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SGV Technology Consulting professionals continue to strengthen their cybersecurity expertise through globally recognized certifications and industry credentials.  Technology Consulting Senior Associate Levi Centennial IV M. Grajo earned the SWIFT Customer Security Programme (CSP) Assessor certification in May 2026, recognizing his expertise in conducting cybersecurity assessments for financial institutions using the SWIFT network. Further showcasing SGV’s commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence, Technology Consulting Senior Associate Alvin Lim passed the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor examination, validating his capability to assess and improve Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) against internationally recognized standards.Meanwhile, Technology Consulting Associate Paolo Miguel F. Villacorta passed the CompTIA Security+ examination in March 2026, strengthening his foundational and practical cybersecurity skills in securing networks, applications, and devices against evolving threats.Adding to these accomplishments, Technology Consulting Manager Ronnie Victor Cabaltera and Technology Consulting Senior Associates Stephen Samuel Arevalo, Joseph Gonzales, and Alvin Lim successfully earned the Zscaler Digital Transformation Administrator (ZDTA) certification, demonstrating their capability in implementing and managing Zero Trust architectures and the Zscaler Zero Trust platform.Congratulations to our SGV Cyber Team on achieving these new certifications and advancing their cybersecurity expertise. Your dedication to continuous learning and professional excellence enhances SGV’s capabilities and reinforces our commitment to helping clients navigate today’s increasingly complex digital landscape. We are proud to celebrate these milestones with you!
On 23 June 2026, SGV Tax Partner Aaron C. Escartin led the face-to-face seminar, “Exploring the Gaps Between Tax and Financial Reporting: PFRS 18 – Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements,” at the SGV Development Center in Makati City.  Aaron discusses PFRS 18 at the seminarThe seminar provided participants with practical insights into the financial reporting and tax implications of Philippine Financial Reporting Standard (PFRS) 18, the new standard that will replace Philippine Accounting Standard (PAS) 1 beginning 1 January 2027.  Participants during the seminar
SGV hosted a FinTech Alliance Philippines ASEAN Ambassadors’ luncheon meeting in support of the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026. Held on 17 June 2026, the event brought together industry leaders and government officials to strengthen regional collaboration and discuss opportunities to advance ASEAN’s digital economy.  FinTech Alliance PH Founding Chairman Lito Villanueva and DICT Secretary Hon. Henry Aguda speak at the luncheon meetingThe program featured welcome remarks from FinTech Alliance Philippines Founding Chairman Lito Villanueva and a message of support from Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Hon. Henry Aguda. ASEAN-Business Advisory Council (BAC) Philippines Senior Advisor Josephine Romero delivered a presentation on the ASEAN-BAC x FinTech Alliance Philippines partnership while FinTech Alliance Trustee and Events Committee Chair Martha Borja presented on the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026.  ASEAN-BAC PH Senior Advisor Josephine Romero presents on the ASEAN-BAC x FinTech Alliance Philippines partnershipThe luncheon concluded with a roundtable discussion on advancing ASEAN’s digital economy through innovation, fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital assets, and cross-border collaboration. The event also explored opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships, promote investment, mobilize technology companies and fintech innovators, and support financial inclusion in the lead-up to the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026. Christian delivers closing remarksFollowing the roundtable, SGV Financial Services Leader, Ecosystems and Knowledge Head and FinTech Alliance Philippines Board of Trustees member Christian G. Lauron delivered the closing remarks.Also present at the luncheon were SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo and Vice Chairman, Deputy Managing Partner and Strategy and Transactions Leader Noel P. Rabaja. Luncheon Meeting attendees
SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team participated in the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) Business Leadership Program (BLP) on 16 June 2026, to share insights on sustainability and career opportunities with a cohort of aspiring student leaders. Senior Director Melisa de Ramos-Turingan, Director Francisco Miguel De La Cruz, and Associate Maria Sofia B. Evidente share sustainability insights at the sessionThe session, titled “Sustainability Today and Your Role Tomorrow,” explored how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are reshaping industries across the Philippines and influencing business decisions across sectors. The session also encouraged meaningful dialogue with participants, providing them with practical insights into how they can contribute to sustainable development through their future professions and leadership roles. CCaSS speakers receive Certificates of Appreciation from AmCham Executive Director Ebb HinchliffeLeading the discussion were CCaSS Senior Director Melisa de Ramos-Turingan, Director Francisco Miguel De La Cruz, and Associate Maria Sofia B. Evidente, together with Senior Associate Kaira Hazzel N. Diñoso and Associate Director Speedy Cua. The speakers discussed key sustainability trends, the role of ESG in business, and the opportunities available to students who aspire to build careers in the sustainability field. CCaSS team with AmCham BLP organizers and participantsSGV extends its appreciation to AmCham and the organizers of the Business Leadership Program, particularly AmCham Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe, Business Leaders Program Project Manager Pinky Jamili, and Business Leaders Program Producer Naomi Kaye Padrelanan, for facilitating this learning opportunity. Through initiatives such as the AmCham Business Leadership Program, SGV continues to support sustainability awareness and help empower the next generation of leaders to create a more sustainable future.
The SGV Run Club recorded top finishes at the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Best Life Run Corporate Race on 7 June 2026, earning multiple recognitions in the event’s 21 km category.A total of 244 SGV runners participated across the 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km race categories. SGV Run Club at the BPI Best Life Run 2026For the second consecutive year, the SGV Run Club received the Best Company award in the 21 km category, with 72 runners successfully completing the half-marathon distance within the prescribed cut-off time.The SGV Run Club receives Best Company award in the 21 km category(Photo courtesy of BPI)The SGV Run Club also secured 2nd place in the Fastest Aggregated Time for the 21 km category. The recognition was earned by Joel Orlanes, Sidney Labite, Michael Sescon, and Jade Calera, who posted a combined finishing time of 7:40:02. Joel, Sidney, Mike and Jade take 2nd place in the Fastest Aggregated Time for the 21 km category(Photo courtesy of BPI)The results reflect the dedication and perseverance of the SGV Run Club members and align with the Firm’s continued efforts to promote employee well-being through activities that encourage fitness, camaraderie, and teamwork.
SGV Risk Consulting Partner Christiane Joymiel “Chin” S. Mendoza led an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist and Proliferation Financing (CTPF) training as part of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) Academy’s 15th Capital Markets and Fixed Income Securities Course on 30 May 2026 via Zoom.The session provided participants with valuable insights into the evolving financial crime landscape and underscored the importance of sustaining AML and CTPF effectiveness in a post-grey-list environment. Chin discussed key developments shaping today’s AML landscape, including geopolitical risks, emerging typologies, and key findings from the Philippines’ Third National Risk Assessment. (From left to right) Chin opens the session on AML and CTPF; Closing segment highlighting everyone’s role in “Building a Better Philippines”Chin underscored that the Philippines’ exit from the FATF grey list is a significant milestone, but not the endpoint of the country’s AML efforts. She emphasized that sustained effectiveness requires continuous vigilance, proactive risk management, and a strong risk-based approach to managing financial crime risks. By strengthening risk awareness, enhancing controls, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility, institutions can move beyond compliance—helping safeguard trust in the financial system while supporting a more transparent and resilient Philippine economy.Chin concluded with a reminder that we carry a deeper national purpose. She stressed that “each of us has a part to play. Every control we strengthen, every report we file, every risk we take seriously—each one matters.” She added that beyond professional roles, the participants are Filipinos whose decisions shape the country’s future, noting that “the choices we make in our institutions ripple outward, shaping the kind of country our children will inherit.” For Chin, this responsibility defines the profession—one grounded in vigilance, shared accountability, and a collective commitment to building a better Philippines.The AML and CTPF training was also attended and supported by SGV Risk Consulting Senior Director Glaiza A. Escaño, Director Anne Mariel M. Lagao, Associate Director Rubin S. Hollero II, Senior Associate Randjee Earl A. Saludares, and Associates Ace B. Limpin, Jenny Rose J. Fantilaga, and Orwell Bono D. Dianito.
Members of the SGV Cebu team participated in the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MCCI) Forum held at Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue on 28 May 2026. During the forum, SGV Tax Partner Atty. Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim and SGV Tax Director Atty. Ma. Alexandria M. Daileg served as resource speakers, with support from Tax Senior Associates Atty. Desiree Clemence B. Panelo and Atty. Neil Marvin N. Maambong. Atty. Alex and Atty. Anne receive plaques of appreciation for serving as MCCI Forum speakersAtty. Alex opened the session with a presentation on key Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) updates for 2025 and 2026, providing participants with valuable insights to help strengthen tax compliance and support effective business operations.Following this, Atty. Anne discussed the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and their implications for businesses and taxpayers. Atty. Anne also addressed BIR audits, explaining the audit process and sharing practical strategies for managing audit-related concerns. She emphasized the importance of proper documentation, thorough preparation, and proactive tax governance in addressing assessments and maintaining compliance. Atty. Alex and Atty. Anne during their presentationsThe sessions concluded with an open forum, where attendees raised questions on tax updates, audit procedures, and the RPVARA. Through their responses, the speakers helped participants gain a deeper understanding of current regulatory developments and their impact on business operations. The discussion provided practical guidance and actionable insights that the participants can apply to strengthen compliance and navigate an evolving tax landscape.The event was attended by MCCI members, non-members, and business owners from various industries. Also present were MCCI President Barbara Gothong-Tan, Immediate Past President and Training Committee Chair Mark Anthony Ynoc, and Trustee and Training and Education Co-Chair Jefferson Tan.The forum underscored SGV’s commitment to sharing relevant tax and regulatory insights that help businesses remain informed, compliant, and prepared for change.
SGV Academy Leader and Technology Risk Partner Allan W. Ocho served as a technical session speaker at the 47th Annual National Convention and Seminar of the Government Association of Certified Public Accountants, Inc. (GACPA) held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on 27 May 2026. Allan shares insights on data analyticsDuring his session on “Data Analytics for Government Accountants,” Allan shared insights on how government accountants can leverage data analytics to enhance decision-making and improve operational efficiency. Drawing from more than 400 pre-session survey responses, he highlighted a common challenge across government agencies: while data is readily available, much of the work remains manual, limiting the time available for analysis and timely decision-making.Allan emphasized the evolving role of government accountants—from focusing primarily on reporting to becoming enablers of better, data-driven decisions. He also demonstrated how recurring audit findings often stem from missed data signals that could be identified earlier through the effective use of analytics. GACPA officers and delegates at the eventThe session introduced practical and accessible approaches using familiar tools to help participants reduce repetitive tasks, uncover insights more efficiently, and focus on high-risk areas that matter most. These strategies support stronger accountability, greater transparency, and more informed decision-making within the public sector.At the heart of the discussion was a simple yet powerful message: better questions lead to better insights, and better insights lead to better decisions that strengthen public trust.
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 sessionThe 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 PhilippinesSGV 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 risksCCaSS 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 sessionThe 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.
SGV, together with the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD), conducted a workshop on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 on 26 May 2026 at the SGV Clark office, bringing together representatives from key investment promotion agencies to discuss the implications of the OECD Pillar Two Global Minimum Tax (GMT) framework. Representatives from SGV, SCAD, CDC, CIAC, AFAB, FAB and SBMA during the workshopThe workshop was organized following discussions during the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan Technical Working Group (PIPP TWG) meeting on Global Minimum Tax (GMT)-OECD Pillar Two held on 15 May 2026. As a collaborative platform among government agencies and stakeholders in the Subic-Clark economic corridor, SCAD sought to provide its member agencies with a deeper understanding of the evolving international tax landscape and support efforts to harmonize policies and processes across investment zones hosting multinational enterprises. BEPS 2.0 Workshop attendeesSGV Tax Partner and International Tax and Transaction Services Leader Atty. Fidela I. Reyes spearheaded the workshop, while SGV Tax Partner Atty. Margarita D. Mallari-Acaban led the technical presentation and discussion. SGV Tax Partner, Tax Solutions Leader, Foreign Direct Investments Leader, SGV Clark Head, and SGV Baguio Markets Leader Atty. Margaux A. Advincula also participated in the event.Attendees included representatives from the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), as well as officials from SCAD led by Executive Director Atty. Amee Fabros.The session provided a venue for participants to exchange insights on the implementation of BEPS 2.0 and the Global Minimum Tax framework, discuss potential implications for investment promotion agencies and locators, and explore opportunities for greater coordination in supporting multinational companies operating within their respective zones.