2024

Sustainability Services Senior Associate Erica Nicole D. Gomez recently earned her EY Master’s in Sustainability. She was one out of six EY Asia-Pacific members who have been awarded prestigious EY Degrees – five were achieved in Master’s in Sustainability and one in Master’s in Business Analytics. EY Master’s in Sustainability graduate Erica Nicole D. Gomez The graduation ceremony was held in the Metaverse on 4 September and was hosted by Global Learning and Development Leader Simon Brown. The event also featured guest speakers, Global Vice Chair for Talent Trent Henry, Global AI & Data Leader Beatriz Sanz Saiz, and Global Vice Chair for Sustainability. EY Degrees are excellent learning opportunities and underline EY’s commitment to offer its people, across all ranks and locations, unique ways to learn new skillsets and be relevant in an ever-evolving market. EY Degrees and EY Badges can help to accelerate career progression and offer a potential way for differentiation across our many markets.  The three EY Degrees offered in partnership with the renowned Hult International Business School are EY Tech MBA, EY Master’s in Business Analytics and EY Master’s in Sustainability. Learn more about EY Degrees here.  Congratulations, Nicole!

SGV Clark celebrated its Fifth Anniversary by hosting a One Clark briefing and the launch of the 2024 Edition of the Doing Business in Clark publication. The briefing and launch took place at SGV Clark on 19 August 2024 and was attended by 120 participants. Aside from commemorating the office’s fifth anniversary, the event aimed to provide insights into business opportunities within Clark.  Attendees showcase the 2024 Edition of the Doing Business in Clark publication SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan opened the event, followed by SGV Clark Partner-In-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux Advincula, who introduced the speakers. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers his opening remarks SGV Clark Partner-In-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux Advincula introduces the speakers The speakers included Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman and Retired Major General Delfin N. Lorenzana, BCDA Vice President for Investments Promotion and Marketing Erwin Kenneth Peralta, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Vice President for Finance and Administration Nancy Paglinawan. The speakers discussed their respective organizations' plans for Clark in 2024 and beyond, highlighting the area's potential for business and investment. Other key attendees included US Embassy Senior Commercial Counselor Paul Taylor, Economic Counselor Tom Pohlman, Commercial Specialist Easter Villanueva, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IT-BPAP) President Jack Madrid, Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCAD) Executive Director Atty. Carminda Z. Fabros, the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) Board of Directors, CILA President Dr. Francisco Villanueva Jr., and Malaysia Embassy Assistant Trade Commissioner Adhwa Azmil. SGV Vice Chair, Deputy Managing Partner and Assurance Leader Maria Vivian C. Ruiz delivers her closing remarks The event concluded with closing remarks from SGV Vice Chair, Deputy Managing Partner and Assurance Leader Maria Vivian C. Ruiz and a series of video greetings from government officials and business community leaders on SGV Clark's fifth anniversary.

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), a non-stock, not-for-profit national association of corporate directors and other stakeholders engaged in corporate governance, will be holding a Global Governance Summit on September 19, 2024 at the Manila Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel Manila. The summit is part of the ICD’s 25th Anniversary activities. SGV & Co. is a sponsor of the event.The summit will feature sessions with local and international governance practitioners, covering topics such as the impact of shifting geopolitics on board roles, shared responsibility for shared prosperity, and establishing ethical standards for boards and government entities.Participation in the summit meets the recommended best practices for continuing directors’ education prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.To secure a seat at the summit, you can visit https://www.icd.ph/copy-of-icd25thanniversary.

SGV Senior Director Meynard Sardalla was a key resource person in the Industry Experts (IndEx) Forum hosted by the Far Eastern University – Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance (FEU-IABF) on 3 July 2024. The forum aimed to update the FEU-IABF curriculum to reflect the latest advancements and shifts in the accounting profession. FEU IndEx Forum participants Meynard shared insights on industry expectations for graduates and highlighted emerging trends that should be incorporated into the curriculum. He provided critical perspectives on aligning educational programs with current and future industry needs, particularly in the field of taxation.

The JGM Cluster, led by Tax Partner Josenilo G. Mendoza, welcomed the new fiscal year with enthusiasm and unity in Baliuag, Bulacan. The team gathered for a weekend of camaraderie, welcoming new members of the team and celebrating the start of Fiscal Year 2025. JGM Cluster in Bulacan Highlights included a BINI-themed outing with engaging team-building exercises, a lively Mr. and Ms. JGM pageant, various entertaining games, and a creative video presentation that displayed the team's artistic talents. The activities continued with a dinner where everyone donned their best BINI-inspired outfits, followed by swimming and the weekend's showstopper — a TikTok dance performance to "Tiramisu Cake" that had cluster members dancing and laughing.

SGV signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Junior Achievement Philippines, Inc. (JAPI) and the National Association of Certified Public Accountants in Education (NACPAE) for both organizations to participate in the SGV Academy program. The MOA signing took place on 29 July 2024 at the STI Holdings Center in Makati City. At the MOU signing are (seated from left to right) JAPI Learning Solutions Specialist Timothy James Roa, SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian Ruiz, JAPI Executive Director Krishna Alejandrino, SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson Tan, NACPAE Vice President for Professional Development Lorenz Nicole Duna, SGV Consulting Partner and SGV Academy Program Director Allan Ocho, NACPAE Treasurer Dyan Nicole Francisco, (standing from left to right) SGV Transactions & Corporate Finance Senior Manager Mark Adrian Asinas, SGV Assurance Partner Christine Vallejo, and SGV Risk Consulting Senior Jervie Sta. Ana The collaboration specifically targets the Senior High School (SHS) Accounting Teachers Micro Credentialization program, addressing the decline in accountancy student enrollment at higher education institutions. The initiative will equip SHS teachers with additional skills to effectively teach accounting, thereby improving student outcomes and career readiness in the accounting profession. SGV's involvement in the agreement includes providing industry insights to ensure the accounting curriculum is industry-relevant, as well as offering additional support such as training for teachers and mentorship for students. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson Tan, Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian Ruiz, and Consulting Partner and SGV Academy Program Director Allan Ocho signed the agreement on behalf of SGV.  Executive Director Krishna Alejandrino and Learning Solutions Specialist Timothy James Roa signed for JAPI. Vice President for Professional Development Lorenz Nicole Duna and Treasurer Dyan Nicole Francisco, representing President Jasmin May Baniaga, signed for NACPAE. Also in attendance were SGV Assurance Partner Christine Vallejo, SGV Risk Consulting Senior Jervie Sta. Ana, and SGV Transactions & Corporate Finance Senior Manager Mark Adrian Asinas.

SGV was one of the sponsors at the Philippine Institute of Supply Management’s (PISM’s) 31st Supply Link International Supply Management Conference and Exhibit, held from 11 to 12 July 2024. The conference, themed "Building a Future Relevant Supply Chain through ESG," was PISM's main event of the year. SGV Manager Jesah Grace G. Masbad, Senior Manager Mary Andrea T. Bacani, Partner Jan Ray G. Manlapaz, and Manager Robert James A. Paulmino at the SGV booth SGV Partner Jan Ray G. Manlapaz and SGV Senior Manager Mary Andrea T. Bacani represented the Firm at the conference. SGV also had a booth where Jan Ray and Managers Jesah Grace G. Masbad and Robert James A. Paulmino presented SGV's Supply Chain and Operations Consulting services. The first day featured plant tours at Monde Nissin Corporation and Mega Prime Foods. The tours provided insights into operational practices and supply chain management. On the second day, the conference hosted discussions on sustainable supply chain practices. SGV Partner Joseph Ian M. Canlas (JMC) participated as a resource speaker and panel member in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) panel discussion. The conference also featured speakers from Converge ICT Solutions, the UP Alumni Association, Mega Prime Foods, SC Johnson, Manila Water Inc, Monde Nissin Corporation, Ace Hardware, and DHL Summit Solutions. They shared their knowledge on topics such as the circular economy, carbon footprint reduction, green supply chains, and the integration of ESG principles into corporate governance.

Members of the SGV Cebu team participated in the 2024 Philippine Sustainability Now Forum: Cebu Edition, which took place at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Lahug, Cebu City, on 19 July 2024. Atty. Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim receives certificate of appreciation SGV Partner Atty. Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim delivered a presentation titled "Incentivizing Sustainability: Tax Compliance and ESG Investment Strategies," offering insights into various tax incentives available to support sustainability efforts in the Philippines. SGV Cebu team members Senior Director Rose T. Tejerero, Associate Directors Atty. Ernest Adrian Co, Stewart Herbie T. Po, Athena Mae Luce, and Senior Associates Atty. Ron Christian T. Eupeña, Atty. Sheena Feby B. Leopardas, and Atty. Desiree Clemence B. Panelo also attended the event. The 2024 Philippine Sustainability Now Forum: Cebu Edition gathered industry stakeholders to address the intricate landscape of sustainability within Cebu province and the Central Visayas region. The forum aimed to support the acceleration of Cebu's economic growth while prioritizing a shift towards a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for the region.

SGV Partner Sonia D. Segovia concluded her term as Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Chair. The turnover ceremony took place at the Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay on 28 June 2024. Sonia delivers her message Sonia led PICPA MMR from July 2023 to June 2024. Her term introduced new professional development programs, increased member engagement, addressed key industry issues, and intensified collaboration among other PICPA Chapters under the "ONE MMR" initiative.Sonia for ONE MMR Sonia expressed gratitude to her colleagues, including officers, advisers, and members, for their support. She also stressed the importance of stewardship and the responsibility of passing on leadership. She affirmed that inspiring and preparing the next generation of leaders helps collectively impact professions and communities. Success, she noted, lies in nurturing and empowering those who will follow.Sonia receives leadership award and token of appreciation SGV Partners Henry M. Tan, Aileen L. Saringan, Maricris U. See, Hentje Leo L. Leano, Peter R. Ventura, Meynard A. Bonoen, Francis J. Ricamora, Michael A. Madlangbayan, Shane Dave D. Tanguin, and Senior Managers Joanne Marie D. Macainag-Cobacha, Meynard L. Sardalla, and Marivic M. Rebulanan attended the event. Alumni Partners Leonardo J. Matignas Jr. and Gerard B. San Victores were also present.

SGV Tax Senior Director Meynard L. Sardalla conducted a seminar with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Negros Occidental Chapter on “Handling BIR Audit and 2024 Tax Updates” on 17 July 2024. Over 60 participants from Western Visayas attended the event.  Meynard discusses tax return filing Meynard provided an overview of the BIR audit process and practical tips on handling tax assessments. He also shared his insights on the latest developments in the Philippine tax landscape, particularly the Ease of Paying Taxes Act. He addressed participant questions in an interactive forum. Meynard receives plaque of appreciation The seminar was sponsored by the PICPA Negros Occidental Chapter as part of its 2024 Accountancy Week celebration.