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EY Asia-Pacific FSO Risk Management Leader Vicky L. Salas was a panelist at the EY International Women’s Day 2024 panel discussion on Work, Wellbeing and Women’s Health held on 7 March 2024 via Zoom. The panel discussion on uplifting social equity through educating and engaging on women’s health at work featured EY clients and community partners from across Asia Pacific. Introduction of panelists and moderator Among the topics discussed were unique women’s health and wellbeing challenges, such as pregnancy, menstrual difficulties, and menopause. The panelists highlighted that understanding and accommodating these challenges creates an environment where women can fully participate and contribute. Women’s reproductive health discussion Other panelists during the session were The Hybrid Gym Group, Hong Kong Gym Manager Dave Markham, Westpac Bank PNG Head of HR Olive Compain, and AIA Employee Proposition and Wellbeing Senior Manager Nicole Schwartz. EY Asia-Pacific FSO Director of Operations Kirsty McFarlane moderated the panel discussion.

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!

Strategy and Transactions (SaT) Associate Khylie Anne C. Nicolasora passed the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. She successfully completed both parts of the CMA exam during the following testing periods: May-June 2023 (Part 1) and September-October 2023 (Part 2). The results were announced on 7 March 2024. SaT Associate Khylie Anne C. Nicolasora, CPA, CMA The CMA title is a credential that represents enhanced expertise in areas of accounting and finance, with competencies in strategic thinking, business analysis, and leadership. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).  Congratulations, Khylie!

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 Cebu recently conducted an executive briefing on the newly implemented Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Bill.  GCR Partner Saha P. Adlawan-Bulagsak (left) and Senior Director Atty. Anne Margaret Momongan-Lim (right) during their respective discussions on the EOPT Act and CREATE MORE Bill Tax Leader Fabian K. delos Santos delivered the opening remarks and welcomed the participants. The main speakers of the briefing were Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Saha P. Adlawan-Bulagsak and Business Tax Services (BTS) Senior Director Atty. Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim, who provided insights into the EOPT Act and CREATE MORE Bill, respectively. A question-and-answer session and one-on-one consultations were held after the main discussions. Philippine Quantitative Services Leader and Asean Tax Transformation Leader Atty. Cheryl Edeline C. Ong shared her insights while addressing participants’ queries. SGV Cebu Partner-in-Charge Margem A. Tagalog delivered the closing remarks. Atty. Anne Margaret Momongan-Lim, Tax Leader Fabian K. delos Santos, SGV Cebu Partner-in-Charge Margem A. Tagalog, GCR Partner Saha P. Adlawan-Bulagsak, and Philippine Quantitative Services Leader and Asean Tax Transformation Leader Atty. Cheryl Edeline C. Ong at the executive briefing The briefing was organized with the help of GCR Director GJ Robin Cobosa and his team of managers and staff from the Cebu office. This team included Atty. Virnee Ting, Atty. Melissa Joyce To, Atty. Lou Delianne Reboja, Atty. Aaron James Melendez, Atty. Ernest Adrian Co, Atty. Gerardo Klauddio Van Cuadrasal III, Atty. Ron Christian Eupeña, Athena Luce, Stewart Herbie Po, Joseph Nikko Recentes, Lheiann Vhiev Emperio, Joseph Santiago Quiño, Myrel Ann Villaran, and Rose Tejerero. The executive briefing underscored SGV's continued commitment to enable businesses and clients with the necessary tools to navigate complex tax legislative changes. It also provided an opportunity to reconnect with C-Suite executives.

SGV Consulting Leader Rossana A. Fajardo was a key speaker at ISACA Manila Chapter’s International Women’s Day webinar titled “Count Her In: Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment.” This webinar was the first IWD collaboration event between ISACA Manila, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, and Auckland and the New Zealand Network for Women in Security (NZNWS). It was held via Zoom on 7 March 2024. Rossana at the ISACA Manila IWD webinar Rossana highlighted the critical role that women play in the tech industry and the importance of addressing gender disparities within the sector. She offered various ways to close this gap, including nurturing girls' interest in STEM, hiring with a focus on gender balance, and supporting women's potential as leaders. She urged managers to back women in STEM leadership roles and called for society as a whole and government bodies to endorse tech careers for women and help finance the workforce's shift. Rossana talks about SGV/EY initiatives that support women in technology She further spotlighted two SGV and EY initiatives propelling this cause – the Women in Technology (WiT) program and the EY STEM App. The WiT program fosters the involvement and leadership of women in tech. It comprises educational programs to enhance girls' STEM skills and interest, mentorship to cultivate female tech leadership, support for women tech entrepreneurs, and efforts to diversify the tech workforce. The EY STEM App, a free gamified platform targeting girls aged 13-18, seeks to stimulate interest in STEM fields. The app offers convenient access to engaging content, empowering girls to take control of their learning progress.  Rossana with some of the webinar participants Rossana concluded her talk by encouraging the participants to continue upskilling and sharpening their tech competencies. She cited her personal career transition from an auditor to a tech consultant as an example. For the Q&A session with ISACA Manila members, Rossana emphasized the value of women in leadership roles, explaining that such diversity allows for a more holistic approach toward decision-making within companies.

SGV was one of the newest corporate members inducted during the 2024 annual Supply Chain Outlook event organized by the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP). SGV Business Consulting Partner Jan Ray G. Manlapaz and Senior Manager Mary Andrea T. Bacani, rom the Supply Chain and Operations (SCO) consulting practice, represented the Firm during the event held at the Symphony Ballrooms of the Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City. They were also joined by SCO Manager Evelyn B. Yamzon during the event.  SGV Business Consulting Partner Jan Ray G. Manlapaz (third from right) represents SGV during the induction of SCMAP corporate members Aside from the induction of corporate members, the event also featured discussions on trends and developments that will impact the supply chain sector in 2024. This included insights from speakers such as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco, who focused on applying a supply chain lens to regional industry issues; Philippine Retailers Association President Roberto Claudio Sr., who gave an overview of the country's retail sector; and Research, Education, and Institutional Development (REID) Foundation's Ronilo Balbieran, who presented his economic outlook for the year. SCMAP members also talked about the organization’s upcoming initiatives and activities. Newly inducted SCMAP corporate members’ representatives The SCMAP is a premier organization representing the country's supply chain industry. It advocates for industry enhancement, communicates relevant developments, and educates practitioners, all with a vision of driving the global competitiveness of the Philippine supply chain sector.

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 Hentje Leo L. Leaño was the resource speaker at a recently held Income Tax Computation and Return Preparation Workshop. A total of 221 participants attended the session, which registered the highest number of attendees in the Tax Basics Seminar (Tax BaSe) series this fiscal year. Leo discusses other taxable sources of income Leo discussed basic income tax concepts and updates, including guidance on the computation, filing and payment, substantiation/documentation and administrative requirements. GCR Senior Manager Atty. Jan Kriezl M. Catipay facilitates knowledge checks The session was hosted by GCR Senior Manager Atty. Jan Kriezl M. Catipay. She also facilitated the Q&A session and knowledge checks during the discussion through a series of polling questions. Income Tax Computation and Return Preparation Workshop participants The workshop was held to prepare participants for the Annual Income Tax Return deadline on 15 April 2024.

SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Josenilo G. Mendoza and his team conducted a tax updates session for clients at the SGV Makati office. They discussed changes provided for under the new Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act and other relevant Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issuance updates to help clients prepare for the impact of the tax updates.   Nilo (left) and Fatma (right) during their respective discussions SGV Tax Leader Atty. Fabian “Fame” Delos Santos gave the welcome remarks. He also briefly discussed the current and anticipated changes in the country’s tax environment. Atty. Fame delivers his welcome remarks Tax updates session participants Nilo and GCR Senior Manager Fatma Aleah A. Datukon facilitated the technical discussions on the new EOPT Act provisions and other relevant tax updates, respectively. They also answered questions on their respective topics and entertained more questions from the participants during the question-and-answer portion.