2024

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, 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 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 Partners attended the official launch of the Sustainable Enterprise Collaboration Network (eSECnature) Campaign on 15 July 2024 at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Headquarters in Makati City. (From left to right) SGV Sustainability Services Partner Katrina F. Francisco, SGV Chairman and Managing Partner and FSRSC Chairman Wilson P. Tan, SEC Chairperson and CEO Emilio Aquino along with his wife Brenda Aquino, SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner and PSRC Chairman Benjamin N. Villacorte, and SGV Sustainability Services Principal Bonar A. Laureto SGV Chairman and Managing Partner and Financial and Sustainability Reporting Standards Council (FSRSC) Chairman Wilson P. Tan, SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chairman Benjamin N. Villacorte, SGV Sustainability Services Partner Katrina F. Francisco, and SGV Sustainability Services Principal Bonar A. Laureto were present at the official launch.  The SEC inaugurated the eSECnature Campaign during the SEC Sustainability Week. The campaign aims to connect corporations, government organizations, and civil society organizations to promote and expedite the country's progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SGV, led and represented by Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, and Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), represented by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 4 July 2024 for SGV to provide good-governance training and seminars to M4GG mayors. The MOA signing took place at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City.  SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, and SGV Consulting Leader Rossana A. Fajardo at the MOA signing SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz and SGV Consulting Leader Rossana A. Fajardo served as witnesses. SGV Partners and Principals Joseph Ian M. Canlas, Manolito R. Elle, Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed, Atty. Alden C. Labaguis, Clairma T. Mangangey, and Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza lent their support to facilitate the collaboration with M4GG. SGV, driven by its purpose of nurturing leaders and enabling organizations for a better Philippines took on this initiative with M4GG as part of its commitment to actively participate in nation-building and to improve the delivery of services to the community.  M4GG is a network of local chief executives committed to fighting corruption and championing transparent, innovative, and accountable governance. The M4GG movement has seven convenors and is supported by 182 mayors across the Philippines.
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.
The SGV Knowledge Institute in coordination with the SGV Bacolod Office conducted a symposium for business owners entitled “Strengthening Family Businesses for Generations to Come” at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod on 17 May 2024. GCR Partner Erickson Errol R. Sabile with the symposium participants True to SGV’s Purpose of nurturing leaders and enabling businesses for a better Philippines, the symposium provided insights and strategies to business owners in diverse industries to strengthen and ensure that family businesses will not only survive but thrive for generations to come. SGV Bacolod Partner-in-Charge Djole S. Garcia SGV Bacolod Partner-in-Charge Djole S. Garcia spearheaded the symposium. She was joined by other Partners who attended the event, namely SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, Business Tax Advisory Partner Cheryl Edeline C. Ong, Global Compliance & Reporting (GCR) Partner Erickson Errol R. Sabile, Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan, Consulting Partner Maria Kathrina S. Macaisa-Peña, Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) Leader Aris C. Malantic, and Strategy and Transactions (SaT) Partner Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers the welcome remarks BTS Senior Director Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim (left) moderates a panel discussion with SGV Partners Kristopher S. Catalan, Aris C. Malantic, Maria Kathrina S. Macaisa-Peña, Cheryl Edeline C. Ong, Erickson Errol R. Sabile, and Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Business Tax Services (BTS) Senior Director Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim. The event was attended by representatives from various companies, most of which are members of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Junior & Senior Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry. SGV Partners during the courtesy visit Prior to this, the SGV Partners paid a courtesy visit at the Office of the City Mayor of Bacolod and the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO).
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 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!