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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) 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. 

Members of SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team hosted a Sustainabits session on tackling the food waste problem on 27 October 2023. The session, titled “The Avalanche of Food Waste: A Threat to Climate Change and Hunger,” aimed to raise awareness among SGVeans about the global food waste problem, which impacts the twin challenges of climate change and hunger.  CCaSS team talks about the avalanche of food waste The presenters during the session were Associate Director Charmaine Dialde, Senior Associate Rianna Bengzon, and Associate Paul Ludovice. They discussed the difference between food waste and food loss, statistics on food waste in a global and local setting, and the relevant sustainable development goals focusing on the matter. They also touched on the main drivers of food waste and its environmental impact contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and wasted resources. The team concluded their presentation by sharing tips on how to prevent food waste at home or in the office and the global initiatives on combating food waste to inspire the attendees to reduce their own food waste. CCaSS Partner Conrad Allan M. Alviz delivered the closing remarks. He highlighted the need to be more conscious about food waste and consumption to help protect the environment, especially this coming holiday season. The session concluded with a Declaration of Commitment on reducing food wastage, urging SGVeans to take a step towards the reduction of food waste, thereby decreasing its corresponding environmental impact.  The SAVE Council’s Sustainabits is a monthly thirty-minute session that covers concepts, trends, regulations, and industry practices around sustainability and climate change. 

SGV Partners participated in the 2023 Asian Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (ACIIA) Regional Conference held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Cebu. IIA Philippines hosted the conference together with its 75th Founding Anniversary celebration. The theme of the conference, “#OneIIA in Sustaining Relevance and Elevating Impact,” underscored the importance of Internal Audit in the current complex business landscape. SGV was a silver sponsor for the conference.  Panel discussion with EY Singapore Consulting, Enterprise Risk Associate Partner Jo Tay and SGV Partner Joseph Ian M. Canlas SGV Partners Ryan Gilbert K. Chua, Joseph Ian M. Canlas, and Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza served as facilitators and speakers in the technical sessions. They were also joined by Former ACIIA President and SGV Alumni Partner Leonardo J. Matignas Jr. and EY Singapore Consulting, Enterprise Risk Associate Partner Jo Tay.  SGV Partners Ryan Gilbert K. Chua, Joseph Ian M. Canlas, and Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza receive certificate and token of appreciation on behalf of SGV Topics discussed during the conference were the state of the IA profession, IA vision 2035, the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) evolution, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data protection, sustainability goals and reporting, data analytics, agile auditing, fraud, IA talent management, and growth mindset.  Global leaders from the IIA, ACIIA Executive Committee members, IIA affiliate leaders and delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and other Asian countries also attended the conference in person or virtually.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), represented by Director of Global Market Development for the TRUE Program Mihir Thakkar, officially awarded the Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Precertification to the SGV 1 and SGV 2 Buildings, making them the first TRUE Precertified facilities in the country. TRUE is a zero waste certification program dedicated to measuring, improving, and recognizing zero waste performance. Precertification recognizes projects that have implemented the fundamental actions and policies needed to effectively pursue zero waste and have demonstrated a commitment to achieving TRUE certification. The official awarding ceremony was held on 8 November 2023 at the SGV 1 Building in Makati City. (From left to right) CCaSS Director Rey Azarcon, CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, Director of Global Market Development for the TRUE Program Mihir Thakkar, SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, Chief Sustainability Officer and SAVE Council Chair Clairma T. Mangangey, and SAVE Council Partner Alvin M. Pinpin during the official awarding ceremony SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan along with SGV Sustainable Actions for Value-Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council Partners Clairma T. Mangangey, Benjamin N. Villacorte, and Alvin M. Pinpin received the certificate on behalf of SGV. This signifies the Firm’s commitment to resource efficiency and responsible waste management in the operations of the SGV 1 and SGV 2 buildings. SGV Partners and Leaders with Mihir and the SGV TRUE team The awarding highlighted SGV's achievements and efforts in promoting environmental stewardship. It offered a platform for the GBCI to discuss the opportunities and best practices within the region for achieving full TRUE Certification with members of the Procurement and Facilities Group (PFG) and the Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team, who also comprise the SGV TRUE team. The TRUE Program for the SGV 1 and SGV 2 Buildings is a project of the SAVE Council's Environment Pillar. It is also a testament to the growing emphasis on sustainability in the built environment.

SGV & Co., Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Principal Bonar A, Laureto, and CCaSS Director Ricardo “Ricky” S. Maulion Jr. received awards from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during the 87th SEC Anniversary and Appreciation Event on 10 November 2023 at the SEC Headquarters in Makati City. SGV Chief Sustainability Officer Clairma T. Mangangey (second from right) and SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (right) receive plaque of appreciation on behalf of SGV SGV was recognized for its support to the SEC in pursuing its supervision of enabling the Philippine capital markets and business sector to be among the best in the Southeast Asian Region. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan and Chief Sustainability Officer Clairma T. Mangangey received the award on behalf of SGV. The Firm continues to collaborate with the SEC in promoting and enhancing sustainability reporting. Sustainability Champions Bonar and Ricky were individually recognized under the good governance category for their contribution to the SEC’s sustainability reporting initiatives.  As the Financial & Sustainability Reporting Standards Council (FSRSC) Chair, Wilson also received a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the FSRSC. CCaSS Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chairman Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte received a similar award on behalf of the PSRC. Benjie (right) receives plaque of appreciation Other individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors who have shared their voices in promoting the SEC’s mission to improve ease of doing business, capital market development, investor protection, good governance, and organizational development were also recognized during the event.

SGV Global Compliance & Reporting (GCR) Partner Saha A. Bulagsak was the resource speaker in the Withholding Tax on Wages (WTW) and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) seminars under the SGV TaxBaSe series. The seminars were held from 17 to 20 October at the SGV Cebu, Makati, and Clark offices.  Saha with the SGV Clark participants Saha discussed the taxation of compensation and other employee benefits, including fringe benefits. She was joined by GCR Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño in the question-and-answer sessions at the Makati and Clark offices.   Fatma, Leo, Stewart, and Saha during the Q&A sessions in Makati and Cebu (From left to right) Fatma, Saha, and Leo GCR Senior Director Fatma Aleah A. Datukon, Director David Jonathan F. Manalili, and Associate Director Stewart Herbie T. Po hosted the sessions in SGV Makati, Clark, and Cebu, respectively. 

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte was a panelist at the Asian Development Bank’s Gender Equality and Climate Resilience: Role of Public Financial Management (PFM) event on 7 November 2023. Benjie participated in the panel discussion on Improving climate outcomes through PFM. Over 80 ADB staff attended the hybrid event. (From left to right) Moderator Tahmeen Ahmad with Panelists Yoko Watanabe, Benjie Villacorte, Antonio Blasco, and Srinivas Gurazada Benjie talked about the landscape of sustainability reporting in the Philippines’ private sector and discussed the standards and sample disclosures that the industry reports on. He also shared how the public sector may learn valuable lessons from the experiences of the private sector on sustainability reporting and in terms of establishing clear sustainability goals, integrating sustainability into core processes, engaging with stakeholders, utilizing technology, adopting reporting frameworks, and embracing knowledge sharing.  Other panelists were Climate Change, Resilience and Environment Cluster (CCRE) Environment Director Yoko Watanabe and Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Secretariat Head Srinivaz Gurazada and PEFA Senior Governance Specialist Antonio Blasco. ADB Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department (PPFD) Senior Tahmeen Ahmad served as the moderator. ADB PPFD Director General Aman Trana gave the closing remarks. 

SGV Assurance Associate Shannen C. Jagwani ranked 1st in the May – June 2023 US Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. She also received the Priscilla S. Payne Outstanding Student Performance Award for her excellent scores on the exam. The results were announced on 20 September 2023.  SGV Assurance Associate Shannen C. Jagwani, CPA, CMA The CMA title is a credential that represents enhanced expertise in areas of accounting and finance, with competencies in strategic thinking, business analysis, and leadership. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Congratulations, Shannen!

SGV Clark Head and Partner-in-Charge Atty. Margaux A. Advincula, joined by Business Tax Advisory (BTA) Senior Associate Atty. Jessica Ella S. Lagman and Atty. Fatima Kate N. Garo, participated in the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (AmCham) – North Luzon Chapter’s meeting on updates and developments for New Clark City held at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Clark Office in Clark Global City on 19 October 2023. Atty. Margaux at the AmCham – North Luzon Chapter’s meeting on updates and developments for New Clark City Atty. Margaux introduced BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang as the guest speaker for the event. Engr. Bingcang talked about the BCDA’s commitment to leveraging the potential of its strategic Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to foster sustainable growth and create opportunities for all. He led the discussion on the latest developments, upcoming projects, and available opportunities for partnerships in New Clark City (NCC). BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang  Engr. Bingcang highlighted the present and future NCC projects related to infrastructure, tourism, housing, sports and education – specifically mentioning the NCC-to-Clark Airport access road, as well as the NCC-to-SCTEX Tollgate openings this November 2023, and the North-South Commuter Railway Project, which would allow people to travel from Manila to Clark or vice versa in less than an hour. Atty. Margaux (third from left, first row) with AmCham North Luzon Board Members Erlinda Pamintuan (fourth from left, first row), Francis Initorio (tenth from left, second row), Vice President Krizia Tranquilino (third from right, first row), and BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang (eleventh from left, second row) with other meeting attendees The meeting brought together AmCham members, business owners and investors, as well as prominent business leaders in Clark, Pampanga.