2025

Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Senior Manager Crystal Aleli R. Cornell served as one of the panel speakers at NextGen: The Sustainability Leadership Summit, organized by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA) on 11 October 2025.Held virtually via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook, the event carried the theme “The Garden of Tomorrow: Seeds of Change, Bloom of Leadership.” It brought together accountancy students from across the country to learn from sustainability advocates and industry professionals about the importance of leadership and innovation in driving positive environmental and social impact.During the panel discussion, Crystal shared insights on the evolving role of accountants in promoting sustainability and embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into business strategies. She also encouraged young professionals to take an active role in advancing sustainable practices and responsible leadership within their future organizations.SGV’s participation in the summit reflects the Firm’s continued commitment to empowering future leaders and promoting sustainability in the accountancy profession.

Over 120 Partners and Managers from Audit Group 4 (AG4) and Tax gathered in Davao City for the FY26 Executives Planning Conference held on 9 and 10 October 2025 at the SGV Davao Office.On the first day, the Partners reviewed Market Group 4’s (MG4’s) past achievements and outlined future objectives. The discussions also encompassed Assurance and Tax developments for FY25, along with strategic plans for FY26.The morning session on the second day opened with an inspirational talk titled “The Power of Pause: Recharging and Focusing” delivered by School of Arts and Sciences Dean and Ateneo de Davao University Department of Psychology Professor Dr. Nelly Limbadan.AG4 Leader and Assurance Partner Veronica R. Pore officially commenced the Core Assurance Planning session by reflecting on MG4’s past achievements and outlining AG4’s priorities and strategies for the coming fiscal year. Assurance Partner Jhoanna Feliza C. Go also shared updates on recent assurance developments.The Tax team, composed of professionals from Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) and International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS), played a video presentation highlighting their service offerings.The evening session featured entertaining and creative performances from AG4 Partners and Managers inspired by popular TikTok trends, fostering camaraderie and team spirit. The Davao experience sustained and reinforced AG4’s spirit of being “Resilient. By Choice.”

SGV was proud to be one of the sponsors of The Voice of the Industry – Business Summit 2025, organized by the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. (FPI). The event was held on 8 October 2025 at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.SGV Business Consulting Partner and Supply Chain and Operations (SCO) Leader Jan Ray Manlapaz, together with SCO Senior Manager Mary Andrea Bacani, represented SGV at the summit, which carried the theme “Thriving Thru Turbulence: Advancing Philippine Manufacturing Resilience and Growth.”Among the event’s keynote speakers were Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, who shared insights on strengthening the local manufacturing sector amid global challenges.

On 7 October 2025, SGV leaders met with Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya for a courtesy call and presentation on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the publication by SGV of “Doing Business in Bacolod.” Part of SGV’s “Doing Business” series, the publication will provide valuable insights into the city’s business landscape, investment opportunities, and regulatory environment, serving as a useful resource for both local and foreign investors.The SGV delegation included Chairman Wilson P. Tan, Deputy Managing Partner Noel C. Rabaja, Assurance Leader Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia, Government & Infrastructure and Economic Research Leader Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed and Assurance Partner and Markets Leader for Bacolod and Iloilo Djole S. Garcia.On the same day, the SGV Partners also paid a courtesy visit to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson and engaged in an insightful discussion on fostering economic growth and development in the province. The visit further reinforced SGV’s commitment to advancing regional progress through collaboration with key local government and business leaders.

SGV Bacolod managers and staff gathered at the SGV Bacolod office for a productive townhall session with Assurance Leader Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia and Assurance Partner and Markets Leader for Bacolod and Iloilo Djole S. Garcia on 6 October 2025.The event served as a meaningful platform to share Firm and service line updates, celebrate team milestones, and reinforce collaboration within the team. Participants were also inspired by a special video message from Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, who emphasized the Firm’s commitment to excellence, unity and continuous growth across all locations.

SGV Sustainability Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte joined the 57th Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) Week Conference, which opened on 6 October 2025. The event gathered finance professionals, business leaders, and sustainability advocates to discuss strategies for leading with purpose in a changing world.Benjamin served as a speaker in the afternoon session on “Sustainability as Strategy: Leading with Purpose in a Changing World,” where he shared insights on how organizations can explore strategies that align innovation with sustainability for long-term success.Following the presentation was a panel discussion with First Philippine Holdings, Inc. Chief Sustainability Officer Agnes De Jesus and Del Monte Philippines, Inc. Chief Sustainability Officer Ignacio Sison. Prime Energy Resource Development BV Advisory Council Member Jose Jerome Pascual III moderated the session. Benjamin’s active participation in FINEX Week demonstrated SGV’s commitment to promoting purposeful leadership and sustainable practices.

SGV signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of St. La Salle (USLS) for USLS to participate in the SGV Academy program. The signing ceremony on 6 October 2025 was attended by SGV Academy Leader Allan W. Ocho, Assurance Partner and Markets Leader for Bacolod and Iloilo Djole S. Garcia and Assurance Leader Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia, who signed on behalf of SGV.The SGV Academy program aims to collaborate with educational institutions and organizations to bridge the gap between academia and industry through initiatives that address the evolving needs of businesses, particularly in the professional services sector. SGV’s participation in the agreement with USLS includes providing industry insights to ensure curriculum relevance and offering additional support such as faculty development, part-time teaching roles for SGV professionals, guest lectures, team teaching, hands-on workshops, and internship opportunities for students.Signing for USLS were Yu An Log – College of Business and Accountancy Dean Noreza A. Causing, Chancellor Minnie O. Chua, Accountancy Program Department Chair Leah May M. Santiago and University President Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez FSC.Following the MOA signing, the SGV Partners also met with 754 USLS students, where they shared insights about the SGV Academy program and discussed the Firm’s purpose, culture, and commitment to developing future business leaders.

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi led an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist and Proliferation Financing (CTPF) training session as part of Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) Academy’s Capital Markets and Fixed Income Securities Course on 4 October 2025, held via Zoom. The initiative aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of AML and CTPF principles and risk management practices.The session featured four key areas: Importance of sustained vigilance beyond regulatory milestones; Foundational insights into Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing (ML/TF/PF); AML Regulatory Landscape exploring global frameworks and their local applications; and strategies for mitigating ML/TF/PF risks for Capital Markets professionals.Capital Markets and Development (CMD) Committee Chairman Pamela Louise Victoriano opened the session with welcoming remarks. SGV Risk Consulting Senior Associates Ayessa Marie Angeles and Coleen Mae D. Panuela facilitated the training, with support from Risk Consulting Associates Ace B. Limpin, David John A. Velasco, Joy Franzen M. Alinood and Jud Hugo S. Landero.Veronica concluded the session with a strong reminder that exiting the grey list is not the end but the beginning of a more vigilant and responsible journey. She emphasized that vigilance is not optional and that compliance is a shared responsibility across all levels. By strengthening risk awareness, focusing on the fundamentals, and sustaining reforms, we move beyond compliance toward protecting trust in our financial system and helping build a stronger, more transparent, and resilient Philippines.

SGV proudly supported the first-ever Accounting Graduates Homecoming of De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila, held on 20 September 2025 with the theme “A Ledger of Legacies.” The milestone event brought together distinguished alumni and professionals to celebrate their shared heritage and strengthen the future of the accounting profession.SGV’s participation was highlighted by Tax Partner Maricris U. See, a member of the organizing committee and the DLSU Department of Accountancy Board of Advisors, and Risk Consulting Partner Veronica Mae A. Balisi, who served as the event host. Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo also attended, underscoring the Firm’s commitment to advancing accounting education.The program featured messages from Department Chair Dr. Joy Rabo and Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business (RVRCOB) Dean Dr. Reynaldo Bautista, and a keynote by former SGV Country Managing Partner and Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima on the vital role of accountants in nation-building. A panel discussion followed with Capital Markets Integrity Corporation President and Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) National President Gerard B. Sanvictores, BDO Unibank President Nestor Tan, Universal Robina Corporation President Irwin Lee, and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation EVP and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla, who shared career insights and advice for future leaders.Many SGV leaders who are proud DLSU alumni joined the celebration, including Tax Partners Atty. Auresana B. Ines and Frances J. Villamayor; Assurance Partners Maria Pilar B. Hernandez, Katrina F. Francisco, Wenda Lynn M. Loyola, Miguel U. Ballelos, Marco Rene A. Barredo, Dara Ledda A. Urbiztondo, Jonathan T. Bino, and Jane Carol U. Chiu; SaT Partner Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed; and Consulting Partner Carlo G. Dimarucut, along with other SGV alumni across service lines.The successful homecoming highlighted SGV’s strong links with DLSU and its continued commitment to supporting excellence in accounting education and developing the next generation of Filipino financial leaders.

The SGV Sustainability team participated in the Philippine Net Zero Conference 2025 on 18 September 2025 at SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City. Organized by the Net Zero Carbon Alliance with the Southeast Asia Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx), the event aimed to equip participating Philippine companies with tools, strategies, and partnerships to overcome grid limitations, financing gaps, and regulatory challenges in achieving a net zero future.Keynotes and panel insights were delivered by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin, and 1st District Bukidnon Representative and Low Carbon Economy Investment Bill Co-author Congressman Jose Manuel Alba.SGV Sustainability Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte moderated a plenary on net zero transition opportunities with panelists Arthaland Corporation Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Oliver Chan, MUFG Bank Managing Director and Deputy Head of ESG Finance Amanpreet Singh, and Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan (OECC) General Manager and Board Director Makoto Kato. They shared insights on green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, climate lending, and technical assistance, underscoring how sustainability drives competitiveness, customer loyalty, and investor confidence despite financing hurdles.SGV Sustainability Principal Bonar A. Laureto joined a plenary on the role of business in delivering the Philippines’ climate goals with SM Prime AVP and Chief Sustainability Officer Abby Bonita, First Philippine Holdings Chief Sustainability Officer Agnes de Jesus, and Holcim Philippines Inc. Chief Sustainability Officer Jill Iris Ramos, moderated by Unilever Philippines Assistant Sustainability Manager Regina Unson-Silerio. Bonar emphasized approaching sustainability from risk and strategy perspectives, investing in emerging decarbonization technologies, and securing multilateral funding and support to help achieve the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).The SGV team also showcased the Firm’s sustainability and decarbonization initiatives in an exhibitor spotlight, represented by SGV Senior Associate Raymond R. Paras, alongside SGV Senior Director Laurence Lloyd L. Lumagbas, SGV Director Joyce Anne A. Soriano, SGV Associate Director Zoe Aurora H. Romero, and SGV Senior Associate Merylle Vim B. Pascual.