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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.

SGV recognizes Loyalty  SGV also honored its loyal employees during its 74th Anniversary. Loyalty Awards were presented to longtime staff for their outstanding and dedicated years of service to the Firm.  Loyalty Awards are given to those who have served the Firm for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years.     25- and 30-year Loyalty Awardees     The 25-year loyalty awardees were Assurance Partner Editha Estacio, Tax Partner Reynante Marcelo and Tax Principal Veronica Santos.   The 30-year awardees were Tax Leader Fame Delos Santos, People Advisory Services Senior Director Elena Manuel, Finance Assistant Director Tita Medina, Executive Secretary Ma. Ester Rodriguez, Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian Ruiz, and Business Services Group (BSG) Assistant Director Marilyn Uy.   Kudos to all our loyal partners and staff! 

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! 

WPT opens MBC webinar session  SGV Chairman and CMP Wilson P. Tan (WPT) was featured in the third session of the MBC webinar series titled Leading in Extraordinary Times on 6 October. The series features top CEOs as they share the challenges that they have faced and the solutions they have developed to respond to the issues caused by the pandemic. MBC Executive Director Coco Alcuaz welcomed MBC members and executives to the session.   WPT presenting at the MBC webinar  WPT delivered the opening remarks and discussed the measures that SGV has implemented to ensure business continuity and resilience. He spoke on the value of digital transformation and encouraged participants to integrate this into their corporate strategies and foster a culture of innovation in their organizations. 

SGV Partners participate in PICPA Risk Summit  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  SGV Tax Partner and PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter President Maricris U. See (MUS) delivered the opening remarks on the Summit’s first day and emphasized the value of embracing change to strengthen resilience and enhance professional and personal growth. Market Group 2 Leader and PICPA National Executive Vice President Marydith C. Miguel (MCM) welcomed participants to the second day of the Summit and highlighted the role of professional accountants in strengthening their organizations’ adaptability and resilience.  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.  

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.   

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.   

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! 

Tax Associate named SGV’s first Young Tax Professional of the Year  SGV Tax Associate Leanne Aila Monserate from SDS cluster was named the Young Tax Professional of the Year (YTPY) Philippines 2020 last 12 October. The local competition consisted of panel interviews, case studies and oral presentations. Judges during the first panel interview were Tax sub-service line leaders, while judges for the final part of the competition were Tax Leader Fame delos Santos, Consulting Leader Rossana Fajardo, Strategy and Transactions Leader Noel Rabaja, and Market Group 8 Leader Jun Torres. The other YTPY Philippines finalists were Tax Associates Charmaine Joyce Yu, Denise Marbella and Kyra Montalbo.    Leanne Monserate  Leanne will represent the country in the Global YTPY competition on 23-24 November. EY Young Tax Professional of the Year is an international competition designed to reward and foster the next generation of tax leaders. The global winner will receive a 30-day world business trip, including 10 days of organized visits to EY centers in key markets.   Good luck, Leanne!