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SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte (BNV) joined the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Asia Pacific Roundtable on International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) Sustainability Reporting on 9 May 2023. The roundtable was supported by the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA). Benjie with the roundtable participants Benjie provided valuable insights and perspectives, discussing experiences in sustainability reporting, challenges faced, leading practices, and potential areas for improvement. This information is intended to support the IPSASB in developing its agenda on sustainability reporting in the public sector.  Benjie emphasized that sustainability reporting enables organizations to disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. By sharing this information, public sector organizations offer stakeholders a clear understanding of their societal and environmental impact which is crucial in fostering accountability for actions and decisions that also affect the community.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte (BNV) was a speaker at the Solar Energy Storage Future Philippines 2023 conference held at the Hilton Manila on 17 May 2023. The conference provided solar and energy storage players and other relevant partners, including industry experts and associations, with a platform to exchange knowledge. Benjie (fourth from right) with some of the conference participants from the CCaSS team Benjie was one of the panelists for the panel discussion on “ESG investment and Practice: Practice ESG concept and help enterprises achieve carbon neutrality goals and sustainable development.” He discussed the vital role of renewable energy in achieving the global goal of limiting global warming to within 1.5oC. He also discussed the benefits and challenges of integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) and the role of top management in directing and developing ESG strategies.  As a closing note, Benjie emphasized the importance of collaboration to integrate ESG effectively within the organization. He was joined by co-panelists, Climate Smart Ventures Head of Transaction Advisory Matthew Carpio, United Nations Population Fund Consultant Margery Bautista, and Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Singapore - Manila Branch consultant Jonas Marie Dumdum, who moderated the panel discussion. Other members of the CCaSS team also attended the event. The conference was organized by Energy Box, a vertical media company dedicated to renewable energy. 

SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz (VCR), Markets Leader Vicky L. Salas (VLS), Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte (BNV), Business Services Group Leader Alvin M. Pinpin (AMP), Market Group (MG) 1 Leader Michael C. Sabado (MCS), and MG 8 Leader Narciso “Jun” T. Torres, Jr. (NTT) joined the Makati Business Club’s Global Leaders Series 2023 Healthcare Forum on 16 May 2023 at the New World Makati Hotel. The event was sponsored by SGV. (From left to right) Alvin, Michael, Jun, Dr. Wilson, Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Folakemi Ibidunni Akinleye, Vivian, Benjie, and Vicky pose for a photo at the MBC’s Global Leaders Series 2023 forum Vivian delivered the opening remarks. UnitedHealth Group Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson was the guest speaker. Dr. Wilson discussed strategies for leading a global healthcare company through crisis. She highlighted that the government and the private sector must work together to provide proper healthcare in any country. According to her, everyone deserves access to safe, equitable, and affordable healthcare. Dr. Wilson suggested that leaders need to be more visible to promote diversity, especially those from minority or marginalized groups. Moreover, she said that authenticity, a dynamic culture, and the initiative that comes with not fearing failure is key to management and leadership. She also emphasized the importance of building models that are dynamic, agile, and flexible. She added that artificial intelligence and other technology can help speed up bureaucratic processes, but they will not replace humans. (From left to right) Alvin, Michael, Jun, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Folakemi Ibidunni Akinleye, Vivian, Benjie, and IBM Philippines President and Country General Manager Aileen Judan-Jiao pose for a photo at the MBC Global Leaders Series 2023 forum The lecture was followed by a brief question-and-answer portion and an open discussion. Dr. Wilson joined MBC Executive Director Francisco Alcuaz, Jr. for a conversation after the open discussion. MBC's Global Leaders series aims to help Philippine executives evaluate, implement, and compete globally through meeting and learning with world leaders from different industries to improve Filipino lives. UnitedHealth is the biggest healthcare company in the United States and is a member of the Makati Business Club.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Senior Associate Jouelle Hannah Nerveza was the resource speaker in a Thought Leadership Series session entitled “Building Professionals for Sustainability and Climate Action” held at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) on 11 May 2023. Jouelle talks about building professionals for sustainability and climate action Jouelle gave an introduction on sustainability and its relevance to society. She discussed the four pillars of sustainability - economic, environment, social and governance - and its drivers - regulators and government, investors, NGOs and communities, employees, customers, and private entities. She also shared her path towards sustainability and some significant global and local developments on sustainability reporting. She introduced SGV and CCaSS and shared some of SGV’s sustainability initiatives particularly the formation of the Sustainable Actions for Value Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council, which aims to help drive and integrate sustainability in the Firm. She also talked about the publication of SGV’s Sustainability Report including Beyond the Bottom Line: Sustainability Reporting in the Philippines, which contains a review of Philippine publicly listed companies’ sustainability reports, as well as discussions on global and local developments around environmental, social, and governance (ESG). Jouelle Nerveza with Mapúa MCL’s Vice President Prof. James Ronald Mesina and the onsite participants Jouelle concluded her presentation by highlighting how different professionals have the opportunity to apply their respective experiences in leading sustainability initiatives. She also encouraged the participants to start their journey towards sustainability.

EY Latin America North Tax Technology & Innovation Leader Luis D. Beltran Farias (Mexico), Tax Policy for Government Services Partner Richard Stern (US), and Asean Tax Leader Amarjeet Singh (Malaysia) together with SGV Tax Leader Fabian K. Delos Santos (FKS), SGV Clark Partner-In-Charge and Head Margaux A. Advincula (MAA), and Tax Partners Cheryl Edeline C. Ong (CCO) and Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM) joined a Consultative Meeting with the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on the Digital Transformation Initiatives in ASEAN at the BIR National Office Building (NOB) in Diliman, Quezon City on 19 April 2023. SGV Partners and EY Global and Asean Leaders with BIR leaders and representatives The EY Global and Asean Leaders and consultants from the different regions shared their experiences on the role of tax intermediaries, data analytics, and e-tax audits in the digital transformation of tax administrations. The participants shared insights on how digital solutions can enhance tax collection, reduce fraud, and improve taxpayer experience. The consultative meeting aimed to discuss the digital transformation initiatives in ASEAN and how other countries have implemented them. It also discussed the challenges and opportunities brought about by digital transformation in the ASEAN region and explored ways to leverage technology for tax administration and compliance. 

The SGV Business Tax Services team headed by SGV Tax Partner Cheryl Edeline C. Ong (CCO) held a webinar on “How to Hurdle your BIR Audit” on 28 April 2023. SGV International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Partner Atty. Auresana “Rhena” B. Ines (ABI) was the resource speaker for the webinar which was attended by 175 clients and non-clients from various industries.  SGV Partners and participants during the webinar ABI discussed how to navigate the complexities of BIR audits, providing valuable insights and practical tips to help participants prepare for and successfully hurdle these audits. The topics discussed in the webinar were highly relevant and informative, covering tax issuances and jurisprudence essential for businesses.  SGV Tax Partners Cheryl Edeline C. Ong and Auresana B. Ines (center) with the Business Tax Services team Rhena also delved into common tax audit issues that businesses face, such as discrepancies in financial statements or incomplete documentation. She provided practical tips on how to handle these issues effectively, including maintaining accurate records and responding promptly to audit requests.  Members of the SGV Business Tax Services team Members of the organizing team included Ala Mei T. Domingo, Ernest Adrian F. Co, Jasmine Ann A. Rosit, Katelene D. Alianza, Kara Marie Angela R. Bagunas, Kimberly Camille G. Mendoza, Kristina Mae V. Cueto, Lou Delianne I. Reboja, Marla Arielle B. So, Niño Louis M. Belarma, Ron Christian T. Eupeña, Tom Lui M. Estrella, Wilfred P. Alfeche, Lei Christianne O. Delos Angeles, Honey Grace O. Carlos, and Cristine Limho.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte (BNV) was a speaker at the International Climate Partnership 2023: Forum on Reforestation, Waste Management, and Carbon Trading, which was organized by the Climate Change Commission through the Office of Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz. The forum was held at the Marriott Hotel, Clark, Pampanga on 2 May 2023. It aimed to address climate emergencies, reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, and build adaptive capacities of communities to climate change.  SGV CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte receives a plaque of appreciation from His Excellency, Business Management Office of the Embassy of United Arab Emirates in the Philippines Executive Director Zulfiquar Ghadiyali (center) and Climate Change Commissioner Albert dela Cruz (far left) Benjie introduced SGV and its Climate Change and Sustainability Services to local and international participants and discussed the role of accountants and assurance in climate change and how audits are important in preventing greenwashing.  He also talked about the importance of the Internationally Transferred Mitigation Options (ITMOS) and recent developments on carbon markets, particularly the recent adoption of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Benjie highlighted the potential of ITMOS for the Philippines to generate more climate financing and other opportunities to realize its climate ambitions. (From left to right) SGV CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, Associate Director Judd P. Tablazon, and Senior Associates Russel James S. Andrade and Louie Adrianne R. Cediño at the International Climate Partnership 2023 Forum Other experts from Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines also shared recent developments on carbon trading while climate partners from the academe, people’s organizations, and local government units also shared their experiences on reforestation, landfill management, and climate education. 

SGV Technology Consulting Partner Warren R. Bituin (WRB), Indirect Tax (IDT) Senior Director Atty. Alden Patrick C. Labaguis, and IDT Senior Associate Atty. Natividad G. Busa attended the “Safeguarding the Future: Perspectives on Cybersecurity Readiness” CEO Forum conducted by the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and co-sponsored by EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) Philippines on 10 May 2023. About 50 C-level Executives of IBPAP member organizations, IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders participated in the joint event held at Shangri-La, The Fort.  Event poster Warren together with the Leader and Executive Director of EY Global Delivery Services Philippines Digital and Emerging Technologies Marilene “Malen” Tayag, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Philippines Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) Activity Chief of Party John Garrity, and Head of Macquarie Offshore Services Pty. Ltd. Manila Office Eric Yaptangco led the panel discussion. Safeguarding the Future: Perspectives on Cybersecurity Readiness panel Warren commenced the panel discussion by giving a brief background about cybersecurity and its different domains. He shared information about the Philippine cybersecurity landscape, innovations which organizations can leverage on, and areas where organizations can invest to protect their key information assets, and how leaders can help the industry to take the next steps toward transformation. He emphasized that cybersecurity is not limited to Information Technology (IT) and highlighted that it is about promoting trust in the organization’s products and services and the protection of its brand. He further explained that creating the right governance structure for cyber management and investing in the right security solutions are the major areas where organizations can invest to protect their information assets. He also highlighted the crucial role of preparing and developing strategies in managing the risks of cybersecurity breach. Other panelists, Malen and John, shared their knowledge on the different areas in cybersecurity that organizations should be concerned about. The members of the panel also addressed questions from the participants during the open forum.  Technology Sector Leader Manolito R. Elle (MRE) coordinated participation in the event. Warren and Atty. Alden thanked IBPAP, EY Global Delivery Services Philippines, and the participants and ensured them that SGV is always eager to participate in subsequent events with the organization.

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.

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.