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SGV Davao Partner-in-Charge Jose Raoul Balisalisa was the guest speaker at Ateneo de Davao University’s Pinning Ceremony for 4th Year BS Accountancy students on 19 August 2023. The ceremony signaled the start of the students’ internship period with different companies, including SGV & Co. About 300 people, including the parents and guests of the students, were present. Raoul during his pinning ceremony speech Raoul’s message was centered on the theme “BUKANG-LIWAYWAY: Transforming Future Accountants, through Challenges and Opportunities.” Apart from sharing his personal experiences as an alumnus of the university and as an accountant, Raoul spoke briefly about SGV, its values, service lines and Nurturing Leaders Internship Program. He shared examples of realities in the workforce as well.  Raoul receives plaque of appreciation Raoul (center) with ADDU faculty and students during the group picture-taking  He concluded his speech by advising the students to not only build a career for themselves, but to also build character. He said that this would help them become more resilient and adaptive to change while overcoming challenges in the business world.

SGV Leaders, Partners, and Staff joined the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP) General Membership Meeting (GMM). The GMM was held at the Washington SyCip Development Center (WSDC) in Makati.   FSO Partners Veronica Mae Arce Balisi (left) and Roderick M. Vega (right) during their respective presentations The GMM included technical training on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist and Proliferation Financing (CTPF). SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Partners Veronica Mae “Nica” Arce Balisi and Roderick “Erick” M. Vega, together with Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Deputy Director Atty. Arnold T. Kabanlit, were the resource speakers on the topic of “AMLA and the Role of Accountants/Auditors.” Resource speakers and roundtable panelists and moderator with their certificates of appreciation Nica gave an overview of the registration statistics of accountants and accounting firms with the AMLC and discussed how their services could be misused to provide a gateway to criminals. Nica then encouraged the participants to register and recognize the importance of AMLA. Nica also gave an overview of Money Laundering, and Terrorist and Proliferation Financing (ML/TPF) and discussed updates on the local AML/CTPF regulatory landscape and preventive measures. Erick talked about various techniques used by criminals to launder money using accountants and accounting firms. SGV FSO Leader Christian G. Lauron moderated the roundtable discussion, which was an interactive information sharing on AML/CTPF areas. The roundtable featured as panelists P&A Grant Thornton Advisory Services Partner Chris Ferareza; Morfe, Ceneta & Co., CPAs Founder and Managing Partner Grace Morfe; and AMLC Deputy Director Atty. Arnold Kabanlit. SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz, who also serves as ACPAPP VP & Liaison Director for Professional Development, and ACPAPP Professional Development Committee Chair Dhonabee B. Señeres, facilitated the event with the assistance of SGV Financial Crime Associate Coleen Mae D. Panuela. 

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Senior Manager Alister Benedict Rodriguez passed the Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) and Statistics for Risk Modeling (SRM) examinations administered by the Society of Actuaries (SOA). FAM and SRM exams passer FSO Senior Manager Alister Benedict Rodriguez Alister passed both the FAM and SRM exams within five months, showcasing his knowledge of actuarial modeling and data analysis and positioning himself as a valuable asset in the field of actuarial sciences and risk management. The FAM exam assesses candidates' understanding of actuarial methods in modeling both short-term and long-term liabilities, while the SRM exam assesses candidates' understanding of statistical methods and models to analyze data. These exams are crucial for actuaries as they demonstrate their proficiency in applying mathematical and statistical techniques to assess and manage risk.   The SOA is a global professional organization for actuaries that offers a variety of certificate programs that prepare candidates for a future in the actuarial industry. These programs also provide candidates with a strong foundation in actuarial science and equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their careers. With its extensive network and resources, the SOA continues to support and advance the actuarial profession worldwide. The SGV FSO team will be holding FSO briefings on actuarial sciences and risk management for SGVeans and students.  Congratulations, Alister!

SGV Tax Partner Atty. Auresana “Rhena” B. Ines conducted a tax webinar for the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) on “How to Effectively Handle a BIR Tax Audit” held via Zoom on 25 August 2023. Event poster Atty. Rhena (lower right) with the SGV Tax Team Atty. Rhena discussed the BIR tax audit procedure and provided tips and leading practices in handling BIR tax audits. She highlighted the importance of understanding the BIR tax audit procedure to ensure compliance with tax regulations. She also emphasized the need for businesses to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the process to effectively address any potential issues that may arise. Atty. Rhena also talked about the significance of maintaining accurate and organized financial records, as this plays a crucial role in successfully navigating BIR tax audits. 

SGV Business Consulting Leader Ryan Gilbert K. Chua was a resource speaker at the 4th Pocket Session organized by the Membership Committee (MemCom) of the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) on “Scaling a BPO/Shared Services Business.” About 30 Executives from various IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) companies attended the event held at the Asia Select Office in Makati City on 25 August 2023. Event poster During the session, Ryan emphasized that while it may be relatively easy to start scaling, sustaining the process is a different matter. Ryan highlighted the importance of proper planning and execution, relationship/presence, methodology, and capability among others to scale sustainably. Ryan also touched on the relevance of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in scaling up and highlighted why choosing the right strategy is key. Ryan (center) talks about how to scale BPOs/Shared Services Businesses sustainably Consulting Partner Jan Ray G. Manlapaz also attended the session. He raised relevant questions on the topics discussed during the panel discussion. Tax/Customs Partner/Principal Atty. Alden C. Labaguis coordinated the event with IBPAP. He was assisted by Indirect Tax (IDT) Associate Director Atty. Lauren Antonette M. Mendoza, and IDT Senior Associates Attys. Kierk Robin M. Ret and Natividad G. Busa, who formed part of the coordinating team. IBPAP is the primary trade body and advocacy group of the country’s IT-BPM sector and is composed of close to 400 companies and six partner associations.

SGV, represented by Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan and Consulting Partner and iTeach Program Director Allan W. Ocho, and PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc., represented by Country Head Christopher Tan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 8 August 2023 for PHINMA schools to participate in the SGV iTeach Program. Signing the MOU are (from left to right) SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz, Consulting Partner and iTeach Program Director Allan W. Ocho, SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, PHINMA Education Country Head Christopher Tan, and PHINMA Araullo University College of Management and Accountancy Dean Emerita Modesto. The SGV iTeach Program aligns with the Firm's commitment to continue its late founder Mr. Washington SyCip's advocacy for lifelong learning. The advocacy program aims to enable educators by updating them on the latest accountancy and technology trends and helping them bridge the gap between theoretical principles and actual practice. This includes collaborations with schools and professional organizations to facilitate training and workshops, provide inputs to the schools' programs, curricula and syllabi, develop case studies, and provide guest lecturers. Present in the photo are (from left to right) SGV Senior Director Elvin Mercader, SGV Assurance Leader Martin C. Guantes, Consulting Partner and iTeach Program Director Allan W. Ocho, SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz, SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (WPT), PHINMA Education Country Head Christopher Tan, PHINMA Araullo University College of Management and Accountancy Dean Emerita Modesto, PHINMA Education Country Chief Learning Officer Glenn Laigo, PHINMA Araullo University Dean Marvin Salviejo, SGV Assurance Partner Belinda T. Beng Hui, and SGV Business Consulting Senior Jervie Sta. Ana. In addition to providing training and workshops, SGV also explores the possibility of an online community where educators can come together to share best practices. To date, the SGV iTeach Program has been able to reach out to and build awareness with around 7,000 teachers, students, and other professionals across the country.  The MOU signing took place at the SGV Museum at Shang Grand Tower, Makati City. Dean Emerita Modesto of the College of Management and Accountancy of PHINMA Araullo University and SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian Ruiz acted as witnesses. Also in attendance were SGV Assurance Leader Martin Guantes, SGV Assurance Partner Belinda T. Beng Hui, SGV Senior Director Elvin Mercader, SGV Business Consulting Senior Jervie Sta. Ana, PHINMA Education Country Chief Learning Officer Glenn Laigo, and Dean Marvin Salviejo of PHINMA Araullo University.

Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Angeles City Chapter officers paid a courtesy call on SGV Clark Partners and staff on 21 July 2023. SGV Clark team with PICPA officers The SGV Clark team was led by SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge Margaux A. Advincula. Members included MG7 Leader Jose Pepito Zabat, Tax Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño, Senior Director Leo Niño Canlas, Associate Directors David Jonathan Manalili, Ezra Yumul, and Elgina Rito, and Senior Associate Angelie Marcelo. They met with PICPA Angeles City Chapter President Aira Vanessa Berces-De Guzman, Public Practice Director Marielle Pamintuan-Palo, Commerce and Industry Director Julyn Nyril Tiatco-Santos, PICPA Angeles City Secretarial Leilani Pablico, and Treasurer Donald Yanga. The teams discussed possible projects, programs, collaborations, and thought leadership activities between the PICPA Angeles City Chapter and SGV Clark. 

SGV signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Surigao Del Norte Provincial Government to produce the Doing Business in Surigao del Norte publication. The MOA was signed on 8 August 2023 by SGV Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan and Provincial Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers. SGV and Surigao Del Norte MOA signing  District II Congressman Robert Ace S. Barbers, Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II, and SGV Strategy and Transactions Partner and Government and Public Sector Leader Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed signed the MOA as witnesses.  SGV Partners and Surigao Del Norte public officials during the MOA signing Wilson delivered the welcome remarks, while Governor Robert, Mayor Pablo and District II Congressman Robert gave short messages. Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz, EY Asean Consulting Quality Leader Joseph Ian M. Canlas, Financial Services Organization (FSO) Leader Christian G. Lauron, and Global Compliance & Reporting (GCR) Partner Saha A. Bulagsak were also present during the MOA signing. The Doing Business in Surigao Del Norte publication is part of SGV’s Doing Business in the Philippines series. The publication aims to provide comprehensive information about the business climate, investment opportunities, and regulatory framework in Surigao Del Norte. It will serve as a valuable resource for local and foreign investors looking to explore the province's potential for economic growth. 

SGV Transaction Diligence Partner and Asian Institute of Management (AIM) alumnus Miguel Carlo “Mickey” S. Rancap was a speaker at the inaugural General Assembly of the AIM Management Consulting Club on 5 August 2023 at AIM. Over 130 AIM graduate school students attended the event. Mickey talks about becoming better business advisors In line with the General Assembly’s objective to inform and inspire, Mickey talked about client-centric behaviors that help one succeed as a business advisor. He shared that every conversation that business advisors have with their clients is an opportunity to advance the relationship, to build trust, to get to know them and their business better. Mickey emphasized the need to cultivate a client-centric mindset that embodies behaviors such as asking better questions, listening proactively, relating empathically, and contributing insightfully. AIM Management Consulting Club Inaugural General Assembly attendees He also mentioned that business advisors should not only provide technical expertise but should also align with the clients’ needs that are broader in focus and more strategic in nature. He added that this will provide the opportunity to enhance, augment, and improve their client relationships. Mickey concluded that a business advisor's role is to utilize a strategic approach to better understand the clients’ issues, and help clients achieve their objectives and address their pressing problems. The business advisor does not only provide answers; he shows clients how to arrive at the most logical and conclusive solutions. Strategy and Transactions (SaT) Associate Director William Angelo G. Lim, a fellow AIM alumnus, also attended and supported Mickey during the event.

SGV Baguio conducted a two-day Tax Compliance Seminar from 27 to 28 July 2023 at the Venus Parkview Hotel, Baguio City. The seminar discussions focused on the taxation of local accounts payable (AP) process and tax assessment backroom support. It also highlighted the strict rules on substantiation for input VAT and income tax purposes. Eighty-eight participants from various companies attended the event.Leo at the Tax Compliance Seminar SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño discussed the basic concepts of input value-added tax (VAT), guidance in determining the proper expanded withholding tax (EWT) base and applicable EWT rates on local purchase transactions, and rules in claiming income tax deductions. He also provided a bonus discussion on the preparation of documents and information for tax assessments. Leo facilitates interactive exercises