August 2021

The Talent and Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Teams were among the speakers at the 2021 American Chamber of Commerce Philippines Business Leadership Program (AmCham–BLP). The BLP is a 10-day program that provides selected students from different courses and universities across the country with an opportunity to interact with AmCham member companies and build their capabilities as future business leaders.Julia presenting at the programTalent Supervising Associate Julia-Anne Deypalan provided an overview of SGV, its services, structure and Purpose. She also discussed how the Firm has addressed and adapted to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, sharing how SGV is leveraging on digital platforms to encourage virtual employee engagement.BNV and Yna presenting at the programBNV and Senior Associate Yna Antipala then led a session on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and sustainability. They discussed the factors that led to the increasing importance of sustainability. Emphasizing the key business drivers in sustainability reporting, they explained how the Firm helps companies track and report their ESG metrics. At the end of the session, they encouraged the participants to get involved in sustainability initiatives and help develop solutions that can address climate change.
The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants–Government Relations Committee (PICPA–GRC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines–College of Accountancy and Finance (PUP–CAF), and the City Government of Mandaluyong recently conducted the Accounting for Non-Accountants – Batch 2 webinar series for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Leader and PICPA GRC Chair Sonia D. Segovia (SDS) led the webinar’s organizing team with GCR Partner Aaron C. Escartin (ACE), Senior Director Don Don T. Mojica, and Senior Associate Shaira Mae R. Jamolor.SDS with the speakers and participants at the webinarThe webinar’s speakers, who are mostly professors from PUP, discussed the basics of the accounting cycle, internal control for cash, payroll matters, and income/business tax compliance. The attendees found the program useful as it provided them with a comprehensive overview of fundamental concepts on setting up a successful business venture. Over 1,000 business owners from across the country attended the sessions, doubling the number of the participants from the webinar’s first batch in October-November 2020.
The Philippine Association of Realty Appraisers, Inc. (PARA) conducted a rerun of the webinar titled Expanding the Valuation/Appraisal Horizon last 10 July. Strategy and Transactions Partner Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed (MTH) was among the speakers who led a discussion on Valuation for Financial Reporting. The other speakers shared insights on Philippine property market updates, property measurement standards, green building and sustainable design, and amending the Anti-Money Laundering Act. MTH with the other speakers and participants at the webinarMTH provided an overview of valuation concepts, appraisal methods and developments in Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) on Fair Value Measurement. She then shared insights on how appraisers can properly issue fair value measurements in compliance with PFRS and the requirements on financial statements disclosures. 
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) organized the Briefing on CREATE Title XIII and VAT Updates on 13 July. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Atty. Wilma T. Eisma opened the session with a prayer. He then welcomed over 400 participants from Subic locators and organizations based in nearby provinces, including SGV Clark Head and Assurance Partner Jose Pepito E. Zabat (JEZ).MAA presenting at the briefingTax Partner Margaux A. Advincula (MAA) discussed the recently released Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE Act), specifically Title XIII. She provided VAT updates, particularly the ones introduced by Revenue Regulations No. 9-2021. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato W. Lee III then delivered the closing remarks. The webinar was hosted by Engr. Panfilo S. Jurilla, SBMA Representative to the TWG-SIPP and CREATE and Head of the Business and Investment Department for Information and Communications Technology. Tax Associate Director Michael Ray Lapasaran, Senior Associates Maria Clara Theresa David and John Marti Duya, and Associate Brevin Perez were part of the organizing team.