2023

SGV’s Consulting Team joined the 5th annual summit organized by the Business Continuity Managers Association of the Philippines (BCMAP) titled “Resiliency and Sustainability: Our Path to the Future.” The summit featured sessions on how organizations can navigate their future by embracing resiliency and sustainability in their portfolios and programs. It was held from 1 to 2 December 2022.  Alvin presenting at the BCMAP Summit Senior Director Alvin G. Manuel talked about cyber response and resiliency in the Philippine context on the first day of the Summit. He discussed how organizations can use cyber resiliency principles to manage and respond to complex disruptions.  Judd and Sheena presenting at the BCMAP Summit Associate Directors Judd P. Tablazon and Sheena E. Borlaza talked about decarbonization towards a climate-resilient and sustainable future. They discussed the current landscape of climate change in the Philippines, as well as the role of Business Continuity Managers and Risk Managers in approaching the response to manage climate change and implement decarbonization. CCaSS team members Paula Cecilia Camille Rodriguez and Gregory Ryan Tan assisted in preparing the materials for the talk on sustainability and decarbonization.  Consulting Associate Director Jay S. Yabes served as a panelist for the second day. In the members’ meeting held after the summit, Alvin and Jay were also elected as Directors of the BCMAP for 2023. BCMAP is a non-profit organization established to promote best practices and standards for business continuity and disaster recovery.

SGV Partners Jose Pepito “Pepz” E. Zabat (JEZ), Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL), Eleanore A. Layug (EAL), and Alexis C. Zaragoza (ACZ), SGV Senior Policy Adviser Ambassador and DIWATA Chairman Delia Domingo Albert (DDA), and Market Group (MG) 7 Senior Managers Marc Bonnie Wong, Marco Rene Barredo, Leo Niño Canlas, and Juan Gabriel Ma. Cagampan participated in the 68th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) held from 15 to 18 November 2022 at the CAP–John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.  Leo, Aris, Delia, Eleanore, and Pepz with former SGV Partner Jaime F. del Rosario, DIWATA Founding President Atty. Patricia A. O. Bunye, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) President Luis R. Sarmiento, ASEAN Eng., and other ANMSEC participants The conference featured mine safety field demonstrations and competitions and mining, metallurgical, geological, and environmental symposia. The safest mines and the best mining personalities/professionals were also recognized during the event.  Eleanore, Pepz, and Delia with former SGV Partner Jaime F. del Rosario and other DIWATA members In one symposium during the conference, DIWATA Chairman DDA and DIWATA President EAL led the launch of the DIWATA Awards. The Awards will recognize outstanding social development and management programs of companies belonging to the Philippine minerals industry. DIWATA – Women in Resource Development Inc. is an NGO advocating for the responsible development of the Philippines’ wealth of resources in the fields of mining, oil and gas, quarrying, and other mineral resources. Pepz, Eleanore, Delia, and Aris with former SGV Partner Jaime F. del Rosario and other ANMSEC attendees Representatives from mining companies, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its attached bureaus and agencies, and other Philippine mining industry stakeholders (students, teachers, professional organizations, etc.) attended the event.

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi (VAB) was a resource speaker at the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) Anti Money Laundering (AML) webinar held on 2 December 2022 via Zoom. SGV sponsored the webinar. Event poster Veronica was joined by FINEX Professional Development Committee Chairman Editha V. Estacio (EVE), who delivered the welcome remarks and was part of the organizing team. Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Atty. Matthew M. David was the keynote speaker. Veronica talked about AML and how the Philippines can get out of the grey list. She said that building a strong AML culture would enhance compliance, reduce regulatory risks, and improve AML efficiency. She added that it is also important to hold people accountable for the compliance framework.   Veronica talks about fighting money laundering Veronica shared five key takeaways during the session: 1. Covered institutions should be more involved in conducting institutional risk assessments (IRAs) to determine appropriate mitigating controls and identify heightened or emerging risks; 2. Know-your-client (KYC) and customer due diligence (CDD) should be linked with the transaction monitoring exercise; 3. AML/CTPF programs should not be seen as merely a compliance matter; instead, covered institutions should harness their benefits to have a better understanding of their customers and recognize that a good AML/CTPF risk management framework creates a good brand and reputation for the company; 4. Financial institutions and law enforcement agencies alike don’t just need new technology — they need to adopt a new way of working; and 5. Building a strong AML culture will enhance compliance, reduce regulatory risk, and improve efficiency in AML/CTPF.  She concluded her talk by encouraging the attendees to fight money laundering, which may also be related to online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC), prostitution, human trafficking, and drug dealing. She said that one should not compromise one’s profession, firm, or company by accepting clients that may be involved in money laundering. Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) Philippine Chapter Co-Chairman Atty. Karla Denise Frias led the panel discussion and the webinar concluded with a message from FINEX Professional Development Committee (PDC) Co-Chair Paul San Pedro. PDC Liaison Director Ronald Luis Goseco served as the Master of Ceremonies.

SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Senior Manager Meynard L. Sardalla received the EY Asia-Pacific Tax Award under the Exceptional Talent category during the EY Asia-Pacific Executive Tax Update held on 1 and 2 December 2022.  Exceptional Talent awardee Meynard L. Sardalla The Exceptional Talent Award is given to exceptional individuals who demonstrate inclusive leadership and embody the EY Purpose and values. The selection process for the awards began with nominations which were assessed by an Asia-Pacific Tax jury. The winners were announced as part of the opening plenary of the Asia-Pacific Executive Tax Update on 1 December. Meynard has spearheaded various initiatives to foster diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, promote work-life integration and professional development, and empower and inspire others. The APAC Tax Awards - Celebrating You, Inspiring Others is the APAC Tax campaign to celebrate behaviors and contributions of individuals and teams that have made a substantial difference in various aspects. The event was attended by Tax Executives from EY member firms in the Asia-Pacific Region. Congratulations, Meynard!

SGV Davao held its first in-person alumni cocktails event in over two years since the pandemic began. The event was held at the new SGV Davao office on 12 December 2022. Over 70 SGV Davao alumni attended the event. SGV Partners and Leaders with SGV Davao Alumni SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (WPT) welcomed everyone to the event and the new SGV Davao office. He gave a recap of the Davao office’s accomplishments over the past two years, and he shared how glad he was to have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and colleagues as the country recovers from the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. SGV Tax Leader Fabian K. delos Santos (FKS) and Market Group 4 Leader Veronica R. Pore (VRP) delivered their respective messages before the toast led by SGV Davao Partner-in-charge Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa (JJB), to the deep friendship and professional relationship between SGV Davao and its Alumni. Alumni were also given a brief guided tour of the new office. Other partners who were present during the cocktails were Jhoanna Feliza C. Go (JCG), Alvin M. Pinpin (AMP), Saha A. Bulagsak (SAB), and Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM). SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Associate Anne Eiko Gizelle C. Lumbayon was the emcee for the event while Assurance Senior Manager Dexter Allan Noel N. Madamba led the opening prayer. The SGV Davao Stellars also gave a dance performance during the event.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team hosted the second episode of the SGV SAVE Council's WebCCaSS for FY23 on 25 November 2022. The session, titled "Beyond Consumerism: Building a Circular Economy through Stewardship," aimed to educate SGVeans on what a circular economy is and how it can change the current linear economic model. The presenters also gave a brief overview of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 and discussed how it can address and help solve the country’s plastic pollution problem. 640 participants attended the session. The CCaSS team talks about a circular economy Business Consulting and CCaSS Partner Conrad Allan M. Alviz (CMA) kicked off the session with his opening remarks. CCaSS Associates Michelle Joan C. Ferrer and Dawn Louise G. Lim and CCaSS Manager Carla J. Capistrano discussed the current plastic problem, circular economy principles, the EPR Act of 2022, and local and global circular economy practices. SGVeans answer how they could help contribute to a circular economy To keep the participants engaged in the discussions, CCaSS Senior Associate Keith S. Celebre handled a series of interactive activities, asking the audience which circular practices they should choose in their daily-life scenarios and how they can establish a new habit in their daily lives to contribute to achieving a circular economy. The session concluded with a Declaration for Call-to-Action called “A Plan Towards A Responsible Action” that aims to lead individuals to take a step towards responsible waste management. 117 SGVeans expressed their commitment to this endeavor. Carla also thanked the organizers and participants and encouraged them to practice circular economy habits.  The SAVE Council’s WebCCaSS initiative is a quarterly one-hour webcast that covers concepts, trends, regulations, and industry practices around sustainability and climate change.

The SGV Talent Team celebrated Christmas with the theme “The 2000s with a sustainable twist.” Members of the Talent team participated in various activities anchored on sustainability principles during their Christmas party on 16 December 2022. Talent team group photo Alvin and Julie with some of the Talent team members during the Christmas Decor judging Members of the Talent Function teams cleaned the Talent floor areas for their spring-cleaning activity. They also participated in a Christmas decorating activity where recyclable and reusable items from the office and their homes were used as Christmas decorations, an exchange gift activity where members exchanged pre-loved personal items that they think will be useful to their intended recipients, and the Best Costume Awards for members who came in their best 2000s outfit without buying new clothes. There were games and raffles during the party as well. Julie, Clairma, and Martin Julie, Clairma, and Alvin Talent Leader Julie O. Mateo (JOM) and Business Services Group Leader Alvin M. Pinpin (AMP) were judges for the Christmas decorating activity. They also gave their respective messages along with Learning and Development Leader Clairma T. Mangangey (CTM) and Assurance Leader Martin C. Guantes (MCG).

Global Compliance Reporting (GCR) Partners Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL) and Maricris U. See (MUS) were recognized as Outstanding Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accounts (PICPA) Members from the Metro Manila Region (MMR) during the 77th PICPA Annual National Convention (ANC) held from 23 to 26 November in Cebu City. Outstanding PICPA Members Maricris U. See and Hentje Leo L. Leaño Leo and Maricris were recognized for their outstanding performance as presidents of the PICPA Eastern Metro Manila Chapter (EMMC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-2017 and Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) for FY 2020-2021, respectively. Their citations noted their active participation as chairs or members of various MMR and PICPA national committees which contributed to the attainment of PICPA’s goals and aspirations. Also recognized during the 77th PICPA ANC were former Business Consulting Partner and Chief Risk Officer Leonardo J. Matignas Jr. (LJM) and former Country Tax Leader Luis P. Ferrer (LPF) as Honorary Life Members. Congratulations, Leo and Maricris!

SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Margaux A. Advincula (MAA) and Market Group 7 leader Jose Pepito “Peps” E. Zabat III (JEZ) welcomed PEZA OIC Director General Tereso “Theo” Panga, who visited the SGV Clark Office for a special meeting with the SGV Clark Business Tax Services team. The visit took place after Margaux and Peps attended a Special General Membership Meeting (GMM) organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) North Luzon Chapter on Ecozones in Depth: Enabling Industry and Investments. Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) officials, together with members of the AmCham North Luzon Chapter, attended the event at the Clark Marriott Hotel. Market Group 7 leader Jose Pepito E. Zabat III, PEZA OIC Director General Theo Panga, SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Margaux A. Advincula, and PEZA Enterprise Services Officer II Karen Fernandez  PEZA OIC Director General Theo Panga presented updates on various business and investment opportunities in Clark. He also showcased how PEZA and its ecozones have played a crucial role in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) which generated much-needed jobs, exports, local and national revenues, and other economic opportunities for the country.

SGV Clark Partners and Managers joined the 31st North Luzon Area Business (NLAB) Conference at the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort Hotel, Clark Freeport, Pampanga. The two-day event highlighted programs and opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large enterprises featuring emerging businesses in North Luzon. Proprietors, top-level management, and executives of enterprises from CAR and Regions I to III attended the event. SGV Clark Partners and Managers at the 31st NLAB Conference SGV was one of the sponsors and key guests of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (MACCII). SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge Atty. Margaux A. Advincula (MAA), Market Group 7 leader Jose Pepito E. Zabat III (JEZ), SGV Clark Tax Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL), Assurance Senior Director Leo Niño R. Canlas, Assurance Associate Director Ezra Yumul, Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Associate Director David Jonathan F. Manalili, and Business Tax Advisory (BTA) Associate Director Atty. Philip Dave C. Cachapero represented SGV.  SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge Atty. Margaux A. Advincula, 2nd Dist. of Albay Representative and Committee on Ways & Means Chair Hon. Jose Maria Clemente “Joey” Sarte Salceda, and BTA Associate Director Atty. Philip Dave C. Cachapero Atty. Margaux (leftmost) and Atty. Philip (rightmost) with Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Delfin Lorenzana and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Agnes VST Devanadera Key government officials and prominent business leaders graced the event and discussed issues affecting business and the economy particularly in the areas of agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure, and science and technology development, among others. The conference also served as a venue for delegates to network with businessmen from various parts of the country, explore innovative business opportunities, and forge new partnerships. The 31st NLAB Conference was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and hosted by the MACCII. It brought together the key officials of the member Chambers and business partners located in North Luzon and promoted the developments being made in New Clark City and nearby areas, as well as the reforms and initiatives set forth by the Government and by the private sector that would affect locators in North Luzon.