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SGV Partners and Principals together with Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan attended the Meet and Greet in SGV Clark event held on 18 December 2023 at the SGV Clark office.  SGV Partners and Principals with SGV Clark staff The event provided an opportunity for interaction between the leadership partners and SGV Clark personnel consisting of Assurance and Tax (Global Compliance and Reporting and Business Tax Services) professionals and a socialization activity where partners could provide advice, suggestions and support and the participants felt comfortable asking and answering questions.

SGV Consulting Partner and EY Asean Core Consulting Quality Leader Joseph Ian M. Canlas received the 2023 Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) Emerging Category for Finance. Ian was recognized for his exemplary achievements and contributions and for continuing to embody the ideals of a true Kapampangan. He received the award during the 452nd founding anniversary of the province of Pampanga on 11 December 2023. 2023 Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awardee for Finance Joseph Ian M. Canlas (center) “Beyond being a CPA, I strived and became the professional I am today — an external and internal auditor, consultant in risk/compliance management, internal controls, and corporate governance, among others, for both public and private sectors. It is my passion and I advocate for initiatives related to ESG or Sustainability. I hope to be an example that you can do more beyond your original profession,” Ian said. Ian (center) with Assurance Senior Manager Leo Niño R. Canlas (left) and SGV Clark Head and Partner-in-Charge Margaux A. Advincula Ian believes that companies should be mindful of people being the heart of organizations; their clear purpose, initiatives on environment, and social and governance should be given more of a spotlight through non-financial reports such as sustainability reports. Ian was honored alongside 12 other MOKA awardees. The MOKA is an annual search for Kapampangans who excel in their respective endeavors or professions. The MOKA Award is perceived as the pinnacle of all awards conferred by the Province of Pampanga to its outstanding sons and daughters. Congratulations, Ian!

SGV Partners Jose Pepito E. Zabat, Eleanore A. Layug, Hentje Leo L. Leaño, and Peter John R. Ventura, and Market Group (MG) 7 Assurance and Tax Managers participated in the 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) at the CAP–John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Baguio City.  SGV Partners Jose Pepito E. Zabat, Eleanore A. Layug, and Peter John R. Ventura, and MG7 Senior Managers with PMSEA President and ASEAN Eng. Luis R. Sarmiento The conference featured mining exhibits, a youth congress, mine safety field demonstrations and competitions, and mining, metallurgical, geological, and environmental symposia. The Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award for the best mining practices in the Philippines was also conferred during the event. SGV Partners Jose Pepito E. Zabat, Eleanore A. Layug, and Hentje Leo L. Leaño, and MG7 Assurance and Tax Managers The Philippine Mine and Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) in cooperation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) organized the conference, which was attended by representatives from mining companies, regulators and local government units, and other industry stakeholders. PMSEA is a volunteer organization that promotes best practices in the areas of occupational health and safety, sound environmental management, and social development among mining companies operating in the Philippines.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partners and Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) accredited Verification Service Providers (VSPs) Benjamin “Benjie” Villacorte and Katrina Francisco participated in a walkthrough audit and documentary verification of two mining operations. Benjie (first row, second from left) with other VSPs and representatives of Padcal Mine The audit of Padcal Mine and Rio Tuba Mine covered the assessment of various indicators under the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) program, aiming to review performance ratings of the reporting members to the COMP. This is a mandatory undertaking for existing and upcoming members of the organization, which subjects them to annually submit a self-assessment report. Katrina (first row, third from right) with Rio Tuba Representatives The TSM also aims to enable mining companies to meet society’s needs for minerals, metals, and energy products in the most socially, economically, and environmentally responsible way. With core pillar values grouping the protocols under: (1) Communities and People; (2) Environmental Stewardship; (3) Energy Efficiency, each protocol is made up of a set of indicators that help mining facilities build, measure, and publicly report on the quality of their management systems and their performance.The COMP adopted the TSM in 2017. In 2022, the first batch of VSPs, including Katrina and Benjie, underwent training and were accredited.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte, CCaSS Principal and PSRC Technical Working Group (TWG) member Bonar A. Laureto, and CCaSS Manager and PSRC TWG member Ricardo “Ricky” S. Maulion Jr. participated in the 10th Annual Securities and Exchange Commission - Philippine Stock Exchange (SEC-PSE) Corporate Governance Forum at the SEC Headquarters in Makati City. Benjie during the panel discussion Benjie was a panelist in the panel discussion on Interoperability of Global Sustainability Reporting Frameworks. He discussed the key features of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards and updates on the jurisdictions that have adopted the standards. Benjie also gave an introduction of the PSRC, which is a relatively new organization that enables opportunities and solutions to advance sustainable development in the country. Bonar during the SuRe Workshop Briefer Bonar co-facilitated the Sustainability Reporting (SuRe) Workshop Briefer together with SEC Director for Corporate Governance and Finance Department Atty. Rachel Esther Gumtang-Remalante. Ricky was one of the workshop trainers during the simulating sustainability/climate risk assessment for SuRe Form activity. The forum was organized by the SEC and PSE in collaboration with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), PSRC, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The participants came from publicly listed companies. 

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte was a resource speaker at the De La Salle University (DLSU) Sustainability Forum organized by the DLSU Department of Accountancy at the DLSU Verdure, 4F Henry Sy Sr. Hall in DLSU Manila. Ninety-seven DLSU students attended the forum, which aimed to impart knowledge on the trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainability reporting for both business and career. Benjie at the DLSU Sustainability Forum Benjie covered topics such as sustainability reporting trends, challenges, and opportunities for business and career, the business landscape of sustainability reporting, and considerations when pursuing a career in sustainability.

SGV Indirect Tax Partner Atty. Stephanie V. Nava and Senior Director Meynard L. Sardalla conducted two tax webinars in cooperation with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) La Union Chapter. Over 600 attendees from various parts of the Philippines attended the webinars, which aimed to contribute to the participants’ professional development and promote knowledge-sharing in the field of taxation. Among the important tax-related topics covered were Understanding Tax Refund and Its Processes, as well as Understanding Taxation, Compliance, and Returns for Royalties, Interest, and Dividends. Atty. Steph discusses tax refund processes Atty. Steph provided a comprehensive overview of the different types of tax refunds, ensuring participants were well-informed about the procedural and substantive requirements for availing themselves of such refunds. She also shared practical tips and remedies on the process. Meynard during the forum session Meynard focused on the impact of tax treaties on the taxation of royalties, interest, and dividends in cross-border transactions. He also discussed recent revenue issuances that govern these areas, keeping participants up to date with the latest regulations. Both speakers actively engaged with the participants during the forum session, addressing their queries and concerns. Atty. Jo Ann Marie O. Casio, Atty. Gracia Mae A. Beronilla, and Atty. Charlene Joy W. Millares from SGV's Indirect Tax team also shared their insights during the tax refund forum.

SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team hosted a webinar titled “Navigating the new frontier of sustainability standards: SGV Insight Session on the ISSB Standards.” The session aimed to impart key insights about the recently published International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards or International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards. ISSB Member Bing Leng and SGV CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte during the fireside chat Speakers and panelists shared their insights on the ISSB Standards, sustainability disclosures, and their impact on the sustainability reporting landscape from the viewpoint of a regulator, corporate reporter, a standard-setting body, and a professional services firm. ISSB Member Bing Leng discusses the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards The session’s keynote speaker was ISSB Member Bing Leng. He talked about the development journey of the ISSB Standards and reliefs to support adoption. He also participated in a fireside chat moderated by SGV CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte on ISSB key consultation results and support to jurisdictional adoption of ISSB Standards. (First row L–R) GRI Country Manager – Philippines Katreen Pillejera, AEV First Vice President – Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, and SGV Consulting Partner Joseph Ian M. Canlas; (Second row L–R) Gokongwei Group Sustainability Head Yvonne Purisima, FSO Leader Christian G. Lauron, and PH SEC Atty. Rachel Remalante The panelists for the forum were Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Philippines Country Manager Ma. Katreena Pillejera, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Corporate Governance and Finance Department Director Atty. Rachel Esther J. Gumtang-Remalante, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) First Vice President - Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer Ana Margarita “Ginggay” Hontiveros-Malvar, Gokongwei Group Head of Sustainability Yvonne Flores, and SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Leader Christian G. Lauron. SGV Consulting Partner Joseph Ian M. Canlas moderated the fireside chat. CCaSS Manager Jouelle M. Nerveza led the organizing team composed of Manager Ricardo S. Maulion, Senior Associates Marsha P. Batusbatusan and Goldianne M. Madriaga, and Associates Emmanuel D. Regondola and Caryll Joy C. Franco. CCaSS Senior Manager Crystal Aleli R. Cornell served as the session’s host and was also part of the organizing team.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partners Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte and Katrina F. Francisco were resource speakers at the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP) Professional Development Committee Seminar and General Membership Meeting. The event aimed to impart knowledge on key sustainability topics and how these may affect the accounting profession. Sixty-one ACPAPP members attended the seminar and meeting at the Washington SyCip Development Center (WSDC) in Makati City.  Benjie (left) and Katrina (right) discuss key sustainability topics Benjie talked about circular economy and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. He gave an overview of circular economy and the plastic problem. He also discussed the EPR Law and its impacts on accountants and the EPR reporting audit requirements.  Benjie (left) and Katrina (right) receive their certificates of appreciation Katrina provided sustainability reporting updates. She gave an introduction of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards, discussed the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2 requirements, and recommended next steps for Philippine businesses.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Principal Bonar A. Laureto was a guest speaker at the 66th Charter Anniversary Symposium and Special General Membership Meeting organized by the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) at the Rizal Park Hotel.  Bonar talks about Environmental and Social Risks for Rural Banks Bonar shared his insights on setting up the Environment and Social Risk Management Framework for Rural Banks, as well as the opportunities, advantages, and overall impact on climate investment. He spoke alongside Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Lyn Javier, who talked about BSP policies and recommended that banks seek technical assistance from sustainability experts and organizations. The event aimed to provide relevant and noteworthy inputs for new opportunities to engage in and develop more collaborations with other private entities supportive of rural banking. It also provided a platform to share the latest industry updates that will be useful in day-to-day operations. Rural and cooperative bank owners, shareholders, directors, and senior officers from across the country attended the event.