February 2026

SGV participated in the launch of the 2026 US Business Mission to the Philippines entitled “Investing Forward: Philippine Economic Outlook and Launch of the US Business Mission to the Philippines,” held on 11 February 2026 at the Philippine Center in New York City.Organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York in partnership with the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together business executives, investors, and Filipino-American professionals to discuss the Philippine economic outlook and investment opportunities.SGV International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Senior Director Atty. Marian Santos was among the speakers during the economic briefing, highlighting macroeconomic developments, policy reforms, and priority sectors that position the Philippines as an attractive investment destination.The US Business Mission, scheduled for July 2026, will feature high-level briefings, business meetings, and site visits across key growth areas in the country.

SGV Clark conducted a complimentary seminar titled “Smart Finance Solutions: Spotlight on Bookkeeping and Payroll” on 10 February 2026, bringing together participants for practical insights on accounting compliance, payroll management, and regulatory readiness.Accounting Compliance and Reporting and Payroll Leader Sonia D. Segovia delivered the opening remarks, while Tax Solutions and Deputy GCR Leader Hentje Leo L. Leaño welcomed the participants.  The program featured a series of technical sessions addressing key payroll, bookkeeping, and compliance challenges. SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Aaron C. Escartin presented “Payroll Power-Up: Overcoming Challenges with Confidence.” Tax Senior Director Ma. Anthonnet C. Lopez discussed HR/Payroll integration, followed by “Bookkeeping Made BIR-Ready: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls” by GCR Partner Hanna S. Rojo. Tax Senior Director Jackie Lou D. Lamug and Tax Senior Director Rogelanne O. Villarubia jointly presented “Mobility Assignments: Payroll Tax and Immigration Essentials.”Participants also attended a live demonstration of EY payroll and bookkeeping technology, highlighting digital solutions that support efficient financial operations and compliance.SGV Baguio Markets Leader, SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge, and Tax Solutions and Foreign Direct Investments Leader Margaux A. Advincula, together with Audit Group 7 Leader Jose Pepito E. Zabat, delivered the closing remarks.The session was facilitated by Tax Senior Director Meynard L. Sardalla, who guided participants through the discussions and led the interactive Q&A segment.

On 9 February 2026, SGV Consulting held a town hall meeting at The SPACE, One Ayala in Makati. Anchored on the theme “Stronger Together: Shaping the Future with Confidence,” the meeting brought together SGV consultants, leaders, guest speakers, and alliance representatives for a full-day program to discuss strategic priorities and organizational direction.The program featured strategic consulting updates and key messages from the Firm’s leaders, alongside cross-service line discussions that reinforced collaboration across teams. Client and alliance panels provided external perspectives on emerging opportunities and evolving market needs, enriching the dialogue on how SGV Consulting can continue to create and deliver value in a rapidly changing business environment.The town hall meeting concluded with collective reflections and a shared commitment to the Firm’s transformation agenda, in line with SGV Consulting’s and the Firm’s strategic direction and confidence in shaping the future.

SGV recently welcomed students from the University of Innsbruck during the University’s annual student visit to the Firm on 5 February 2026 at the SGV Head Office in Makati City.The visit aimed to provide the students with a deeper understanding of the Philippine business environment and SGV’s role as a leading professional services organization. It also offered them firsthand insights into doing business in the Philippines, covering the country’s investment landscape and the dynamic professional services sector.The program opened with an introduction to SGV, followed by engaging presentations from SGV Tax Leader Jules E. Riego and Strategy and Transactions (SaT) Senior Manager Lester Jeff D. Pawid. They shared their perspectives on tax developments, market trends, and strategic opportunities in the Philippines.The students also had the opportunity to meet SGV Senior Advisor and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Delia D. Albert during a courtesy call. Through this interaction, the students gained a deeper appreciation of SGV’s culture, purpose, and long-standing commitment to nation-building and delivering high-quality professional services.This annual visit underscores SGV’s continued efforts to foster global academic collaboration and support the next generation of business leaders through meaningful learning experiences.

SGV signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with St. Scholastica’s College Manila on 4 February 2026 for the institution’s participation in the SGV Academy program, reinforcing their shared commitment to strengthening the link between academia and industry.The SGV Academy program partners with educational institutions and organizations to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice through initiatives designed to address the evolving needs of the professional services sector. Through this collaboration, SGV provides industry insights to support curriculum relevance and contribute to faculty development. The program also features part-time teaching engagements for SGV professionals, guest lectures, team teaching opportunities, and hands-on workshops for students and faculty.The MOA was signed by SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, Financial Services and Ecosystems and Knowledge Leader Christian G. Lauron, and Assurance Partner and SGV Academy Leader Allan W. Ocho. Representing St. Scholastica’s College Manila were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Virginia R. Fornias, School of Business and Accountancy Dean Dr. Roberto C. Dacanay, Jr., and Business Department Chairperson Christian Dino Diñoso.Also present at the signing were SSC-M alumnae Consulting Partner and SGV Knowledge Institute Leader Veronica A. Balisi, Tax Partner and People Advisory Services Leader Czarina R. Miranda, Assurance Partner Bernalette L. Ramos, Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Katrina F. Francisco, and Tax Principal Ana Katrina C. De Jesus. SGV Academy co-Program Managers Mark Adrian Asinas and Jervie Sta. Ana also attended the event.Through this collaboration, SGV and St. Scholastica’s College Manila aim to equip future professionals with relevant knowledge, practical skills, and industry perspectives that support their readiness for the evolving demands of the business and accounting professions.