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SGV Consulting Senior Associates Glenn James Asoy, Ezra Danielle Sarmiento, and Ruchielle Garcia were resource speakers in the Introduction to Security Operations seminar organized by the New Era University (NEU) College of Informatics and Computing Studies (CICS) department on 24 March 2022. Around 180 students and faculty from the department attended the event. Glenn, Ezra, and Ruchielle receive certificates of appreciation Group photo with the participants Glenn gave an introduction on security threats and the impact of cyber-attacks. He helped the participants understand the inner workings of security operations, visualize the people, processes and technologies that support it and how it enables organizations to manage cyber risks. He shared tips and training materials that students can leverage on to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Ezra talked about web application firewalls, their common use cases, and certain types of incidents that they address.  Ruchielle introduced cybersecurity and shared ways to improve organizations’ security postures. She also shared tips for improving security hygiene.

SGV launched the EY STEM program at Rizal High School, Pasig on 26 April 2023 with 600 STEM students in attendance. EY Asean Business Consulting Leader, SGV Consulting Leader, and EY STEM Project Sponsor Rossana A. Fajardo (RAF), EY Asean/APAC Enterprise Risk Competency Leader, SGV Consulting Partner, and EY STEM Program Director Christiane Joymiel “Chin” Say-Mendoza (CSM), and SGV Talent Director and EY STEM Program Manager Luisa Hebron head the program. Rossana and Chin with Rizal High School Assistant Principal Rowena Dimagiba and STEM Department Head Ma. Victoria Señase during the EY STEM program launch Rossana, Chin, and Luisa with Rizal High School STEM Faculty pose for a group photo The EY STEM Girls program was recently launched by EY Ripples and Women in Technology (WiT). It aims to recognize, uplift, and empower the next generation of girls in STEM and help break gender bias. The program also introduced the EY STEM app, a gamified mobile platform where girls aged 13 to 18 can engage in fully digital and real-life activities designed to be played like educational games and activities with high-quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) content to foster an interest in STEM in a way that is exciting and fun as well as explore STEM-related careers. Rossana commenced the launch by giving her opening remarks. She gave a short background of the Firm, its Purpose to nurture future leaders for a better Philippines and its initiatives in helping bridge the STEM gender gap in today’s technologically driven society. RAF also talked more about the app, its launch process, and its goals. RHS STEM Department Head, Ma. Victoria Señase welcomed the SGV representatives and introduced the faculty and STEM sections. Chin and RHS Assistant Principal Rowena Dimagiba gave their respective closing remarks.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team hosted a Sustainabits session on “Greening our Home Office: Designing a better place for people and the planet,” which aimed to present ways on how SGVeans can improve their workspaces and increase productivity while working from home. 265 SGVeans attended the session on 31 March 2023.  Katrina delivers her opening remarks CCaSS Partner Katrina F. Francisco (KFF) opened the session by explaining that greening our workspace is not a daunting task as this could be done through simple changes that may even save money in the long run, increase efficiency, and maximize comfort. CCaSS Manager Reynaldo C. Azarcon, Senior Associate Joshua R. Ladia, and Associate Adryan J. Detanoy discussed the overview of a green space, the features of a green and sustainable home office, and the positive impact of living and working in a green and sustainable environment, respectively. The speakers shared strategies on how SGVeans can improve their workspace while also incorporating sustainability. They also discussed the benefits of a green workspace and green home on cognition and productivity, saying that a green and sustainable workspace or “home office” is essential in maintaining our health and well-being at work while we care for the environment. The Sustainable Actions for Value Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council’s Sustainabits initiative is a series of half-hour webcasts covering ideas, movements, principles, and leading industry practices regarding sustainability, social equity, and climate change.

Members of the SGV Tax team met with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region 8A – Makati City officials who visited the Firm on 8 March 2023 as part of the BIR’s annual tax kickoff and a follow-up to the 2nd SGV Business Tax Services (BTS) Forum held in February 2023. SGV Tax team with the BIR Revenue Region 8A – Makati City officials SGV Tax Leader Fabian “Fame” K. Delos Santos (FKS) welcomed the BIR officials and facilitated the free-flowing discussion with members of the SGV management committee, partners, senior managers, and staff. Fame reiterated SGV’s continuous commitment to promoting a tax ecosystem where taxpayers are willing to comply; regulators are business partners; tax practitioners are armed with technical skills and integrity; with the Philippines as an investment haven; and where businesses flourish for a Better Philippines.  The BIR delegation was led by Regional Director Florante Aninag, with all the major officers of the Revenue Region as well as heads of the Revenue District Offices under Makati City in attendance, to address some of the concerns of taxpayer-clients within their jurisdiction. Mr. Aninag acknowledged SGV’s crucial role in encouraging taxpayers’ compliance with tax rules and regulations and highlighted the Firm’s invaluable contribution in assisting taxpayers in their dealings with the BIR.  Philippines and Asean Business Tax Services Leader Jules E. Riego (JER), together with BTS Partners Margaux A. Advincula (MAA) and Cheryl C. Ong (CCO), and Markets Leader Vicky L. Salas (VLS) led the open forum with Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Leader Sonia D. Segovia (SDS), and Indirect Tax (IDT) Leader Lucil Q. Vicerra (LQV), who also shared their insights on recent changes in the rules on tax-free exchanges, procedures on disposition of cases, and other tax audit concerns including transfer pricing issues. Other Partners in attendance took the opportunity to pose questions to the Revenue District Officers. Assistant Regional Director Editha A. Calipusan, Legal Division Chief Albert C. Arpon, Assessment Division Chief Sion S. Catelo, and Collection Division Chief Anne M. Reyes also attended the session and luncheon hosted by the Firm. Tax Senior Director Donna Frances Ylade-Torres assisted in organizing the event.

SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Aaron C. Escartin (ACE) was one of the resource speakers at the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Summit 2023 with the theme “The Future of CFO in Emerging Markets: Post Pandemic” held from 3 to 4 April 2023 at the Crown Plaza Manila Galleria. Aaron during the CFO Summit Aaron was one of the discussion panelists for “The Critical Role of CFO as Deputy CEO.” He shared his insights on challenges faced by organizations with a particular emphasis on those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, strategies to acquire and retain talent, and ways to keep abreast with the dynamic business environment. He also shared that when making business decisions, firms do tax planning which should be performed not only to improve financial performance but also to consider its impact on other stakeholders like customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, and society. Aaron gives tax updates Aaron was also the keynote speaker on the topics “2023 Tax Updates: What CFOs Need to Know” and “Tax and Finance Functions Transformation” where he shared valuable insights on current trends in the tax and finance functions and the latest developments in the Philippine tax landscape. GCR Senior Director Meynard L. Sardalla and Associate Directors Keith Briane D. Pangilinan and Shaira R. Jamolor were also present during the summit. The two-day event focused on trends and key areas that will help businesses strategize and augment their competitive position in business. It also focused on the following five-point agenda: market and user experience, financial inclusions, digital and latest technologies, data-driven finance and automation, and regulatory and compliance.

EY Asean and SGV Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) Leader Aris “Bok” C. Malantic (ACM), was a resource speaker and panelist at the Finance Manager Development Program held on 1 March 2023 at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). A graduate of AIM’s Master in Business Management (MBM) program, Bok talked about the organizational behavior and team dynamics of an external audit team. He also shared his insights on a case study and was a panelist in the closing session. Bok with Prof. Candice Ann Lapan at the Finance Manager Development Program The Finance Manager Development Program under AIM’s School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (SEELL) seeks to develop top-notch professionals who add value to the business and manage its overall profitability and cash flow. It also aims to deepen the participants’ understanding of managing treasury and cash functions, working capital efficiency, tax compliance and management, internal audit and controls, risk management, and capital budgeting. The program is led by Prof. Candice Ann Lapan, MBM1998 and is part of AIM’s Audit, Risk and Internal Control class.

SGV Partners Maricris U. See (MUS), Christiane Joymiel “Chin” Say-Mendoza (CSM), Benigno “Ben” F. Leongson (BFL), Allan W. Ocho (AWO), Aileen L. Saringan (ALS), Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Associate Director Jao Renzo L. Mercado, and GCR Senior Director Marivic Rebulanan joined the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Internal Audit and Information Technology (IT) Risk Assessment Summit from 17 to 18 February 2023. They served as resource speakers, reactors, and moderators.  Maricris delivers her welcome remarks The first part of the Summit focused on the topic of Internal Audit Risk Assessment, specifically Sustaining Quality in Risk Assessment by Playing It Forward: Transitioning to a Hybrid Workplace. Chin and Ben shared their insights on the topic as they served as reactor and moderator, respectively. Chin and Ben highlighted the importance of meeting the objectives and performing the fundamental processes of internal audit risk assessment and audit plan development, such as stakeholder reporting, understanding the business, gathering information to identify risks, and developing the risk universe. The second part focused on the topic of Information Technology Risk Assessment, specifically Sustaining Quality in Risk Assessment by Playing It Forward in the Post-Pandemic Environment, where Allan served as a reactor. He stressed the importance and understanding of IT or cyber risk assessment and their trends and impact on assurance practices. Maricris led the two-part Summit while Jao served as a member of the Summit’s overall committee and the Master of Ceremonies for the second part of the Summit. Aileen awarded certificates of appreciation to the speakers, reactors, and moderators at the end of the Summit. Other IT Risk Assessment and Internal Audit Risk Assessment accountants were also present during the event.  The Summit aimed to provide opportunities for the participants to continually advance and develop their technical competencies and knowledge in Internal Audit and IT Risk Assessment. 

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte and CCaSS Associate Director Carla J. Capistrano joined the simultaneous classes organized by the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants De La Salle University-Manila Chapter (JPIA-DLSU) via Zoom as part of its 12th Accounting Convention for Business Leaders entitled EXCEED2023 Accounting Challenge and Convention on 18 March 2022. Event poster and Benjie (top right) Benjie discussed sustainability reporting, developments in the practice and the role of accountants in sustainability reporting. He emphasized that as future accountants, the participants must also be familiar with sustainability aspects and how long-term value is created across stakeholders as these are now incorporated into businesses’ financial statements. With this knowledge, they would be able to help businesses understand the additional information needed to communicate their environmental and social impact. Benjie and Carla with JPIA-DLSU participants Carla discussed the concept of circular economy and how the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 is driving this in the Philippines. Accountants also play an important role in that obliged enterprises must engage independent third-party auditors in their upcoming EPR compliance audit report to certify the veracity of the reported plastic product footprint generation, recovery, and overall EPR program compliance. She concluded her discussion with practical examples of circular economy and how companies have started to practice EPR in the Philippines and globally.  Aside from the simultaneous classes, the four-day business and accounting convention with the theme “Empowering Business Visionaries, Defying Socio-Economic Uncertainties” also featured a plenary, symposium, and various accounting challenges.

SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner and Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Professional Development Committee Chair Maricris U. See (MUS), with the assistance of GCR Associate Directors Jao Renzo L. Mercado and Clarissa Cristelle S. Chua, headed the four-part PICPA National Qualifications Framework Summit held virtually via Zoom from 16 to 18 March 2023. The Summit aimed to provide knowledge and appreciation of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) in the context of the four accountancy practice areas: Public Practice, Commerce and Industry Practice, Government Practice, and Education Practice. Maricris moderates the Summit open forum Each part of the Summit included a discussion by a resource speaker and an open forum headed by a moderator and several reactors. Maricris started the Summit by delivering the welcome remarks. SGV GCR Associate Director Clarissa Cristelle S. Chua then administered the oath of CPAs. SGV Audit Partner and Co-Chair of the PICPA Professional Development Committee Shane Dave D. Tanguin (SDT) was the resource speaker for the first part of the Summit, which focused on PQF in the purview of Public Practice. He highlighted the key concepts of PQF and the impact it has on accountants in public practice.  SGV GCR Partner and President of the PICPA Eastern Metro Manila Chapter Michael A. Madlangbayan led the oathtaking of CPAs for the second part of the Summit, which focused on PQF for accountants in Commerce and Industry. GCR Associate Director Jao Renzo L. Mercado and GCR Senior Director Marivic M. Rebulanan served as the Masters of Ceremonies for the third (Government Practice) and fourth (Education Practice) parts of the Summit, respectively. Maricris also introduced the resource speaker and reactors for the last part of the Summit and served as the moderator in the open forum. Shane concluded the event by presenting a certificate of appreciation to the resource speaker, reactors, and moderator. The Summit helped participants gain a deeper understanding of the concepts of PQF and learn the possible steps of a practitioner in achieving the highest level of qualification in the respective sectors. 

SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (WPT), SGV Davao Partner-In-Charge and Assurance Partner Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa (JJB), and Tax Partners Saha A. Bulagsak (SAB) and Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM) joined the 4th General Membership Meeting of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) on 31 March 2023 held at the Acacia Hotel, Davao City. More than 50 members and guests of the Chamber joined the event. Wilson talks about the collaboration between DCCCII and FINEX Raoul introduces new members of the DCCCII Saha and Thyrza with DCCCII President John Tria and Vice President Cherrylin Casuga and BIR Representatives During the meeting, Wilson talked about the collaboration between DCCCII and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) in his capacity as the latter’s President. He also provided updates on upcoming FINEX activities and gave suggestions on how the DCCCII and FINEX can further collaborate on other projects. Raoul, who also serves as the Corporate Secretary of DCCCII, introduced the new members of the Chamber. Saha and Thyrza together with representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) provided tax updates and reminders for the 2023 tax season.