2024

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 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 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.

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 Senior Advisor and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and former Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert was conferred the Romanian National Order of Merit with the Grade of Commander. President Klaus Werner Iohannis of Romania granted this honor in acknowledgment of Ambassador Delia's 50-year career in diplomacy and her pivotal role in peacebuilding initiatives.  Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert (right) receives Romanian National Order of Merit with the Grade of Commander Ambassador Delia served as the chair of the UN Security Council in 2004 and championed the contribution of women to peacebuilding processes. She has also consistently advocated for women in leadership roles while breaking barriers throughout her career. She stands as a role model for women diplomats worldwide and continues to pave the way for younger generations. This conferment underscores her role in strengthening international relations while highlighting the importance of diversity in diplomacy. Congratulations, Ambassador Delia!

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 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!

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 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/