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SGV Partners and Managers joined the 2024 Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Geographical Area Office (GAO) Tax Conference with the theme “Beyond Compliance: Transcending Regulatory, Tax Challenges and Opportunities.” The two-day event was held at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom in Malate, Manila. Around 200 participants per day attended the event. Tax Conference Committee Co-Chair Meynard Sardalla, PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia, Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See, and Tax Conference Committee Member Earvin Darren Lee PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia and Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See led the PICPA MMR GAO team. Tax Senior Directors Meynard Sardalla and Earvin Darren Lee served as Co-Chair and Committee Member, respectively. Meynard and Earvin also served as the Masters of Ceremonies during the event. Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See talks about the BIR’s 2024 Priority Plans Tax Partner Aaron Escartin during his lecture on gearing up for annual income tax activities Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See discussed the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR’s) 2024 Priority Plans and recent regulatory updates, while Tax Partner Aaron Escartin discussed the essentials and dos and don’ts in preparing the 2024 Annual Income Tax Return, which is due for filing on 15 April 2024. Aaron also joined a roundtable discussion with Tax Partner Atty. Thyrza Marbas on Day 1. PAS Immigration and ITTS Advisory Leader Atty. Fidela Reyes receives certificate and token of appreciation People Advisory Services (PAS) – Immigration and ITTS Advisory Leader Atty. Fidela Reyes was the guest speaker for Day 2. She discussed the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 Pillar and highlighted its global and local tax impacts. Atty. Fidela, along with the other Day 2 speakers also addressed questions and clarifications from the audience during the roundtable moderated by Maricris. Earvin, Peter, Sonia, Aileen, Maricris, and Meynard pose for a group photo PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) President Aileen L. Saringan, PICPA Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) President Peter John R. Ventura, and PICPA MMR GAO Council Treasurer Francis Ricamora introduced some of the speakers.

SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel “Chin” Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua participated in the recently held first General Membership Meeting for 2024 organized by the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIAP) at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. SGV Consulting Partner Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza with psychologist Lillian Gui The meeting, themed "Driving Purposeful Change," saw an exchange of insights and best practices among IIAP members and Internal Audit professionals, including SGV representatives. The meeting emphasized how aligning actions with a definite purpose can drive meaningful changes. IIAP 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers The event also marked the induction of the 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers. Chin was inducted as a new IIAP Trustee and Technical Standards & Research Committee Chair. Chin facilitated the session titled "Mapping the Path for Purposeful Personal Transformation." She discussed the key aspects of initiating personal and organizational changes aligning with the vision and mission of the organization. Other plenary discussions during the meeting were on "Corporate Governance Leadership: Strategies for Driving Purposeful Change" and "Internal Audit's Role in Steering Organization's Visionary Drive for Change." Manager Arjane Mae Isla, Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua, Manager Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore Chin and Ryan were joined by Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, Managers Arjane Mae Isla and Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore.

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 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 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 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 paid a courtesy call on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The discussions revolved around PAGCOR’s approach to money laundering and terrorist financing, which involve strategies in line with the national policy and sanctions in the casino industry.  (From left to right) FinCrime AML/CTPF Senior Associate Damlouie Valladolid, Assurance Partner Christine G. Vallejo, FSO) Risk Management Leader Vicky Lee-Salas, PAGCOR Assistant Vice-President, AML Supervision & Enforcement Department Dave Fermin J. Sevilla, FinCrime AML/CTPF Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi, Cybersecurity Partner Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut, and Forensic and Integrity Partner Roderick M. Vega Attendees included PAGCOR AML Supervision & Enforcement Department Assistant Vice-President Dave Fermin J. Sevilla, Asia Pacific Financial Services Organization (FSO) Risk Management Leader Vicky Lee-Salas, FinCrime AML/CTPF Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi, Forensic and Integrity Partner Roderick M. Vega, Assurance Partner Christine G. Vallejo, Cybersecurity Partner Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut, and FinCrime AML/CTPF Senior Associate Damlouie Valladolid. More key points discussed during the meeting included adaptation to regulatory demands, data quality improvement, innovation, and collaboration. SGV showcased its support for covered organizations through first-generation capabilities, technological advancements, and collaboration in domains such as Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism, Forensics & Integrity Services, and Technology and Cybersecurity.

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!

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!