2024

SGV Sustainability Services Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte recently participated in an orientation session conducted by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) at the PEZA Head Office in Pasay City.  SGV Sustainability Partner and PSRC Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte (right) at the PEZA-GRI orientation session (Photo courtesy of PEZA) The orientation session was for PEZA and GRI’s joint project, the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Export-oriented Enterprises in the Philippines, which is pivotal to the actualization of the organizations’ endeavor to develop a set of guidelines tailored for export-oriented enterprises to adopt sustainable and greener practices. PEZA locators and GRI partners attended the session. This initiative is supported by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Embassy of Switzerland as part of the Sustainability Reporting for Responsible Business program [of whom?] in the Philippines.

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi led the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) Academy’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist and Proliferation Financing (CTPF) training session which took place on 16 May 2024 via Zoom. This was Veronica’s 11th time delivering this training to FINEX Academy members. MIB Capital Corporation Chairperson Marilou Cristobal delivered the welcome remarks and introduced Veronica as the resource speaker. Veronica gave an overview of money laundering (ML) and terrorist and proliferation financing (TPF) and discussed different global, regional, and local regulatory bodies, AML/CTPF risk management frameworks, and the current state of the Philippines in relation to ML/TPF.                           SGV FSO Partner Veronica Arce Balisi during the webinar FSO Senior Associate Rubin Hollero II facilitated the knowledge checks via poll questions given in between discussions to interact with the participants and to gauge their understanding of the topics, with the assistance of Associates Andrea Marie Andrada, Christian Atillano, Liddy Lalaine Corpuz, and Mechaella Mae Punzalan. Veronica concluded the training session with a reminder to appreciate the purpose of the session not only as a matter of compliance but also in building a better Philippines.

Consulting Manager Daisy Charlene I. Limbaroc and Associate Josephine Kay L. Ramos passed the 2023 Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) certification exam administered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).  GARP SCR professionals Daisy Charlene I. Limbaroc and Josephine Kay L. Ramos The GARP SCR certification formally recognizes proficiency in the following subject matters: Foundations of Climate Change; Sustainability; Climate Change Risk; Sustainability and Climate Policy, Culture, and Governance; Green and Sustainable Finance: Markets and Instruments; Climate Risk Measurement and Management; and Climate Models and Scenario Analysis. It also demonstrates one’s ability to assess and manage the sustainability and climate risk challenges that many industries face. The SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Consulting team will host sessions about the GARP SCR certification program.  Congratulations, Daisy and Josephine!

SGV Consulting Director Ma. Sheralyn Peroche and Senior Associate Edgard Valdez have successfully earned their Agile Project Management Foundation & Practitioner (AgilePM®) certification. This certification represents a milestone in their professional development and stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence in project management. Certified AgilePM® professionals Ma. Sheralyn Peroche (left) and Edgard Valdez (right) Sheralyn and Edgard 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 the critical skills to efficiently navigate and lead through the complexities of today’s fast-paced project environment.  Congratulations, Sheralyn and Edgard!

The SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) team and the SGV Campus Recruitment team organized and facilitated a tax review session for staff taking the May 2024 CPA Licensure Examinations. More than 300 face-to-face (F2F) attendees and more than 500 virtual participants from the SGV Makati, Cebu, Davao, and Baguio offices joined the review session. GCR Partners Maricris U. See and Lee Celso R. Vivas with GCR Managers and Staff GCR Partner Maricris U. See kicked off the session with an introductory message. GCR Partner Francis J. Ricamora delivered the first lecture on Corporate Income Tax. This was followed by a lecture on other tax topics by GCR Partner Don Don T. Mojica. GCR Partner Josenilo G. Mendoza concluded the session with his lecture on Value-Added Tax.   The series of lectures was followed by a short two-part send-off activity. For the first part, GCR Associates Loudette Remirose C. Tejada (8th Placer – October 2022 CPALE) and Shaina Rose A. Lozano (4th Placer – May 2023 CPALE) gave their respective testimonial messages. They shared their experiences and techniques on how to pass the board examination and overcome other challenges. For the second part of the send-off activity, the Board Takers took the opportunity to have their pencils sharpened by the GCR Partners and the Topnotchers for good luck. GCR Partner Lee Celso R. Vivas capped off the event by delivering the closing remarks. GCR Partner Jay A. Ballesteros was also present during the event. Group photo of the GCR team with the tax review session attendees The event was spearheaded by GCR Partner Maricris U. See, GCR Senior Director Fatma Aleah A. Datukon, and GCR Director Jao Renzo Mercado, with the guidance of GCR Leader Sonia D. Segovia and support of GCR Partners Aaron C. Escartin, Hannah S. Rojo, Michael A. Madlangbayan, Joanna T. Dela Chica, and the GCR People Pillar Managers, who reviewed and prepared the lecture materials. SGV Talent team members Julie Ann R. Rubia, Julia-Anne J. Deypalan, Julia D. Villaos, Marina Beatrice P. Lopez, Jahn Richmonde M. Santillan, Ma. Trisha Coleen Q. Cortez, and Angelou Ma. D. Remo also assisted the GCR team in spearheading the event.

The Sustainable Actions for Value Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council's Environment Pillar team recently hosted a WebCCaSS session on waste management entitled "Zero to Hero: Journey towards Zero Waste and Effective Management."  Sustainability Director Reynaldo C. Azarcon Jr. and SAVE Council – Environment Pillar team members welcome WebCCaSS session attendees The session was led by Sustainability Services Director Reynaldo C. Azarcon Jr., Associate Director Carla J. Capistrano, Finance Assistant Director Leah L. Pis-an, Senior Associate Kerby Z. Panaligan, Associates Marianne Angelica C. Velasco and Eloisa C. Malaluan, and Finance Admin Support Nympha Valencia. Business Services Group (BSG) Leader Alvin M. Pinpin opened the session by highlighting the concept of zero waste and the importance of effective waste segregation. Finance Assistant Director Leah L. Pis-an discusses the roles of SGVeans in Waste Management The session covered various topics related to waste management, starting with the significance of segregating waste according to their nature. The discussion also touched upon the percentage of waste dumped in landfills and its leakage into the environment. Participants were introduced to different types of waste and were provided with examples to prevent contamination of recyclable waste during segregation. The roles of SGVeans in managing waste effectively were highlighted, emphasizing best practices such as using a single paper towel in restrooms, bringing personal food containers, maintaining clean worktables, and disposing of waste in designated bins. SGVeans were encouraged to become waste management heroes in their own right. The "Zero Waste Challenge: Closing the Resource Loop," a six-month competition designed to foster a circular economy and instill sustainable waste management habits, was introduced. The session wrapped up with a rallying call for SGVeans to demonstrate their dedication to responsible waste management. The SAVE Council's WebCCaSS initiative is a quarterly one-hour webcast that covers concepts, trends, regulations and industry practices around sustainability and climate change.

SGV Partners and Managers paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Endo Kazuya. The visit took place on 5 June 2024. Ambassador Endo assumed his position on 4 April 2024. SGV Partners and Managers with Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Endo Kazuya (center) The delegation, led by SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, included SGV Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz, Japan Business Services (JBS) Assurance Leader Michael C. Sabado, JBS Tax Leader Jonald R. Vergara, and members of SGV’s JBS team, Associate Principal and Japanese Business Council member Hiroshi Nakagawa, and Senior Director and Japanese Business Council member Kazuma Nakagomi. Wilson introduced SGV, outlining the Firm's services and its dedication to fostering Japanese investments and supporting Japanese clients in the Philippines. Vivian highlighted SGV's role as an EY member firm and the close collaboration with EY JBS colleagues in Japan and Asean. The SGV JBS team outlined their focus on addressing the needs of Japanese clients. Ambassador Endo, joined by Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke and Financial Attache Sugimoto Kensuke, expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and Japan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and developing the ties established by their predecessors. The meeting also covered discussions on tax issues faced by Japanese companies, including the proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) tax legislation pending in Congress. Insights and implications of the proposed tax measures on incentives for Japanese companies were exchanged. Wilson extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Endo to attend the launch of the latest version of Doing Business in the Philippines in Japanese, scheduled for the week of 5 August 2024, which will also welcome SGV's Japanese clients. As a token of goodwill, Wilson also presented Ambassador Endo with a copy of SGV Founder Washington SyCip’s biography Wash: Only a Bookkeeper, A Biography of Washington Z. SyCip by Dr. Jose “Butch” Y. Dalisay Jr.

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 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, through the SGV Foundation and the Sustainable Actions for Value-Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council, donated 15 yellow paddle boats to the Sitio Teheman Yellow Boat Community in Maluso, Basilan in March 2024. Yellow boats are used in small, underserved communities to safely transport children to and from school, like school buses in urban centers. The initiative is part of SGV’s mission to create sustainable opportunities and ensure educational access for children in the area. Local recipients of yellow boat donations Children in yellow boats The boats were turned over to the local families with the help of the Claret Samal Foundation, Inc. staff. The boats were made by the boat builders of Maluso, Basilan.