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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 Cybersecurity Principal Philip B. Casanova was a resource speaker at the ISOG I Am Secure 2024 Colloquium I. The event took place on 13 June 2024, at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), gathering cyber leaders to discuss cybersecurity topics, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Operations Technology, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). SGV Cybersecurity Principal Philip B. Casanova at the ISOG I Am Secure 2024 Colloquium I Philip described SGV's involvement in cybersecurity. He presented the Executive Summary of the EY 2024 Global Cybersecurity Insights Study at the event. The study aims to improve understanding of AI's use in cybersecurity and identifies "Secure Creators," organizations that are leading in cybersecurity by adopting AI and other technologies for defense. Philip talks about cybersecurity and AI The colloquium's discussions focused on AI in cybersecurity, outlining the risks and opportunities for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Philip's presentation also provided insights on integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies. Philip's full video presentation is available on the ISOG YouTube page. The presentation can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/hXFUcARh8lY?si=LFRwJc74vyumDjGU&sfnsn=mo.

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.

Members of SGV’s Sustainability Services team recently participated in the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (AmCham) Business Leadership Program (BLP) 2024.  Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell (left) during the question-and-answer portion SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte opened the session by introducing SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) to the participants. He discussed his journey in the sustainability space, highlighted the multi-disciplinary nature of the field, and emphasized its importance for businesses today and in the future. SGV Sustainability team with AmCham BLP participants Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell discussed the new era of sustainability reporting. She talked about the concept of sustainability and its importance in helping companies in creating long-term value. She also discussed the latest developments in sustainability reporting, particularly the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards and the Revised SEC Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. Associate Director Jamaica N. Pangasinan talked about climate change, climate risk and scenario analysis. She provided an overview of the science behind climate change and its impact on the Philippines. She also underscored the importance of having a stable climate in sustaining the Philippine economy. The Sustainability team members shared their insights during the interactive question-and-answer portion with the participants. Benjamin concluded the session by thanking the participants for being proactive and enthusiastic during the session and for being part of a new generation of future climate-literate leaders who recognize the importance of sustainable development for the country. AmCham’s BLP is an annual program that provides opportunities for college students to engage with CEOs and leaders of AmCham member companies through a series of leadership talks, corporate visits, and networking events.

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.

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!

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).