2026

The Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) and the Philippine Financial and Sustainability Reporting Standards Council (FSRSC), together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held the “Aligning Finance with Nature – A High-Level Roundtable Discussion with TNFD” on 25 May 2026 at the SGV Training facility at the STI Holdings Center in Makati City. The event gathered sustainability leaders, finance professionals, and industry representatives to discuss the growing importance of integrating nature-related considerations into financial and sustainability reporting frameworks. SGV, PSRC, FSRSC, and UNDP leaders at the session SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo delivered the welcome message, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainability and nature-related disclosures. This was followed by opening remarks from FSRSC Chair and former SGV Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan. SGV Sustainability Leader and PSRC Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte also delivered a message to the participants.The roundtable featured presentations and insights from UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative National Consultant Edgardo Tongson, Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Market Engagement Director Candice Dott, TNFD Market Engagement Lead for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East Tejeshwar Goyal, City Developments Limited Sustainability Manager Priscilla Tan, and Olam Agri Sustainability Finance Professional Isabel Loh. SGV Partners with industry leaders at the event A panel discussion followed, featuring Manila Water Corporation Sustainability Corporate Center Director Sarah E. Bergado, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, and PGPC–SM Investments Corporation Sustainability Assistant Vice President Mercy Grace Dionisio. UNDP Climate Finance Project Manager Josem Eijansantos served as moderator. (From left to right) Sarah Bergado, Mercy Grace Dionisio, Melissa Vergel de Dios, Candice Dott and Josem Eijansantos during the panel discussionThe discussions centered on nature-related financial disclosures, regional and global adoption of the TNFD framework, developments related to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and private-sector initiatives supporting biodiversity and sustainable finance. The event also underscored the role of organizations and financial institutions in driving more transparent, resilient, and nature-positive business practices.
The SGV Sustainability team provided training on IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards Reporting Essentials for finance professionals on 20 May 2026 in Clark, Pampanga, as part of the firm’s Sustainability Training Series: Gearing up for ISSB Standards Sustainability Reporting in Practice. Following the successful rollout of earlier sessions this year, the whole-day training continued SGV’s efforts to help organizations strengthen their understanding and application of sustainability reporting standards. (From left to right) top: Diana Rose A. Sadili–Chu and Crystal Aleli R. Cornell; bottom: Joyce Anne A. Soriano and Zoe Aurora H. Romero share their insights on IFRS sustainability disclosure standards reporting essentialsThe program opened with welcome remarks from SGV Sustainability Senior Manager Crystal Aleli R. Cornell, who highlighted the importance of enhancing capabilities in sustainability-related financial disclosures amid the evolving reporting landscape. This was followed by sessions introducing the purpose, scope, conceptual foundations, and key requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards, facilitated by SGV Sustainability Managers Diana Rose Sadili-Chu and Crystal Aleli R. Cornell.Participants also took part in in-depth discussions on the core components of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. SGV Sustainability Manager Diana Rose Sadili-Chu led the session on Governance, while SGV Sustainability Manager Joyce Anne A. Soriano discussed Strategy. SGV Sustainability Manager Zoe Aurora H. Romero facilitated the discussion on Risk Management, Metrics, and Targets. Participants at the sustainability training Through interactive discussions and practical insights shared by the SGV Sustainability Managers, the training provided participants with a deeper understanding of the principles, requirements, implications, and leading practices in sustainability-related disclosures and reporting.The session concluded with closing remarks from SGV Sustainability Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte. Benjie delivers closing remarks
SGV Sustainability Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte participated as a plenary speaker during Day 2 of the ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly’s (ASDA) 10th Founding Anniversary held at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on 19 May 2026. Benjie speaks at the ASEAN Science Diplomats AssemblyThe assembly brought together ASEAN Science Diplomats, policymakers, academics, researchers, and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of advancing science diplomacy across Southeast Asia under the theme, “A Decade of Science Diplomacy: Bridging Divides, Inspiring Lives.” Benjie joins industry leaders in the plenary session  Benjie joined the plenary session on Science Diplomacy in Resiliency and Sustainability, contributing to Pillar 3: Finance, Digital Innovation, and Frontier Resilience Diplomacy. He delivered a presentation on Banking and Sustainability Finance Diplomacy, highlighting the role of sustainable finance in supporting resilient economies, accelerating sustainable development, and fostering responsible business practices across the ASEAN region. Benjie at the ASDA eventThe Pillar 3 discussion explored how finance, technology, and innovation can help address emerging challenges and strengthen regional resilience. Benjie joined fellow experts from the legal, cybersecurity, and space science sectors in sharing insights on advancing cooperation and sustainability through their respective fields. (From left to right) Benjie with Mrs. Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo, Dr. Jesus Estanislao, Hon. Amina Rasul-Bernardo, and Sci. Dpl. Glenn BanaguasOrganized as part of ASDA’s 10th Founding Anniversary celebration, the assembly served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among leaders committed to leveraging science diplomacy to address regional and global challenges.
SGV Technology Consulting Senior Associate John Cyran Lemoncito passed the CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) and CREST Registered Penetration Tester (CRT) examinations in March 2026.The CREST certifications are internationally recognized validations of technical competence, ethical standards, and professional rigor in cybersecurity, penetration testing, and security analysis. Recognized by governments, regulators, and industry leaders worldwide, they represent a significant milestone in professional development within the global cybersecurity field.Beyond his CREST certifications, John has also obtained other industry-recognized certifications, including Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA PenTest+, Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO), Certified Red Team Expert (CRTE), Certified Red Team Professional (CRTP), and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC).Congratulations, John Cyran! Your hard work and dedication inspire us all. We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible achievement with you!
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) recently hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Updates on the Bureau of Customs Priorities” at the SGV Office in Makati City on 14 May 2026. The session brought together industry leaders, stakeholders, and government representatives for a timely and insightful exchange on trade and customs developments. Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno receives certificate of appreciation at the eventThe event featured Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno as the keynote speaker. He shared updates on the Bureau’s current priorities, ongoing reforms, and modernization initiatives. Participants gained valuable insights into efforts to enhance trade facilitation, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen transparency across customs processes.SGV Tax Leader Jules E. Riego and BDO Unibank Senior Vice President and Head of Financial Institutions and International Desks Rombit Co, Co-Chairmen of AmCham’s Financial Services and Tax & Tariffs Committee, played an active role in guiding the discussion, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government.Attendees benefited from a deeper understanding of policy directions, digital transformation efforts, and initiatives to improve revenue collection while combating smuggling. The session also fostered an open dialogue, allowing participants to raise concerns, share experiences, and explore practical solutions.The roundtable served as a meaningful platform for engagement and collaboration, supporting the shared goal of building a more efficient, secure, and globally competitive trade environment in the Philippines.
SGV Partners attended the official launch of the Doing Business in Bacolod publication on 14 May 2026 at the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City. SGV Partners with Bacolod City government officialsRepresenting SGV at the event were Chairman and Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, Assurance Leader Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia, Assurance Partner and SGV Bacolod Partner-in-Charge Djole S. Garcia, Strategy and Transactions Partner and Government & Infrastructure (G&I) and Economic Research Leader Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed, Climate Change and Sustainability Services Partner Katrina F. Francisco and Tax Partner Anne E. Momongan-Lim.The publication launch was led by Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya during the Bacolod in Action: Sustainable, Resilient, and Open for Business segment of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 35th Visayas Area Business Conference hosted by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Developed by the Bacolod City Government in collaboration with SGV, Doing Business in Bacolod serves as an investment guide for local and international investors, showcasing the city’s economic landscape, investment ecosystem, and business opportunities.
SGV Sustainability Leader and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte participated as a panelist at the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 held at the Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa in Cebu.Organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the summit brought together government leaders, regulators, industry experts, and business representatives from across ASEAN and the European Union to discuss sustainability, climate resilience, trade, circular economy, and ESG reporting. Benjie with other panelists during the Industry Panel on “ESG Commitments and Credible Reporting: Strengthening Transparency and Trust in ASEAN”Benjie joined the Industry Panel on “ESG Commitments and Credible Reporting: Strengthening Transparency and Trust in ASEAN,” which focused on the growing importance of credible sustainability disclosures in supporting investor confidence, market integrity, and long-term business resilience across the region.The discussion explored the evolving sustainability reporting landscape in ASEAN, including increasing alignment with International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)-based approaches, implementation challenges across jurisdictions, and the importance of professional judgment and assurance in producing decision-useful disclosures. Benjie speaks during the panel discussionJoining Benjie in the panel were Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Atty. Javey Paul Francisco, Eco-Business Founder and CEO Jessica Cheam, and ASEAN Business Advisory Council member Michael Tan. The session was moderated by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Asia-Pacific Head of Public Affairs George Thomson.The ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 featured a series of keynote speeches, fireside chats, and panel discussions on circular economy, climate resilience, sustainable trade, supply chain integrity, and ESG commitments, reinforcing ASEAN-EU collaboration toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
SGV held a Transforming Risks into Strategic Advantage event on 6 May 2026 at the STI Holdings Center in Makati, bringing together business leaders and industry professionals to explore how organizations can navigate evolving risks and turn them into opportunities for growth.SGV Assurance Leader Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia opened the event with welcome remarks, followed by a keynote address from SGV Technology Risk Partner Allan W. Ocho on reimagining risks amid the changing roles of C-Suite leaders. (From left to right) Cyril welcomes participants at the event; Allan delivers keynote addressSGV leaders from across service lines shared their insights on key business challenges and opportunities, including financial excellence, technology risk, sustainability reporting and value creation, as well as integrity and compliance. Speakers included Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) Partner Anna Maria Rubi Diaz, Technology Risk Leader Dara Ledda A. Urbiztondo, Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte, CCaSS Principal Bonar A. Laureto, and Forensic and Integrity Services (FIS) Leader Roderick M. Vega. (From left to right) top: Rhia, Dara, and Benjie; bottom: Bon and Roderick sharing insights on key business challenges and opportunitiesThe event also featured a panel discussion and Q&A session with industry guests, providing participants with practical perspectives on building resilience and strategic advantage in the changing business environment.SGV Assurance Growth Areas (AGA) and FAAS Leader Aris C. Malantic delivered the final message and call to action, highlighting that modern leadership requires a fundamental shift from reactive risk management to proactive "Risk Strategy” where risk insights are woven into the very fabric of organizational culture, incentives and technological innovation. Aris charts the path forward with a call to action
SGV hosted a “Supply Chain Re-imagined: Unlocking Strength in Every Link” event on 5 May 2026 at the Washington SyCip Development Center. The event convened over 60 leaders and professionals from various industries for a full day of timely discussions on navigating disruption, strengthening resilience, and building more agile, sustainable, and future-ready supply chains in an increasingly complex global environment. The event was hosted by Business Consulting Partner and Supply Chain Transformation Lead Jan Ray G. Manlapaz.  (Left) SGV core team with the speakers; (right) Jan Ray hosts Supply Chain Re-imagined eventThe program opened with welcome remarks from SGV Vice Chairman, Deputy Managing Partner and Strategy and Transactions Leader Noel P. Rabaja. This was followed by insights from Government & Infrastructure and Economic Research Leader and Strategy and Transactions Partner Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed, who discussed the global economic landscape and its implications for supply chains. (Left) Noel welcomes participants at the event; (right) Steph shares insights on the Global Supply Chain and the MacroeconomySGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services Partner Katrina F. Francisco explored how organizations can reimagine sustainable supply chain programs beyond cost reduction, while Technology Consulting Principal Philip B. Casanova led the discussion on strengthening cybersecurity across third parties and supply chains. Katrina and Philip share insights on sustainability and cybersecurityIn the afternoon sessions, Tax Principal Alden C. Labaguis and Tax Partners Fatma Aleah A. Datukon and Auresana B. Ines discussed key tax and customs considerations shaping supply chain operations. Alden, Fatma and Rhena discuss Taxation and Customs The event concluded with insights from EY Asean Supply Chain and Digital Innovation Leader and Consulting Partner Atul Chandna, who discussed “Supply Chain and AI: Strategize, Optimize, Digitize: Building Tomorrow’s Supply Chain with AI”. His presentation was followed by a panel discussion with Technology Consulting Principal Lee Carlo B. Abadia and EY Singapore Business Consulting Associate Partner Ankit Nayyar, who shared how AI is reshaping supply chain strategy, optimization, and digitalization. (Left) Atul Chandna discusses supply chain and AI; (right) Jan Ray moderates panel discussion with Atul Chandna, Ankit Nayyar, and Lee Carlo AbadiaConsulting Leader Ryan Gilbert K. Chua delivered the closing remarks, capping off a meaningful day of learning, collaboration, and forward-looking discussions on the future of supply chains.  Ryan delivers closing remarks
SGV participated in the Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (ACCCDR) on 30 April 2026 at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), joining leaders from finance, government, local institutions, and the security sector to address systemic barriers to disaster preparedness. Centered on the theme “From Risk to Readiness: Investing in Climate Futures in Asia,” the conference advanced discussions on transforming disaster financing into a proactive tool for equity, protection, and resilience before crises occur. Katrina with other panelists during the panel discussionSGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Katrina F. Francisco served as a panelist in the session on “Cascading Crises and Corporate Asset Protection,” alongside Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow Dr. Roehlano Briones, and The Resilient.PH Inc. Chief Resilience Officer Ace Esmeralda. The session was moderated by conference convenor and AIM professor Dr. Chad Briggs.The panel explored how intersecting environmental, political, and economic risks heighten security pressures, disrupt food and energy systems, and challenge disaster readiness. The discussions also highlighted how businesses and local government units can strengthen preparedness through adaptive civil defense, insurance, and risk transfer strategies, while advancing sustainable financial safeguards amid increasingly complex crises. Katrina with SGV CCaSS Managers at the conferenceAlso in attendance were SGV CCaSS Managers Lala Bugante, Louie Cedino, Jam Pangasinan, Joyce Soriano, and Judd Tablazon, reinforcing SGV’s commitment to advancing climate resilience and sustainable business practices.