described SGV's involvement in cybersecurity. He presented the Executive Summary of the EY 2024 Global Cybersecurity Insights Study at the event. The study aims to improve understanding of AI's use in cybersecurity and identifies "Secure Creators," organizations that are leading in cybersecurity by adopting AI and other technologies for defense. Philip talks about cybersecurity and AI The colloquium's discussions focused on AI in cybersecurity, outlining the risks and opportunities for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Philip's presentation also provided insights on integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies. Philip's full video presentation is available on the ISOG YouTube page. The presentation can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/hXFUcARh8lY?si=LFRwJc74vyumDjGU&sfnsn=mo.

Members of SGV’s Sustainability Services team recently participated in the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (AmCham) Business Leadership Program (BLP) 2024.  Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell (left) during the question-and-answer portion SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte opened the session by introducing SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) to the participants. He discussed his journey in the sustainability space, highlighted the multi-disciplinary nature of the field, and emphasized its importance for businesses today and in the future. SGV Sustainability team with AmCham BLP participants Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell discussed the new era of sustainability reporting. She talked about the concept of sustainability and its importance in helping companies in creating long-term value. She also discussed the latest developments in sustainability reporting, particularly the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards and the Revised SEC Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. Associate Director Jamaica N. Pangasinan talked about climate change, climate risk and scenario analysis. She provided an overview of the science behind climate change and its impact on the Philippines. She also underscored the importance of having a stable climate in sustaining the Philippine economy. The Sustainability team members shared their insights during the interactive question-and-answer portion with the participants. Benjamin concluded the session by thanking the participants for being proactive and enthusiastic during the session and for being part of a new generation of future climate-literate leaders who recognize the importance of sustainable development for the country. AmCham’s BLP is an annual program that provides opportunities for college students to engage with CEOs and leaders of AmCham member companies through a series of leadership talks, corporate visits, and networking events.