2024

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.

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 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. 

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.

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!

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 Sustainability Services team members hosted a SAVE Council Sustainabits session spotlighting the role of human rights in achieving social sustainability. The session, titled "Empower Every Juan: Exploring Social Sustainability through Human Rights Advocacy," was held in May 2024. SGV Sustainability and Risk Management team members lead the Sustainabits session on the role of human rights in social sustainability Sustainability Partner Conrad Allan M. Alviz opened the session. In his welcome remarks, he highlighted the importance of sharing awareness and protecting fellow Filipinos’ human rights. The succeeding discussions were led by Sustainabits team members Louie Adrienne Cediño, Dubhe Gienah Mayor, and Caryll Joy Franco, along with Artemina Aloria from Risk Management. They provided an overview of the sustainability landscape, emphasizing the social pillar and its intersection with human rights advocacy. The session underscored the vital role of human rights in fostering a fair and equitable society, addressing the plight of marginalized communities, and calling for collective action. The "Empower Every Juan" session aimed to inspire attendees to actively contribute to a sustainable future that respects and upholds the rights and dignity of every Filipino. The session concluded with a Declaration of Commitment called “A Plan towards Social Sustainability,” which urged SGVeans to champion social sustainability. It also served as a reaffirmation of SGV’s commitment towards achieving zero waste.  The SAVE Council’s Sustainabits initiative is a bi-monthly 30-minute session that covers high-level concepts relating to sustainability. 

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.