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SGV Partners and Managers joined the 2024 Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Geographical Area Office (GAO) Tax Conference with the theme “Adapting to Change: Navigating Economic Shifts and Tax Reforms and Developments in 2024.” The event was held on 25 June 2024 at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom in Malate, Manila. Around 300 participants attended the event. Tax Conference Co-Chair Meynard Sardalla, PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia, SGV Alumni Partner Gerry B. Sanvictores, Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See, PICPA SMMC President Aileen L. Saringan, and Tax Conference Committee Member Earvin Darren Lee PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia and Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See led the PICPA MMR GAO team. Tax Senior Directors Meynard Sardalla and Earvin Darren Lee served as Co-Chair and Committee Member, respectively. Meynard and Earvin also served as the Masters of Ceremonies during the event. Atty. Deonah discusses cross-border transactions and transfer pricing audit Tax Partner Atty. Deonah L. Marco-Go discussed the transfer pricing rules and regulations in the Philippines, and how they compare to global transfer pricing trends. BIR Commissioner Hon. Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. delivers his keynote speech Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. delivered his keynote speech on the BIR’s achievements, ongoing programs, and plans, which aim to promote better taxpayer services and better growth and collections. Panel discussion on handling tax issues, EOPT, cross-border transactions, transfer pricing audit and tax on digital economy with Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See (right) as panelist (Photos courtesy of PICPA) The session concluded with a roundtable discussion joined by Maricris. Questions and clarifications on the topics discussed and other tax-related queries from the audience were addressed. PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) President Aileen L. Saringan, PICPA Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) President Peter John R. Ventura, and PICPA MMR GAO Council Treasurer Francis Ricamora introduced some of the speakers. SGV Tax Partner Frances Rose J. Villamayor was also in attendance.

SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, SGV Sustainability Services Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte, and SGV Consulting Partner Allan W. Ocho joined the 31st Accounting Teachers Conference organized by the National Association of CPAs in Education (nACPAE). The event was held from 13 to 15 June 2024 at the University of Santo Tomas. SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (second from right) receives plaque of appreciation Wilson engaged with accounting educators and industry representatives as a reactor in the Kapihan Session. He provided insights on the sustainability of accounting education, in relation to UST-AMV College of Accountancy Dean Patricia M. Empleo's presentation. SGV Sustainability Services Partner and PSRC Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte (center) receives plaque of appreciation Wilson also discussed reviving the attractiveness of the accounting practice, emphasizing SGV's role in providing diverse opportunities within the profession, including tax and consulting services, and focusing on culture, continuous learning, and innovation. SGV Consulting Partner Allan W. Ocho (center) receives plaque of appreciation He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the academe, enhancing the accounting curriculum with current issues like sustainability and cybersecurity, and upgrading the profession's image to attract future talent. The session aimed to redefine the roles of accounting teachers in sustaining the profession beyond the CPA licensure examinations. Benjamin and Allan served as resource speakers for the technical sessions titled "Preparing Accounting Teachers for Sustainability Reporting in the Philippines" and "AI and Professional Accountants: Is AI Coming for Your Job?" respectively.

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!