News

Consulting participates in roundtable on International Certifications  SGV Consulting Partners were among the panelists at a roundtable titled International Certifications for Accounting Teachers co-hosted by the PICPA Faculty Development Committee and the National Association of Certified Public Accountants in Education (nACPAE) on 30 October. The virtual session provided a comprehensive overview of various international certifications available to accounting teachers, including their application and renewal processes and requirements. The panelists discussed the global reach and recognition and the issuing bodies of each certificate, emphasizing how they can enhance the participants’ teaching capabilities and increase their global competitiveness.   Panelists and members of the PICPA Faculty Development Committee and nACPAE The roundtable featured Consulting Partners who discussed the following certifications:  Allan Ocho  Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)  Conrad Alviz  Certified Sustainability Reporting Specialist (CSRS)  Ian Canlas  Certified Sustainability Reporting Assurer (CSRA)  Leonardo Matignas, Jr.  Certified Risk Management Assurer (CRMA)  Ryan Chua  Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)  Roderick Vega  Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)  Other panelists included Program Director of Insights Financial Review Services Inc. Melosino Melvin Roi Respicio III and Senior Business Relationship Manager of ACCA Philippines Mike Oliver Castro, who discussed the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Chartered Certified Accountant certifications, respectively. Over 250 accounting teachers and professionals attended the event, including PICPA Faculty Development Committee Chair Dr. Patricia Empleo, nACPAE President Dr. Florenz Tugas, and Consulting Associate Ralph Crimuel Roxas, who was part of the event’s organizing committee. 

FSO holds second AML CTF webinar     The SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) conducted Module 2 of the SGV Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF) Webinar Series on 30 October. The webinar covered the AML/CTF risk management framework.       VAB and Erika presenting at the webinar  SGV Financial Services Consulting Partner and Government and Public Sector Leader Christian G. Lauron welcomed participants from different industries. AML Council Executive Director Atty. Mel Georgie Racela then discussed the importance of understanding AML/CTF risks and the techniques on how to manage and mitigate them. FSO Senior Director Mary Catherine Biliran moderated the session.  SGV FSO Partner Veronica A. Balisi (VAB) and Associate Director Erika Gaanan Teh provided an overview of the earlier Module 1, followed by a refresher on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. They also discussed the key elements of an AML/CTF risk management framework and the preventive measures for specific customers and activities of a covered institution. 

GPS organizes Academe Resilience webinar  SGV’s Government and Public Sector (GPS) team conducted a webinar titled Enterprise Resilience in the Academe Sector on 29 October. The webinar featured discussions on the trends and challenges in the sector and how it has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.   Aileen and CGL presenting at the GPS webinar  Consulting Senior Director Aileen Uy presented the results of the GPS Academe Resilience Survey which assessed the current state of the Philippine academe sector from the perspectives of different stakeholders such as students, teachers, parents, and school administrators. She also explained the recent shift in academic infrastructure and operational support in the area of cybersecurity.   Financial Services Consulting Partner and GPS Leader Christian G. Lauron (CGL) discussed key socioeconomic focus areas and the pandemic’s financial implications on educational institutions. He also spoke on student experience and continuity, emphasizing the value of a holistic remote learning framework that considers technology, operations and capability enablers to effectively support students and schools. He also shared the emerging trends and technologies that aim to enhance the student learning experience.   AWO presenting at the GPS webinar  Consulting Partner Allan W. Ocho (AWO) shared leading practices on how members of academe can reframe their future across three dimensions: now, next and beyond. He also demonstrated the EY Enterprise Resilience Tool and how it can help organizations evaluate their risks and capability to address the issues caused by the pandemic. He encouraged participants to revisit their organizations’ operating models and integrate transformative value drivers that can support business growth and resilience.   The webinar is part of a series conducted by the SGV GPS team for and about the academe sector. The succeeding webinars will cover related topics on the university of the future and transformation realized. Those interested may contact Mary Catherine M. Biliran at Mary.Catherine.M.Biliran@ph.ey.com. 

SGVeans join PICPA MMR Tax Conference  Several SGV partners and staff participated in the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants Metro Manila Region (PICPA MMR) Tax Conference held last 27-28 October. With the theme Unfolding Recent Developments in the Political, Economic and Tax Landscape, the conference featured technical sessions on tax updates and reforms due to the pandemic and discussions on the Philippine economic and political outlook. The SGV Glee Club opened both conference days with doxologies.   SDS, MUS and MCM presenting at the conference  SGV Tax Partner Sonia D. Segovia (SDS) chaired the Tax Conference Committee and delivered the opening and closing remarks. Market Group 2 (MG 2) Leader and PICPA Executive Vice President Marydith C. Miguel (MCM) welcomed participants to the second day of the conference and encouraged them to stay updated on the latest tax developments to understand their impact on individuals and organizations. Tax Partner and PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter President Maricris U. See (MUS) presented Bureau of Local Government Finance Deputy Executive Director III and Professional Regulatory Board Member of Real Estate Services Hon. Jose Arnold Tan with a certificate and token of appreciation after his session on Empowering Local Government Units through Local Tax Updates and Reforms.      MAA, Mike, Meynard and Keith presenting at the conference  Tax Partner Margaux A. Advincula (MAA) introduced keynote speakers: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Deputy Commissioner Hon. Arnel Guballa who talked about the Strategic Priority Programs and Plans of the BIR in the New Normal, and Department of Finance Assistant Secretary Hon. Antonio Lambino II who discussed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) bill.   Tax Senior Director and PICPA Tax Conference Committee Co-Chair Mike Madlangbayan introduced BIR Human Resource Development Service Head Revenue Executive Assistant Marivic Galban before her technical session titled Hot Tax Developments Affecting Us. Stratbase ADR Institute CEO and Managing Director Prof. Victor Andres Manhit then led a session titled Philippine Political and Economic Outlook Amid COVID-19. Tax Senior Manager Meynard Sadalla and Manager Keith Pangilinan moderated the open forums of the technical sessions where speakers addressed participant questions.  Participants at the conference included Financial Services Organization (FSO) Leader Vicky Salas, MG 7 Leader Aris Malantic and FSO Partner Bernalette Ramos. Tax Associate Zharina Matito assisted the event’s organizing committee with MAA, who invited the speakers of the conference. 

VAB speaks at MiMAP Executive Session   Financial Services Organization (FSO) Partner Veronica A. Balisi (VAB) was among the speakers at the Governance and Anti-Money Laundering Act Workshop of the Microinsurance MBA Association of the Philippines Inc. (MiMAP) on 21 October. The workshop covered concepts and principles of good corporate governance, the roles of the board and management in a mutual microinsurance context, and compliance and regulatory requirements of the Insurance Commission, especially on the Annual Corporate Governance Report.  VAB presenting at the MiMAP Executive Session  VAB discussed Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF), emphasizing the economic and social consequences of money laundering and terrorism financing. She provided updates and developments on the AML Council’s local regulatory framework and discussed the results of the 3rd Philippine Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) and its follow-up report. She also spoke on the emerging financial crime risks caused by the pandemic, regulator examination expectations and effective AML/CTF governance. She concluded the session with insights on how financial crime can impact the MiMAP and the insurance industry.  Erika speaking at the MiMAP Executive Session  FSO Associate Director Erika Gaanan Teh moderated the session. Participants included AMLC representative Marlon Jerard Paruginog and the newly elected Board of Trustees and senior management of the Mi-MBA members of MiMAP. 

Several SGV Partners took part in the first-ever Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Risk Summit last 1-2 October. With the theme Business Unusual during COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, the summit discussed the pandemic’s impact on businesses and provided sessions on information security, digital platforms, navigating investment risks, and coping beyond adequate business continuity programs. Over 600 participants from the commerce and industry, academic, and government sectors attended the event. MUS and MCM presenting at the Summit CGD, CGL and LJM presenting at the Summit Consulting Partner Carlo G. Dimarucut (CGD) discussed information security risks in digital transformation and alternative work arrangements. EY ASEAN Risk Management Leader, SGV Chief Risk Officer, and Consulting Partner Leonardo J. Matignas (LJM) discussed audit and risk considerations for online platforms and digital environments. Financial Services Consulting and Government and Public Sector Leader Christian G. Lauron (CGL) moderated a session on managing investment risks during the pandemic.

ANC organizes Blockchain Roadshow in SGV Clark  SGV Consulting Principal Armand N. Cajayon, Jr. (ANC) recently led a briefing on Blockchain Technology for members of the Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) and the Bataan Government at the SGV Clark Office. Governor Abet Garcia and AFAB Administrator Emmanuel Pineda shared the local government’s vision to boost the province’s economic progress by investing in technology.  The title slide of the EY Blockchain Analyzer presentation  ANC discussed the Data Sovereignty and Attestation solution. EY Consulting Assistant Director Craig Farrell presented a demo of the EY Blockchain Analyzer, a platform designed to facilitate and support audit engagement teams in reconciling data between the client’s books and records and the public ledger. Senior Manager Pramod Gopalakrishna and Senior Associate Alexandra Duckett discussed Public Financial Management and presented use case demonstrations. The speakers discussed how EY’s Blockchain solutions can meet the Bataan Government’s requirements for its local ID system. They also explained how the EY Blockchain Analyzer can function as a regulator of virtual currency, helping the AFAB minimize its security risks and streamline its services.   SGV Clark Partners Peps Zabat, Leo Leaño and Margaux Advincula were also physically present at the briefing and observed proper social distancing. Speakers Craig Farrell, Pramod Gopalakrishna, and Alexandra Duckett participated virtually in the event. Other attendees included Bataan BASECo Joint Venture Inc. President Edgie Ruiz, AFAB Deputy Administrator for Operations Alewijn Ong, AFAB Administrator Emmanuel Pineda, and PBG Company Architect Henry Mayuga.   

Luisa brings home the Owl!  The Staff Anniversary program also recognized high-performing staff members who live our Purpose to the fullest.   The SyCip Award, named after our Founder, was presented to Talent Director Luisa Anna Hebron for her dedicated leadership role as head of Talent Consultants who assist Market Groups and Service Lines in all aspects of people management. She was also commended for her valuable contributions to the SGV Crisis Management Team, successfully handling multiple disruptions that demanded immediate action.   Special Awards were given to several teams and individuals for their outstanding contributions during FY20.   The Special Awards for Client Leadership were given to Tax Senior Director Mary Grace Cabalida, Strategy and Transactions Director Erwin Daniel Garcia, Consulting Senior Director Aileen Uy, the B2B Leads to Cash Business Readiness Team, Consumer Health Business Integration Project Team, Green Finance Team, and Project Arrow and Project Wave Team.   The Special Awards for Team Leadership were presented to Assurance Senior Director Marco Rene Barredo, Assurance Senior Associate Rochelle Cruzata, the Digital Audit Core Enablement Team, GCO Team, Global Cybersecurity Managed Services Executive Team, and Team Aloha.   The Special Awards for Personal Leadership were awarded to Consulting Director Jerome Alvarez, Talent Supervising Associate Julia-Anne Deypalan, Consulting Director Meleusipo Fonollera, Financial Services Organization Senior Director Leslie Anne Huang, Assurance Director Marius Cesar Palacios, and Forensics Senior Director Zuzete Ubanan.   The Special Award for Business Leadership was given to the Tax Core Team.  Congratulations to our SyCip and Special awardees! 

RGS elected ACIIA President  SGV Senior Adviser Rebecca G. Sarmenta (RGS) was elected President of the Asian Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (ACIIA), making her the third Filipino to assume the role. She will serve as the President of the organization for 2020-2021 and will continue to support the ACIIA’s vision to be the regional voice of the internal auditing profession by advocating the organization’s values, promoting best practices, and providing exceptional service to its members.  Prior to her appointment, RGS was the Vice President of the ACIIA in 2019 and the Chairman of the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIAP) in 2015. Her valuable experience includes working with private companies and government agencies in developing rules and regulations for their internal audit function, and risk and governance practices. She specializes in risk management services, internal audit services, business process reviews, and operational performance reviews.  Congratulations, RGS! 

SDS joins ACPAPP National Convention  Tax Partner and Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP) Director Sonia D. Segovia (SDS) participated in the ACPAPP National Convention last 30 September. With the theme Empowering CPAs towards Professional Excellence and Quality Service, the convention discussed the issues accountants face and the best practices they can consider to prepare for a world beyond the pandemic.   SDS presenting at the ACPAPP National Convention  SDS joined the first technical session titled Understanding the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) for CPAs in Public Practice. She introduced speaker Board of Accountancy Member Hon. Arlyn Villanueva who discussed the PQF for the accountancy profession and the career progression and specialization program for CPAs in public practice. SDS also moderated the session’s open forum.   Participants at the Convention included SGV Chairman and CMP Wilson Tan; Senior Assurance Partner Itos Cruz; Market Group 2 Leader Marydith Miguel; Learning and Development Leader and Assurance Partner Clairma Mangangey; and Assurance Partners ACPAPP Foundation Board of Trustees Member Peps Zabat, ACPAPP Committee on Accounting and Auditing Standards Chairperson Leovina Villa-Chu, John Villa, Aileen Saringan, Cyril Valencia, and Djole Garcia; and Senior Director Arlan Desembrana.