SGV Accounts Leader and EY Asia-Pacific FSO Risk Management Leader Vicky L. Salas moderated the panel discussion on "Customer Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Using Voice of the Customer (VoC) to Drive Innovation" at the Digital Banking Asia Summit Philippines 2024. The summit was held at the Manila Marriott Hotel on 13 March 2024. Vicky (right) moderates panel discussion on customer feedback Vicky moderated the panel discussion featuring ING Bank Senior Vice President - Head of Transformation Office; Office of the Chief Operating Officer Dan Ramirez, GoTyme Bank Chief Experience Officer Lionel Gacad, and Metrobank UX Strategy and Design Head Mica Diaz de Rivera. The panel discussion focused on the pivotal role of customer feedback in shaping the direction of innovation in digital banking. The panelists touched upon the significance of VoC in understanding customer needs and preferences. They explored the potential of using this information to complement advancements in technology, create personalized customer experiences, and enhance banking services. In addition to examining various methods and tools for gathering and analyzing VoC, the conversation delved into real-life examples of turning feedback into action to drive continuous improvement and innovation. It underscored that responsiveness to feedback not only fosters customer loyalty but also propels the industry forward in an increasingly digital age.

SGV Senior Advisor and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and former Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert was conferred the Romanian National Order of Merit with the Grade of Commander. President Klaus Werner Iohannis of Romania granted this honor in acknowledgment of Ambassador Delia's 50-year career in diplomacy and her pivotal role in peacebuilding initiatives.  Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert (right) receives Romanian National Order of Merit with the Grade of Commander Ambassador Delia served as the chair of the UN Security Council in 2004 and championed the contribution of women to peacebuilding processes. She has also consistently advocated for women in leadership roles while breaking barriers throughout her career. She stands as a role model for women diplomats worldwide and continues to pave the way for younger generations. This conferment underscores her role in strengthening international relations while highlighting the importance of diversity in diplomacy. Congratulations, Ambassador Delia!

SGV Partners and Managers joined the 2024 Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Geographical Area Office (GAO) Tax Conference with the theme “Beyond Compliance: Transcending Regulatory, Tax Challenges and Opportunities.” The two-day event was held at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom in Malate, Manila. Around 200 participants per day attended the event. Tax Conference Committee Co-Chair Meynard Sardalla, PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia, Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See, and Tax Conference Committee Member Earvin Darren Lee PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia and Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See led the PICPA MMR GAO team. Tax Senior Directors Meynard Sardalla and Earvin Darren Lee served as Co-Chair and Committee Member, respectively. Meynard and Earvin also served as the Masters of Ceremonies during the event. Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See talks about the BIR’s 2024 Priority Plans Tax Partner Aaron Escartin during his lecture on gearing up for annual income tax activities Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See discussed the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR’s) 2024 Priority Plans and recent regulatory updates, while Tax Partner Aaron Escartin discussed the essentials and dos and don’ts in preparing the 2024 Annual Income Tax Return, which is due for filing on 15 April 2024. Aaron also joined a roundtable discussion with Tax Partner Atty. Thyrza Marbas on Day 1. PAS Immigration and ITTS Advisory Leader Atty. Fidela Reyes receives certificate and token of appreciation People Advisory Services (PAS) – Immigration and ITTS Advisory Leader Atty. Fidela Reyes was the guest speaker for Day 2. She discussed the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 Pillar and highlighted its global and local tax impacts. Atty. Fidela, along with the other Day 2 speakers also addressed questions and clarifications from the audience during the roundtable moderated by Maricris. Earvin, Peter, Sonia, Aileen, Maricris, and Meynard pose for a group photo PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) President Aileen L. Saringan, PICPA Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) President Peter John R. Ventura, and PICPA MMR GAO Council Treasurer Francis Ricamora introduced some of the speakers.