SGV participated in the inaugural GRI-ISSB Interoperability Capacity-Building Session held on 26 May 2026 at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Headquarters. Organized by the SEC in partnership with the Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) and co-organized by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the session aimed to strengthen the readiness of Philippine companies to meet evolving sustainability reporting requirements.
The training focused on the interoperability of the GRI Standards and the International Financial Reporting Standards Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS SDS), helping participants understand how these frameworks can work together to support more consistent and globally aligned sustainability disclosures.
Organizers and participants of the inaugural capacity-building session
The program featured remarks from SEC Corporate Governance and Finance Department Director Atty. Rachel Esther Gumtang-Remalante, followed by an overview of sustainability reporting developments in the Philippines by PSRC Chairman and SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte, who highlighted the importance of building organizational capability to support the adoption of globally aligned reporting standards.
GRI Philippines Country Manager Vincent de Paz and GRI ASEAN Regional Project Implementation Manager Lany Harijanti also led discussions on the GRI Standards, ISSB frameworks, and GRI-ISSB interoperability. PSRC Consultative Panel member Ma. Victoria Tan shared insights on the practical application of sustainability reporting standards, while GRI ASEAN Regional Director Dr. Allinnettes Go-Adigue led an open forum and delivered the closing remarks.
Atty. Rachel Esther Gumtang-Remalante delivers opening remarks; Benjie shares key updates on sustainability reporting developments in the Philippines
SGV professionals actively contributed to the learning sessions. Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Senior Director Kevin Henson discussed climate-related physical risks and how organizations can assess their exposure to climate hazards. CCaSS Senior Director Melisa de Ramos-Turingan shared insights on transition risks, including the financial and strategic implications of regulatory developments, technological change, and the shift to a low-carbon economy.
CCaSS Senior Directors Kevin Henson and Melissa Turingan share insights on climate-related physical and transition risks
CCaSS Senior Directors Crystal Cornell and Francisco Miguel de la Cruz also facilitated case studies and group exercises that enabled participants to apply concepts such as materiality, governance, and strategic integration in real-world reporting scenarios.
CCaSS Senior Directors Crystal Cornell and Francisco Miguel de la Cruz lead participants in a group discussion during the breakout session
The capacity-building session was also supported by CCaSS Senior Director Diana Rose Sadili-Chu and Senior Associate Russel James Andrade.
Through SGV’s leadership and participation in these learning initiatives, the Firm continues to support organizations in strengthening sustainability reporting capabilities and navigating the evolving landscape of global sustainability standards.
