2025

SGV’s newly promoted Senior Directors successfully completed the EY Asean New Senior Managers and Associate Directors Program (NSMADP) held from 3 to 6 November 2025 at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The program provided SGV’s emerging leaders with a comprehensive development experience designed to strengthen leadership capabilities, enhance strategic thinking, and reinforce their sense of stewardship as they take on broader responsibilities within the Firm. Through collaborative sessions with Asean counterparts, the participants gained practical insights that will support them in leading high-performing teams and delivering quality services.The new Senior Directors returned to SGV equipped with deeper regional perspectives and strengthened leadership competencies, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the Firm’s long-term growth and commitment to building a better working world.

SGV conducted a Tax Briefing for the Chinese Enterprises Philippine Association (CEPA), covering year-end tax reminders, new tax issuances, and BIR audit tips on 5 November 2025.The session commenced with welcome remarks from SGV Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, followed by messages from Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines Minister Counselor Yang Guoliang and CEPA President and Bank of China (HK) Ltd. – Manila Branch Country Head Hu Xinquan.SGV Tax Partners Maricris U. See and Michael A. Madlangbayan, together with International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Senior Manager Jackie Lou D. Lamug, shared practical insights on tax compliance, audit readiness, and the latest developments in Philippine tax laws. The briefing concluded with closing remarks from SGV Assurance Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz.The session was organized by the Philippine-China Overseas and Investment Network (COIN) team, led by ITTS Leader Fidela I. Reyes, Assurance Partner Jonathan T. Bino, and Maricris, with the assistance of Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Managers Gerald Co and Paul Adrian Batang and ITTS Manager Precioso San Juan. The briefing highlighted SGV’s commitment to supporting CEPA members in navigating the evolving tax landscape with clarity and confidence.

The SGV Cyber Consulting practice celebrated Cybersecurity Month 2025 in October through a series of initiatives that promoted awareness, enhanced digital literacy, and reinforced the importance of cybersecurity across the organization.At the center of the celebration was the Cyber Talk Series, where members of the SGV Cybersecurity Team conducted discussions on relevant and emerging topics. These sessions provided practical insights into cybersecurity issues and encouraged active participation among SGVeans.The featured sessions included “Cybersecurity in the Age of IoT” by Manager Nathaniel F. Dizon; “Digital Paparazzi: Your Data’s Getting More Attention Than You Think” by Senior Associates Faeka D. Ahmed, Jose Luis M. Sunga and Marielle R. Saliva; “Cybersecurity in Online Games” by Manager Glenn James C. Asoy and Senior Associates Kurt C. delos Reyes and Kelvin Dale A. Gonzales; “Social Media Algorithms, Fake News and Scams” by Manager Danielle Rose B. Castillo and Intern John Rey T. Ugates; “AI-generated Content: What’s Real Anymore?” by Manager Joseph Albert R. dela Rosa; and “Cyber for Non-Digital Natives (Family and Seniors)” by Manager Allison Jay S. Yabes and Associates Mary Carolynn C. Asoy and Missy B. Cortes.To conclude the month-long celebration, SGV Cyber hosted the Consulting Fright Fest on 29 October, combining cybersecurity learning with team engagement activities. The event featured the final installment of the Cyber Talk Series with discussions on “Horrors of the Internet” and “Protective Measures for Parents,” led by SGV Cyber Partner Alvin G. Manuel and Manager Dann Albert S. Veridiano. It also included the Cyber Escape Room: Ransomware Rescue Challenge, where eight teams from various SGV Consulting competencies competed in a time-bound code-cracking challenge that tested their cybersecurity knowledge and teamwork.The celebration concluded with the CyBeer Team Celebration Night, where members of the SGV Cyber Team reflected on the activities throughout the month and recognized their collective efforts in fostering a cyber-aware and resilient culture within SGV Consulting.

Audit Group 6 (AG6) and Tax – Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) held a connect session with AG6 interns on 27 October 2025 at the SGV Bayanihan Room. The session provided students with the opportunity to learn more about AG6 from a people and markets perspective. The interns also shared highlights on their internship experience.Present during the session were AG6 Leader and Assurance Partner Editha V. Estacio and GCR Partner Frances J. Villamayor, who shared their inspiring career journeys and offered review tips for the upcoming Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE).The session provided an insightful and meaningful conversation between the Partners and the aspiring SGVeans as they continue to pursue their goal of becoming successful CPAs.

SGV & Co. held the SGV Run: Stride to SAVE on 26 October 2025, simultaneously in Makati, Cebu, and Davao. Thousands of SGVeans, clients and alumni joined the 3K, 5K, and 10K race categories to support a meaningful cause under the Firm’s Journey to 80 Years initiatives.The event kicked off with SGV Tax Partner Maricris U. See leading the opening prayer, followed by Chairman Wilson P. Tan who officially welcomed the runners. Assurance Group 8 Leader and SGV Run Club Race Program Director Alvin M. Pinpin shared motivational remarks before the warm-up session led by Zumba instructor Karen Buenvenida and the SGV Dance Company.Across all three locations, runners made their strides count in support of the SGV Foundation, the construction of eight Starter Classrooms under the Journey to 80 Years CSR initiative, and SGV SAVE Council projects. The post-race celebration featured performances by SGV’s Got Talent Year 11 runners-up Jullana Fernandez and Syrone Enriquez, a raffle draw, and an address from Assurance Partner and Chief Sustainability Officer Clairma T. Mangangey, who highlighted the CSR initiatives supported by the run.The event concluded with an awarding ceremony led by Alvin and Maricris, followed by closing remarks by Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, who congratulated all participants for making the SGV Run a success.The success of the event was made possible through the efforts of SGV Run Club officers Michael Sescon, Rroyd Rosario, Michael Quisao and Fatima Baldomero, who helped organize and ensure the smooth execution of the activity.

SGV & Co. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) Academy, Inc. for the co-creation of a Sustainability Reporting Masterclass aimed at enhancing the capabilities of executives and board directors in preparation for the revised sustainability reporting requirements.The MOA was signed by SGV Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo and FINEX Academy Chairman Wilson P. Tan, with SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Katrina F. Francisco and 2025 FINEX President and PHINMA Corporation Chief Financial Officer Edmund Alan “EJ” A. Qua Hiansen serving as witnesses.Also present from FINEX were Executive Director Michael B. Vinluan, Supervisor Aljon D. Capunay, and Administrative Assistant John Meler No.Through this collaboration, SGV and FINEX Academy will design, develop, and deliver a learning program that will equip business leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving sustainability landscape and help strengthen their current reporting process.

SGV Partners joined key industry leaders, policymakers, and investors at the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition held at The Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City, from 22 to 23 October 2025.With the theme “From Policy to Progress: Driving Mining Through Innovation and Investment,” the two-day event served as a premier platform for dialogue on how strategic investments, good governance, and emerging technologies are driving the mining industry’s long-term growth and sustainability.Representing SGV were Mining and Metals Group Head Eleanore Layug, Audit Group 7 Leader Jose Pepito Zabat III, and Assurance Partner Peter John Ventura. The Firm also participated actively in the conference discussions through its sustainability leaders.SGV Sustainability Leader Benjamin Villacorte was among the speakers in the plenary session “Green Metals, Green Markets – Capturing Value in the Low-Carbon Economy,” where he joined industry experts in discussing how Philippine mining companies can position themselves as trusted suppliers of “green minerals” in an ESG-driven global market.Meanwhile, Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Katrina Francisco shared her insights during the plenary session “Benchmarking Mining Sustainability: Validated TSM Results and Potential ESG Policy Impacts.”SGV is also proud to support Mining Philippines 2025 as one of the event sponsors.

SGV International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Leader Fidela T. Isip-Reyes, Assurance Partner Jonathan T. Bino, and Tax Partner Maricris U. See joined the Global China Overseas and Investment Network (COIN) meeting in Hangzhou, China on 22 October 2025.The event brought together EY COIN leaders from across the region and featured an Asean Tax Seminar, where the SGV COIN team presented insights on the Philippine economy, investment landscape, and tax environment. The session also highlighted opportunities and incentives available for potential investors, reinforcing SGV’s role in supporting cross-border business growth.The meeting underscored SGV’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration and providing strategic guidance to investors in the Asean market.

SGV served as the official tabulator for the inaugural Filipino Music Awards (FMAs), presented by Modern Media Group Inc. (MMGI). The event was held on 21 October 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila.EY Private Philippines Leader and SGV Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan led the SGV team responsible for the independent tabulation of the judges’ scores. The team included Assurance Managers Krys Adison and Angelika Reotiras, Senior Associate Krystal Joy Labog, and Associate Jesus Vizarra.The FMAs gathered musicians, producers, and industry leaders, drawing thousands of Filipino music fans for an evening dedicated to celebrating the artists, record labels, and creative projects that continue to shape Original Pilipino Music (OPM). The awards honored 18 recipients across four categories, each evaluated through a rigorous process that reflects the FMAs’ commitment to recognizing the diverse and evolving landscape of Filipino music.Through the FMAs, MMGI aims to celebrate and elevate the excellence of Filipino music by providing a world-class platform for OPM artists, producers, and creatives. The event not only recognized outstanding artistic achievements through expert evaluation but also celebrated public participation, honored industry legacies, and highlighted the innovation and cultural influence of OPM.

SGV Sustainability Leader and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte represented the Philippines at the 7th Belt and Road National Accounting Standards Cooperation Forum held in Shanghai, China on 14 October 2025. The annual event gathered accounting and sustainability standards setters from over 20 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative to promote global collaboration in accounting and sustainability reporting.This year’s forum, themed around AI-driven transformation, talent development, and green growth, highlighted the vital role of digital technologies and sustainability disclosure in shaping the future of accounting. Discussions explored how innovation, education, and international cooperation can advance high-quality, transparent, and comparable accounting and sustainability standards across jurisdictions.Benjamin joined leaders and experts in affirming support for the Initiative’s goals of enhancing cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. The Forum also endorsed the revised Belt and Road National Accounting Standards Cooperation Mechanism, strengthening cooperation frameworks among participating countries.Benjamin’s participation reinforces the Firm’s and the PSRC’s shared commitment to promoting sustainability, transparency, and high-quality reporting practices that align with global standards and contribute to the country’s accounting development within the Belt and Road framework.