SGV launched the Mandarin version of the Doing Business in the Philippines publication and conducted a tax update briefing for members of the Chinese Enterprises Philippines Association (CEPA) and representatives from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines in March 2024 at the SGV Makati office. (From left to right) Assurance Partner Jonathan T. Bino, Tax Partner Maricris U. See, COIN Leader Fidela I. Reyes, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines Minister Counselor Yang Guoliang, SGV Senior Advisor and former Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert, CEPA President Hu Xinquan, SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, and Tax Partner Francis J. Ricamora The briefing was organized by SGV’s China Overseas Investment Network (COIN) team, led by Atty. Fidela T. Isip-Reyes, with support from Assurance Partner Jonathan T. Bino and Tax Partner Maricris U. See.  SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan  SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan and SGV Senior Advisor and former Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert welcomed embassy representatives and CEPA members to the event.  Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines Minister-Counselor Yang Guoliang (left) and CEPA President Hu Xinquan (right) Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines Minister-Counselor Yang Guoliang and CEPA President Hu Xinquan delivered remarks highlighting the Philippines as a prime investment destination for Chinese companies. They noted that the new tax reforms under Republic Act No. 11976, the "Ease of Paying Taxes Act," could enhance investment opportunities by simplifying tax compliance. Additionally, the release of the Mandarin edition of SGV's Doing Business in the Philippines publication will provide valuable guidance for Chinese investors entering the Philippine market. Senior Advisor and former Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert  Tax Partners Francis J. Ricamora (left) and Maricris U. See (right) during their respective discussions Master of Ceremonies, Assurance Partner Jonathan T. Bino  Ambassador Delia also gave her remarks, followed by keynote presentations delivered by Tax Partners Francis J. Ricamora and Maricris U. See, focusing on the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act and Revenue Memorandum Circulars No. 5-2024 and No. 12-2024. Assurance Partner Jonathan T. Bino hosted the event. SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz delivers her closing remarks The briefing concluded with SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz's closing remarks, and attendees received copies of the newly released Mandarin publication. 

SGV, represented by Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson Tan, and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), represented by Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management Dr. Roberto Martin Galang, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 21 March 2024 for ADMU to participate in the SGV iTeach Program. The MOA signing took place at the SGV I Building in Makati City. The initial planned project is a series of workshops focused on topics related to sustainability.  SGV and ADMU representatives during the MOA signing SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian Ruiz, SGV Consulting Partner and iTeach Program Director Allan Ocho, SGV Learning & Development Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer Clair Mangangey and ADMU Department of Finance and Accounting Chair Aldo Zelig Tong acted as witnesses. Also in attendance were SGV General Counsel Carolina Racelis, SGV Assurance Partner Katrina Francisco, and SGV Business Consulting Senior Jervie Sta. Ana. The SGV iTeach Program aligns with the Firm's commitment to continue its late founder Mr. Washington SyCip's advocacy for lifelong learning. The program aims to enable educators by updating them on the latest accountancy and technology trends and helping them bridge the gap between theoretical principles and actual practice. This includes collaborations with schools and professional organizations to facilitate training and workshops, provide inputs to the schools' programs, curricula, and syllabi, develop case studies, and provide guest lecturers.  To date, the SGV iTeach Program has been able to reach out to and build awareness with around 7,000 teachers, students, and other professionals across the country.

SGV and the Climate Change Commission (CCC) have pledged to deepen their collaboration for impactful climate resilience, with a focus on empowering Local Government Units (LGUs) through science-based, data-driven strategies. The collaboration aims to invigorate climate initiatives at the community level and promote long-term, low-carbon development. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (right) with CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje (left) (Photo courtesy of the CCC) SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan highlighted the Firm’s commitment to infusing sustainability into LGU operations and enhancing their climate resilience, emphasizing the critical contribution of the private sector to climate action.  SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (third from right), CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte (second from right), and CCaSS Principal Bonar A. Laureto (right) with CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje (center) and other members of the CCC (Photo courtesy of the CCC) WPT was joined by SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte and CCaSS Principal Bonar A. Laureto. SGV and the CCC are aligning their efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By mobilizing private-sector investments towards low-carbon initiatives, this collaboration contributes to sustainable development, in line with the broader SDG agenda. SGV and the CCC continue to establish public-private partnerships, bolstering the integration of climate change considerations into policy and investment decisions to effectively combat the climate crisis.