2024

SGV Accounts Leader and EY Asia-Pacific FSO Risk Management Leader Vicky L. Salas moderated the panel discussion on "Customer Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Using Voice of the Customer (VoC) to Drive Innovation" at the Digital Banking Asia Summit Philippines 2024. The summit was held at the Manila Marriott Hotel on 13 March 2024. Vicky (right) moderates panel discussion on customer feedback Vicky moderated the panel discussion featuring ING Bank Senior Vice President - Head of Transformation Office; Office of the Chief Operating Officer Dan Ramirez, GoTyme Bank Chief Experience Officer Lionel Gacad, and Metrobank UX Strategy and Design Head Mica Diaz de Rivera. The panel discussion focused on the pivotal role of customer feedback in shaping the direction of innovation in digital banking. The panelists touched upon the significance of VoC in understanding customer needs and preferences. They explored the potential of using this information to complement advancements in technology, create personalized customer experiences, and enhance banking services. In addition to examining various methods and tools for gathering and analyzing VoC, the conversation delved into real-life examples of turning feedback into action to drive continuous improvement and innovation. It underscored that responsiveness to feedback not only fosters customer loyalty but also propels the industry forward in an increasingly digital age.

SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel “Chin” Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua participated in the recently held first General Membership Meeting for 2024 organized by the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIAP) at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. SGV Consulting Partner Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza with psychologist Lillian Gui The meeting, themed "Driving Purposeful Change," saw an exchange of insights and best practices among IIAP members and Internal Audit professionals, including SGV representatives. The meeting emphasized how aligning actions with a definite purpose can drive meaningful changes. IIAP 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers The event also marked the induction of the 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers. Chin was inducted as a new IIAP Trustee and Technical Standards & Research Committee Chair. Chin facilitated the session titled "Mapping the Path for Purposeful Personal Transformation." She discussed the key aspects of initiating personal and organizational changes aligning with the vision and mission of the organization. Other plenary discussions during the meeting were on "Corporate Governance Leadership: Strategies for Driving Purposeful Change" and "Internal Audit's Role in Steering Organization's Visionary Drive for Change." Manager Arjane Mae Isla, Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua, Manager Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore Chin and Ryan were joined by Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, Managers Arjane Mae Isla and Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore.

SGV Tax Leader Atty. Fabian “Fame” K. Delos Santos, SGV Tax Partner Atty. Betheena C. Dizon, and Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Senior Director Mary Grace N. Cabalida were resource speakers at the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) briefing for the EduTraining Series #1. The event was recently held at the SGV Makati office. It aimed to enhance the understanding of BIR Audit Preparation and the provisions of the newly enacted Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Law for PASEI's members. SGV Tax Partner Atty. Betheena C. Dizon and SGV Tax Leader Atty. Fabian K. Delos Santos (center) with PASEI members PASEI Chairman Emeritus Edwina L. Beech opened the event. This was followed by PASEI Corporate Secretary Dr. Cristina Castañeda’s introduction of the SGV Team.  Atty. Fame discusses BIR Audit preparation Atty. Fame discussed common issues and strategies for handling BIR Audits, while BCD discussed the provisions and recent tax developments in Republic Act No. 11976 or the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Law. Atty. Beth was joined by GCR Senior Director Mary Grace N. Cabalida.  Atty. Beth talks about the EOPT Law and relevant recent tax developments Business Tax Associate Director Atty. Tracie Kathlynne B. Bacarro hosted the event. Several GCR Senior Associates were also present. PASEI President Raquel E. Bracero delivered the closing remarks. The resource speakers received certificates of appreciation and attendees were handed participation certificates as part of the closing ceremony.

Financial Services Organization (FSO) Senior Associate Jennifer A. Climaco is now a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Jennifer received confirmation from the Project Management Institute (PMI) in December 2023 that after completing a series of courses, trainings, and practice exams, she has now met all requirements for PMP certification. FSO Senior Associate Jennifer A. Climaco, CPA, CLSSGB, PMP The PMP credential validates that its bearers have project management proficiency, real-world project leadership experience, and sound professional ethics. Covering distinct areas such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing a project, the examination tests one's proficiency in managing people, processes, and business priorities in any industry or methodology.  Congratulations, Jennifer!

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte spoke at an event on Understanding Sustainability in Business at De La Salle University Laguna on 20 March 2024. Among the topics covered in Benjie’s talk were the practices of various industries engaged in sustainability initiatives. Benjie at the DLSU Laguna Campus lecture on sustainability DLSU Laguna Campus Vice President and Dean of the School of Innovation and Sustainability Dr. Jonathan Dungca delivered the opening remarks, focusing on the opportunities among students and faculty in the field of sustainability.  DLSU Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and SGV alumnus Dr. Rufo Mendoza DLSU Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and SGV alumnus Dr. Rufo Mendoza was the keynote speaker for the event. He gave an overview of his book Understanding Sustainability in Business. The book was produced with the assistance of the SGV Foundation (SGVF). Dr. Mendoza also explained the pillars of sustainability and approaches.

SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Michael A. Madlangbayan was the resource speaker at the SGV Tax Basics Seminar (Tax BaSe) workshop on Income Tax Computation and Return Preparation held at the SGV Clark office. Michael at the SGV Tax BaSe workshop Michael discussed basic and updated income tax concepts, including guidance on the computation, filing and payment, substantiation/documentation, and administrative requirements. Leo (left) and Michael (right) during the Q&A session Atty. Margaux delivers the closing remarks Michael was also joined by GCR Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño in the question-and-answer session. SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula delivered the closing remarks. GCR Senior Manager Atty. Jan Kriezl M. Catipay facilitates polling questions The session was hosted by GCR Senior Manager Atty. Jan Kriezl M. Catipay, who also facilitated the Q&A session and knowledge checks during the discussion through a series of polling questions. Participants during the practical exercises The workshop was held to prepare participants for the Annual Income Tax Return filing deadline on 15 April 2024. The workshop registered the highest number of attendees in the Tax BaSe series in SGV Clark this fiscal year.

SGV tabulated the results of The Business Manual’s 1st CEO Awards held on 28 January 2024 at Shangri-la The Fort. The tabulation team was headed by EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan. EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan and Assurance Manager Krys Joanne J. Adison at The Business Manual’s 1st CEO Awards The SGV tabulators were EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan, Assurance Manager Krys Joanne J. Adison, and Senior Associates Casey Andrea D. Abejar and Hersheyllane A. Gilbuena. SGV supports similar events that allow the Firm and its members to make purposeful connections and celebrate accomplished Filipino entrepreneurs and business leaders.  ​ The Business Manual honored 20 of the country’s most influential CEOs, leaders who have displayed exemplary leadership in their respective industries and made significant societal contributions. Five CEOs who embody the publication’s values in line with its mission to Engage, Inspire, Empower, and Educate aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs were also honored during the event.   CEO awardees (left) and Entrepreneurial Excellence awardees (right) “The CEO Awards recognize the remarkable contributions of visionary leaders whose relentless dedication have fostered innovations, shaped industries, and set benchmarks for excellence in our country,” The Business Manual Editor-in-Chief RJ Ledesma said. Read more on The Business Manual: https://thebusinessmanual-onemega.com/

SGV conducted a briefing on the Philippine business climate for members of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Mission on 29 January 2024 at the Bayanihan Conference Room in SGV Makati. The Trade Mission provided participants a first-hand view of potential investment opportunities in the country to the member-delegates.  SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula (left) and former Ambassador Delia D. Albert (right) during the briefing SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula together with former Ambassador Delia D. Albert welcomed the delegates to SGV. They were joined by SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers his message SGV Strategy and Transactions Senior Manager Lester Jeff D. Pawid led the discussion on the country’s economic outlook, providing an overview of the Philippine economy and then discussing Philippine macroeconomic, industrial and policy updates.  Lester leads discussion on the Philippines’ economic outlook The discussion was followed by an open forum, where Lester was joined by Atty. Margaux. They answered questions from the delegates and discussed priority industries, renewable energy, and promotion of sustainability in the country, among others. SGV Partners and Managers with the BCC Trade Mission delegates Hon. Consul General Senen Mangalile and BCC Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer Kathie Lee also delivered their respective remarks during the event. They were joined by delegates from the BCC: BCC President & CEO Randy Peers, BCC Manager of Global Affairs Avi Leshes, Industry City Managing Partner Jim Somoza, GreenPower Associates CEO Ian Minerve, President/CEO of Marous Law and VA for Professionals Gabriel J. Marous, Esq., Seek Health AI Founder & CEO Kim de los Reyes, Seek Health AI Co-founder & CTO Jeff Bargmann, and Filipino Community Leader in New York City Roberto Dumaual. On 1 February 2024, the delegates also visited the Clark Freeport Zone. They met with representatives from the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC). The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) gave them a tour of the Clark Activity Center. They also toured New Clark City and areas within the Clark Freeport Zone. The Trade Mission was organized by the Office of the Philippine Consulate General in New York in collaboration with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. 

SGV held its 2023 Financial Crime Risk Management Forum recently at the SGV Makati office. The forum brought together professionals and executives from the banking industry and regulators to connect and discuss developments, emerging risks, and challenges in the different domains of financial crime risk management, and how financial institutions can transform their operations, processes and systems, and upskill people in managing financial crime risks effectively. Panelists for the 2023 SGV Forum on Financial Crime Risk Management The panelists for the forum shared best practices on how to combat financial crimes. The panelists were Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Senior Directors Melchor Plabasan and Atty. Florabelle Santos-Madrid, Citibank N.A. Philippines Atty. Narlette Manacap-Jaravata, EY Hong Kong Partner on Regulatory Technology Utpal Patel, SGV Consulting Principal Philip B. Casanova, Forensic and Integrity Services Leader Roderick M. Vega, and Financial Services Organization (FSO) Leader Christian G. Lauron.  FSO Leader Christian G. Lauron, Consulting Principal Philip B. Casanova, Tax Principal Maria Margarita D. Mallari-Acaban, Assurance Partner Miguel U. Ballesteros Jr., FCRM AML/CTPF Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi, EY Hong Kong Partner on Regulatory Technology Utpal Patel, Forensic and Integrity Services Leader Roderick M. Vega, and Banking and Capital Markets Leader Janeth T. Nuñez-Javier award certificates of appreciation to the panelists Dir. Melchor Plabasan detailed recent developments in the regulatory landscape and discussed the top three types of cyber incidents in 2022. In addition to outlining the BSP's Cohesive and Comprehensive, Agile and Balanced, Risk-based and Proportionate, Engaging and Collaborative (CARE) Approach to IT Risk Supervision, Dir. Plabasan also introduced Project Advanced SupTech Engine for Risk-Based Compliance (ASTERisC) — a pioneering cloud-based solution that automates BSP’s cybersecurity supervision. EY Hong Kong Partner Utpal Patel discussed technological advancements like Natural Language Processing, AI/Machine Learning, Biometrics, and Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology in tackling financial crime. SGV Consulting Principal Philip B. Casanova highlighted findings from an EY Global Cybersecurity Leadership Insights Study and its relevance in the Philippine setting, especially in facing similar cybersecurity challenges. He underlined the persistent need for technology adaptation, given the constant evolution of financial crimes and cybersecurity threats. Philip also advocated for the need to spread cybersecurity awareness in the home, raising the importance of educating families about the risks associated with online transactions. Atty. Matthew David, Executive Director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, gave his welcoming remarks via recorded video message, emphasizing the importance of staying informed of relevant AML/CTF/CPF Rules to maintain the country's financial integrity. Asia Pacific FSO Risk Management Leader Vicky Lee-Salas and Banking and Capital Markets Leader Janeth T. Nuñez-Javier also attended the event and gave their respective messages to the participants.                                                                     The forum was organized by SGV Financial Crime Risk Management (FCRM) Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Terrorism and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Financing (AML/CTPF) Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi, Fraud and Forensics Partner Roderick M. Vega, SGV Consulting Principal Philip B. Casanova, FCRM AML/CTPF Director Anne Mariel M. Lagao, Associate Director Michael Ranz Luigi G. Tabar, and Senior Associates Damlouie R. Valladolid, Jacob Raphael T. De Quilla, Christian E. Labanda, Rubin S. Hollero II, and Coleen Mae D. Panuela. According to Veronica, SGV recognizes the critical role that professionals play in combatting financial crime. She added that the SGV Financial Crime Risk Management Forum is set to be an annual event which will continue to provide relevant thought leadership and updates on SGV’s key Financial Crime (AML, cyber and fraud) Risk Management services.

SGV alumnus, Association of CPAs for Sustainability Inc. (ACPAFSI) President, and Accountancy Centenary Award of Excellence recipient Dr. Rufo R. Mendoza launched his book titled “Understanding Sustainability in Business” on 9 January 2024. The book was produced with the assistance of the SGV Foundation (SGVF). SGV alumnus and author Dr. Rufo Mendoza “Understanding Sustainability in Business” is a technical-professional book which provides a comprehensive understanding of the scope, frameworks, models, standards, regulations, and laws on the three pillars of sustainability. It can also be used as a textbook or reference book for undergraduate and graduate programs. The book has Chapter Review sections with multiple-choice items, review questions, and chapter activities. Members of SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team, Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, Director Diana A. Sadili-Chu, Senior Associate Raymond R. Paras, and Associates Zachary Y. Jara and Caryll Joy C. Franco, reviewed and provided significant insights around the book's technical facets. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers his message  Book launch attendees Professionals interested in sustainability and being part of the conversation on integrating sustainable strategies into their business framework for a healthier planet and a more prosperous future can secure a copy of the book by contacting the SGV Alumni Store (sgvf.admin@sgv.ph). Congratulations, Dr. Rufo!