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SGV Tax Leader Atty. Fabian “Fame” K. Delos Santos, SGV Tax Partner Atty. Betheena C. Dizon, and Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Senior Director Mary Grace N. Cabalida were resource speakers at the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) briefing for the EduTraining Series #1. The event was recently held at the SGV Makati office. It aimed to enhance the understanding of BIR Audit Preparation and the provisions of the newly enacted Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Law for PASEI's members. SGV Tax Partner Atty. Betheena C. Dizon and SGV Tax Leader Atty. Fabian K. Delos Santos (center) with PASEI members PASEI Chairman Emeritus Edwina L. Beech opened the event. This was followed by PASEI Corporate Secretary Dr. Cristina Castañeda’s introduction of the SGV Team.  Atty. Fame discusses BIR Audit preparation Atty. Fame discussed common issues and strategies for handling BIR Audits, while BCD discussed the provisions and recent tax developments in Republic Act No. 11976 or the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Law. Atty. Beth was joined by GCR Senior Director Mary Grace N. Cabalida.  Atty. Beth talks about the EOPT Law and relevant recent tax developments Business Tax Associate Director Atty. Tracie Kathlynne B. Bacarro hosted the event. Several GCR Senior Associates were also present. PASEI President Raquel E. Bracero delivered the closing remarks. The resource speakers received certificates of appreciation and attendees were handed participation certificates as part of the closing ceremony.

Financial Services Organization (FSO) Senior Associate Jennifer A. Climaco is now a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Jennifer received confirmation from the Project Management Institute (PMI) in December 2023 that after completing a series of courses, trainings, and practice exams, she has now met all requirements for PMP certification. FSO Senior Associate Jennifer A. Climaco, CPA, CLSSGB, PMP The PMP credential validates that its bearers have project management proficiency, real-world project leadership experience, and sound professional ethics. Covering distinct areas such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing a project, the examination tests one's proficiency in managing people, processes, and business priorities in any industry or methodology.  Congratulations, Jennifer!

SGV Consulting Leader Rossana A. Fajardo was a key speaker at ISACA Manila Chapter’s International Women’s Day webinar titled “Count Her In: Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment.” This webinar was the first IWD collaboration event between ISACA Manila, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, and Auckland and the New Zealand Network for Women in Security (NZNWS). It was held via Zoom on 7 March 2024. Rossana at the ISACA Manila IWD webinar Rossana highlighted the critical role that women play in the tech industry and the importance of addressing gender disparities within the sector. She offered various ways to close this gap, including nurturing girls' interest in STEM, hiring with a focus on gender balance, and supporting women's potential as leaders. She urged managers to back women in STEM leadership roles and called for society as a whole and government bodies to endorse tech careers for women and help finance the workforce's shift. Rossana talks about SGV/EY initiatives that support women in technology She further spotlighted two SGV and EY initiatives propelling this cause – the Women in Technology (WiT) program and the EY STEM App. The WiT program fosters the involvement and leadership of women in tech. It comprises educational programs to enhance girls' STEM skills and interest, mentorship to cultivate female tech leadership, support for women tech entrepreneurs, and efforts to diversify the tech workforce. The EY STEM App, a free gamified platform targeting girls aged 13-18, seeks to stimulate interest in STEM fields. The app offers convenient access to engaging content, empowering girls to take control of their learning progress.  Rossana with some of the webinar participants Rossana concluded her talk by encouraging the participants to continue upskilling and sharpening their tech competencies. She cited her personal career transition from an auditor to a tech consultant as an example. For the Q&A session with ISACA Manila members, Rossana emphasized the value of women in leadership roles, explaining that such diversity allows for a more holistic approach toward decision-making within companies.

Strategy and Transactions (SaT) Associate Khylie Anne C. Nicolasora passed the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. She successfully completed both parts of the CMA exam during the following testing periods: May-June 2023 (Part 1) and September-October 2023 (Part 2). The results were announced on 7 March 2024. SaT Associate Khylie Anne C. Nicolasora, 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, Khylie!

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte spoke at an event on Understanding Sustainability in Business at De La Salle University Laguna on 20 March 2024. Among the topics covered in Benjie’s talk were the practices of various industries engaged in sustainability initiatives. Benjie at the DLSU Laguna Campus lecture on sustainability DLSU Laguna Campus Vice President and Dean of the School of Innovation and Sustainability Dr. Jonathan Dungca delivered the opening remarks, focusing on the opportunities among students and faculty in the field of sustainability.  DLSU Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and SGV alumnus Dr. Rufo Mendoza DLSU Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and SGV alumnus Dr. Rufo Mendoza was the keynote speaker for the event. He gave an overview of his book Understanding Sustainability in Business. The book was produced with the assistance of the SGV Foundation (SGVF). Dr. Mendoza also explained the pillars of sustainability and approaches.

SGV was one of the newest corporate members inducted during the 2024 annual Supply Chain Outlook event organized by the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP). SGV Business Consulting Partner Jan Ray G. Manlapaz and Senior Manager Mary Andrea T. Bacani, rom the Supply Chain and Operations (SCO) consulting practice, represented the Firm during the event held at the Symphony Ballrooms of the Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City. They were also joined by SCO Manager Evelyn B. Yamzon during the event.  SGV Business Consulting Partner Jan Ray G. Manlapaz (third from right) represents SGV during the induction of SCMAP corporate members Aside from the induction of corporate members, the event also featured discussions on trends and developments that will impact the supply chain sector in 2024. This included insights from speakers such as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco, who focused on applying a supply chain lens to regional industry issues; Philippine Retailers Association President Roberto Claudio Sr., who gave an overview of the country's retail sector; and Research, Education, and Institutional Development (REID) Foundation's Ronilo Balbieran, who presented his economic outlook for the year. SCMAP members also talked about the organization’s upcoming initiatives and activities. Newly inducted SCMAP corporate members’ representatives The SCMAP is a premier organization representing the country's supply chain industry. It advocates for industry enhancement, communicates relevant developments, and educates practitioners, all with a vision of driving the global competitiveness of the Philippine supply chain sector.

SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel “Chin” Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua participated in the recently held first General Membership Meeting for 2024 organized by the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIAP) at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. SGV Consulting Partner Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza with psychologist Lillian Gui The meeting, themed "Driving Purposeful Change," saw an exchange of insights and best practices among IIAP members and Internal Audit professionals, including SGV representatives. The meeting emphasized how aligning actions with a definite purpose can drive meaningful changes. IIAP 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers The event also marked the induction of the 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers. Chin was inducted as a new IIAP Trustee and Technical Standards & Research Committee Chair. Chin facilitated the session titled "Mapping the Path for Purposeful Personal Transformation." She discussed the key aspects of initiating personal and organizational changes aligning with the vision and mission of the organization. Other plenary discussions during the meeting were on "Corporate Governance Leadership: Strategies for Driving Purposeful Change" and "Internal Audit's Role in Steering Organization's Visionary Drive for Change." Manager Arjane Mae Isla, Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua, Manager Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore Chin and Ryan were joined by Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, Managers Arjane Mae Isla and Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore.

SGV Senior Advisor and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and former Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert was conferred the Romanian National Order of Merit with the Grade of Commander. President Klaus Werner Iohannis of Romania granted this honor in acknowledgment of Ambassador Delia's 50-year career in diplomacy and her pivotal role in peacebuilding initiatives.  Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert (right) receives Romanian National Order of Merit with the Grade of Commander Ambassador Delia served as the chair of the UN Security Council in 2004 and championed the contribution of women to peacebuilding processes. She has also consistently advocated for women in leadership roles while breaking barriers throughout her career. She stands as a role model for women diplomats worldwide and continues to pave the way for younger generations. This conferment underscores her role in strengthening international relations while highlighting the importance of diversity in diplomacy. Congratulations, Ambassador Delia!

SGV tabulated the results of The Business Manual’s 1st CEO Awards held on 28 January 2024 at Shangri-la The Fort. The tabulation team was headed by EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan. EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan and Assurance Manager Krys Joanne J. Adison at The Business Manual’s 1st CEO Awards The SGV tabulators were EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan, Assurance Manager Krys Joanne J. Adison, and Senior Associates Casey Andrea D. Abejar and Hersheyllane A. Gilbuena. SGV supports similar events that allow the Firm and its members to make purposeful connections and celebrate accomplished Filipino entrepreneurs and business leaders.  ​ The Business Manual honored 20 of the country’s most influential CEOs, leaders who have displayed exemplary leadership in their respective industries and made significant societal contributions. Five CEOs who embody the publication’s values in line with its mission to Engage, Inspire, Empower, and Educate aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs were also honored during the event.   CEO awardees (left) and Entrepreneurial Excellence awardees (right) “The CEO Awards recognize the remarkable contributions of visionary leaders whose relentless dedication have fostered innovations, shaped industries, and set benchmarks for excellence in our country,” The Business Manual Editor-in-Chief RJ Ledesma said. Read more on The Business Manual: https://thebusinessmanual-onemega.com/

SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz and SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, along with other members of the Makati Business Club (MBC), met with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Bryant Fernandez in January 2024.   MBC-SEC meeting attendees (Photos courtesy of MBC) They discussed the revised guidelines on Sustainability Reporting, which would require companies to submit more evironmental, social and governance (ESG) information following global metrics. MBC representatives shared concerns around the challenges of getting some of the required disclosures. SGV served as MBC's technical adviser last year for an MBC report on the State of Sustainability Reporting in the Philippines, which was also shared with the SEC as a policy input. The SEC has required publicly listed companies to submit an annual sustainability report since 2019. The MBC’s work on sustainability and access to information is supported by the Center for International Private Enterprise, a US-based institute that works to support democracy and to strengthen the private sector.