2024

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.

Members of the SGV Cebu team participated in the Written Exam Challenge organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Cebu Chapter as part of their Accountancy Week Celebration from 14 to 20 July 2024. SGV was one of the sponsors for the event.   SGV Proctors with the Written Exam Challenge participants SGV Associate Director Atty. Ernest Adrian Co and Senior Associates Atty. Trixia Lou Diaz and Atty. Christine Rose Y. Lagura-Ortelano served as proctors during the Written Exam Challenge for Regulatory Framework for Business Transactions (RFBT) held on 15 July. (From left to right) PICPA Cebu Sectoral Director for Education Gensbergh G. Rago, Former PICPA Cebu President Katherine Mae S. Migriño, PICPA Cebu Secretary Earl Lorenz N. Minerva, PICPA Eastern Visayas Region Senior Regional Director and National VP For Education Sugar B. Sagarino, SGV Associate Director Atty. Ernest Adrian F. Co, SGV Senior Associate Atty. Trixia Lou A. Diaz, and SGV Senior Associate Atty. Christine Rose Y. Lagura-Ortelano SGV Senior Associate Atty. John Carlos M. Canonigo (left) and Associate Directors Atty. Ernest Adrian Co (fifth from left) and Stewart Herbie T. Po (sixth from left) pose for a group photo with the Top 10 Students SGV Associate Directors Atty. Ernest Adrian Co and Stewart Herbie T. Po, along with SGV Senior Associate Atty. John Carlos M. Canonigo, presented awards to the Top 10 Students and Top 5 Schools who achieved the highest scores among all participants in the written exam. The awarding ceremony took place on July 18. SGV Cebu Partner-in-charge Margem A. Tagalog and SGV Cebu Partners Saha A. Bulagsak and Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim provided support and guidance to the members of the SGV Cebu team during the event.

SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chairman Benjamin N. Villacorte led the PSRC Private Sector Forum on 16 July 2024.  Benjamin leads PSRC Private Sector Forum Benjamin discussed the Prototype Philippine Jurisdictional Roadmap for adopting International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards.  The forum highlighted the presentation on the prototype roadmap, engaged participants in a Q&A session, and reiterated PSRC's dedication to advancing sustainable and resilient practices. The event, which saw over 400 attendees from various companies and stakeholders, also introduced the PSRC members, explained the roadmap's development, and discussed the global and regional progress on ISSB Standards adoption.

SGV Partners and Managers joined the 2024 Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Geographical Area Office (GAO) Tax Conference with the theme “Adapting to Change: Navigating Economic Shifts and Tax Reforms and Developments in 2024.” The event was held on 25 June 2024 at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom in Malate, Manila. Around 300 participants attended the event. Tax Conference Co-Chair Meynard Sardalla, PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia, SGV Alumni Partner Gerry B. Sanvictores, Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See, PICPA SMMC President Aileen L. Saringan, and Tax Conference Committee Member Earvin Darren Lee PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia and Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See led the PICPA MMR GAO team. Tax Senior Directors Meynard Sardalla and Earvin Darren Lee served as Co-Chair and Committee Member, respectively. Meynard and Earvin also served as the Masters of Ceremonies during the event. Atty. Deonah discusses cross-border transactions and transfer pricing audit Tax Partner Atty. Deonah L. Marco-Go discussed the transfer pricing rules and regulations in the Philippines, and how they compare to global transfer pricing trends. BIR Commissioner Hon. Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. delivers his keynote speech Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. delivered his keynote speech on the BIR’s achievements, ongoing programs, and plans, which aim to promote better taxpayer services and better growth and collections. Panel discussion on handling tax issues, EOPT, cross-border transactions, transfer pricing audit and tax on digital economy with Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See (right) as panelist (Photos courtesy of PICPA) The session concluded with a roundtable discussion joined by Maricris. Questions and clarifications on the topics discussed and other tax-related queries from the audience were addressed. PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) President Aileen L. Saringan, PICPA Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) President Peter John R. Ventura, and PICPA MMR GAO Council Treasurer Francis Ricamora introduced some of the speakers. SGV Tax Partner Frances Rose J. Villamayor was also in attendance.

SGV Tax Partner Aaron C. Escartin was a speaker at the Iloilo Tax Congress 2024 held at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo on 8 May 2024. Aaron delivered a presentation on "Insights on Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act." He shared his insights on the EOPT Act, its expected effects on tax compliance, and provided practical guidance to implement the changes.  SGV Tax Partner Aaron C. Escartin receives his token and plaque of appreciation SGV Partner and Bacolod Office Head Djole S. Garcia also participated in the event and received a certificate of appreciation from the business chamber. Senior Manager Anne E. Momongan-Lim joined Aaron and Djole in the tax congress. SGV Partner and Bacolod Office Head Djole S. Garcia receives her certificate of appreciation The Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) Iloilo and Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP) Iloilo, Inc. organized the tax congress, which covered topics such as Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) audits and assessments, regulatory updates, and recent BIR issuances. The event was the first tax congress in Iloilo. SGV’s participation is in line with its tax vision toward a sustainable Philippine tax ecosystem and the Firm’s commitment to nation-building.

SGV honored nine outstanding individuals in the Firm’s 2024 Learning & Development (L&D) Excellence Awards held on 24 May 2024. Winners were recognized in four award categories, namely Facilitator Impact, Rising Star, Innovation, and Thought Leadership. The individual awardees were recognized for their dedication, expertise, and creativity as outstanding facilitators. The program also highlighted their invaluable contribution to SGV's learning culture and L&D initiatives. SGV L&D Leader Clairma T. Mangangey (left) and SGV Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz (right) with SGV L&D Excellence Awardee and Facilitator Impact Awardee Catherine M. Catanyag Consulting Associate Director Catherine M. Catanyag is this year’s grand winner and recipient of both the SGV L&D Excellence Award and the Facilitator Impact Award. In her facilitation, she was cited for having demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject matter, combining theoretical concepts with real-life experiences to help participants navigate the complexities of IT audit work. Beyond facilitation, Catherine serves as the support manager for L&D administrative activities, coordinating with the business and L&D team to align learning maps with global standards and business needs as well as to ensure smooth course operations. (From left to right) Innovation Awardee Jenny Marie C. Dimatatac, SGV L&D Excellence Awardee and Facilitator Impact Awardee Catherine M. Catanyag, Thought Leadership Awardee Hazel N. Sy, Rising Star Awardee Edward Joseph A. Maglinte, Facilitator Impact Awardee Jobelyn D. Casim, SGV L&D Leader Clairma T. Mangangey, Thought Leadership Awardee Evelyn B. Yamzon, and Rising Star Awardees Mykee H. Puno and Ace R. Matibag Assurance Manager Jobelyn D. Casim and Tax Senior Manager Jackie Lou D. Lamug also received the Facilitator Impact Award. This award is given to experienced facilitators who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and commitment in the field of facilitation and have dedicated a significant number of hours to facilitating L&D courses. Assurance Manager Edward Joseph A. Maglinte, Consulting Senior Associate Anthony Arman “Ace” R. Matibag, and Tax Manager Mikhaella Martina “Mykee” H. Puno received the Rising Star Award. This award acknowledges the exceptional potential and talent of up-and-coming facilitators. These individuals demonstrated a strong passion for continuous improvement and were recognized as future leaders in the field of L&D.  Consulting Manager Evelyn B. Yamzon and Tax Senior Manager Hazel N. Sy received the Thought Leadership Award. This award honors experienced facilitators or teams for contributing innovative ideas and insights to the L&D community, pushing the boundaries of traditional training methods, and making remarkable contributions as subject matter resource speakers.  Consulting Senior Associate Jenny Marie C. Dimatatac received the Innovation Award. This award is given to top contributors in learning technologies or the creation of interventions that have improved the learning conduct or L&D processes. The winners received plaques and cash prizes. They were selected through an extensive evaluation process. Consulting Partner Conrad Allan M. Alviz, Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan, Tax Principal Alden Patrick C. Labaguis, Assurance Partner Benigno F. Leongson, SaT Partner Smith C. Lim, and Tax Principal Cecille M. Santillan-Visto comprised the panel of judges. Congratulations to the winners!

The SGV Knowledge Institute, with SGV’s Sustainability team recently spearheaded a forum titled “Climate Convergence: Actions toward a Resilient Future” at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga as the keynote speaker. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers his opening remarks The climate resilience forum delved into the impact of climate change and how it is becoming more visible and pronounced, with businesses facing unprecedented physical and transition risks. It brought together local and international speakers to share their insights and the measures that their organizations are implementing to achieve climate resilience and in pursuing opportunities in the transition to a low-carbon economy.  SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz gives conference overview SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivered the opening remarks, citing the challenges posed by climate change and the need for business strategies that include mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz provided an overview of the conference. SGV Sustainability Partners Katrina F. Francisco (left) and Benjamin N. Villacorte (right) moderating a panel discussion SGV Sustainability Principal Bonar A. Laureto (right) moderates a second panel discussion SGV Sustainability Partners Katrina F. Francisco and Benjamin N. Villacorte moderated the panel discussion on the Climate Risk Perspective. SGV Sustainability Principal Bonar A. Laureto moderated the panel discussion on the Low Carbon Investment Opportunities Perspective. SGV Chief Sustainability Officer Clairma Mangangey delivers the closing remarks SGV Chief Sustainability Officer Clairma Mangangey spoke about the importance of understanding climate risks and sharing best practices for businesses transitioning to a low-carbon economy.  EY Singapore Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Praveen Tekchandani during his presentation EY Singapore Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Praveen Tekchandani discussed investment opportunities and profit models aligned with low-carbon solutions.  The event also covered the integration of governmental insights with corporate climate strategies to align and harmonize private-sector efforts with national policy objectives. The first part of the forum tackled climate risks and how to manage physical and transition risks, as well as adapting to climate risks and low-carbon transition. The climate forum’s second part focused on low-carbon investment opportunities and explored climate resilience and strategic profit models that align with low-carbon solutions.  The SGV Knowledge Institute is a hub for intellectual exchange and advancement, powered by SGV’s collective thought leadership, experienced multidisciplinary professionals and the vast network of alumni, global EY professionals and allies in the business community and public sector, fostering continuous learning, knowledge-sharing and innovation. 

SGV launched the Doing Business in Surigao del Norte publication with SGV Partners and Surigao del Norte officials, including Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, Vice Governor Eddie D. Gokiangkee, Jr., and District II Congressman Robert Ace S. Barbers, among other local government officials on 7 May 2024. The publication spotlights potential business opportunities and the province’s investment climate. SGV Partners and Surigao del Norte officials launch the DB in Surigao del Norte publication SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, along with SGV Partners Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed, Saha A. Bulagsak, and Joseph Ian M. Canlas, local leaders, and business representatives, introduced the publication as part of the "Doing Business in the Philippines" series, aimed at driving economic growth and attracting investors to Surigao del Norte.

SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula recently moderated the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Forum on “Unlocking the Investment Potential of New Clark City,” held at Shangri-la The Fort, Bonifacio Global City.  Atty. Margaux as moderator during the BCDA Forum BCDA Officer-in-Charge for Investment Promotions and Marketing Erwin Kenneth Peralta presented New Clark City's key features and investment opportunities. His presentation highlighted BCDA's alignment with the national government's vision for economic and social transformation. He also outlined investment opportunities in New Clark City, such as the Clark Central Business District, envisioned to become the country's largest and most modern business hub, the Clark Integrated Public Transport System, the Clark National Food Hub, the Solid Waste Management and Waste-to-Energy Project, and Affordable Housing in New Clark City. BCDA Officer-in-Charge for Investment Promotions and Marketing Ken Peralta (left) and Atty. Margaux Atty. Margaux led the open forum, encouraging participants to ask questions and share insights on developing New Clark City as an investment destination and strategies to attract foreign investments. Atty. Margaux (first row, seated second from left) with BCDA members Ken Peralta, Rhodenica Latido, Russelle De Guzman, Crinezza Veil Mendoza, Michelle San Juan-De Vera, and Benjamin Abella and representatives from foreign business chambers and offices Josephine Shun (TECOP), Chris Nelson (BCCP), Lorens Ziller (ICCP), Mitchel Smolders, Adrian Gamos (DCCP), Lancelot Perivier (FCCIP), Dennis Quintero (PABC), Mohamed Ahmed (HKA), Julio Amador III (PAEF), Isabelle Cebu (GPCCI), and Guissano Icaranom (KTIPA) Attendees included BCDA members and representatives from foreign business chambers and offices, namely the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP), the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCP), the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (DCCP), the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (FCCIP), the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GPCCI), the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in the Philippines (TECOP), the Philippine Australia Business Council (PABC), Haute Kitchens Australia (HKA), the Philippine American Education Foundation (PAEF), and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KTIPA).

SGV Sustainability Services Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte was a speaker at the 2024 Philippine Sustainability Now Forum held at the Mayuree Grand Ballroom, Dusit Thani Manila on 16 May 2024. The event underscored the need for a collective drive towards a resilient and sustainable Philippine economy. SGV Sustainability Services Partner and PSRC Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte shares insights on sustainability Benjamin receives certificate and token of appreciation Benjamin shared insights on integrating sustainability into corporate strategies on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) applications for private industry. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to achieve a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the SDGs.