The Comptrollers’ Circle executive core team (l-r): Carmina Ubaña of First Gen Corporation, Milani Caimol of Lopez Holdings Corporation, Comptrollers’ Circle head Dory Tirona of Lopez Holdings, Ellen Almodiel of Rockwell Land Corporation, Jingle Hernandez of Lopez Inc. and Jei-Jei Gertes of Third Generation Holdings CorporationThe Lopez Group Comptrollers’ Circle held its 2023 accounting and tax updates and general assembly on December 13. In a monumental step towards normalcy, the group successfully hosted its first face-to-face general assembly and conference since the onset of the pandemic. The event marked a pivotal moment for all its members, symbolizing resilience, adaptability and a collective determination to move forward.

The conference agenda was carefully crafted to address the current challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic world. Topics ranged from technological advancements to adaptability strategies, reflecting the resilience and innovation that emerged during the challenging times.

Speakers from SGV

The whole-day session and speakers were provided by SGV & Co. and covered various current topics to equip the more than 250 participants with necessary knowledge for the evolving workplace.

The welcome remarks were given by Salvador G. Tirona, president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Maria Vivian Ruiz, vice chairman and deputy managing partner of SGV & Co., also gave her message to all the participants.

SGV partners and officers presented the technical updates; these included economic updates, artificial intelligence related to finance and accounting, Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs updates, including tax plans and landscape, transfer pricing, impact on the financial statements and other reminders.

Breaking digital barriers

The palpable excitement among attendees was evident as they gathered in person, breaking the digital barriers that had become the norm in recent times. The conference venue buzzed with lively conversations, laughter and the exchange of ideas, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie that virtual meetings struggled to replicate. The participants actively joined and enjoyed the icebreaker session provided by SGV.

One of the highlights of the event was the sense of connection that face-to-face interactions provided particularly during the Christmas fellowship that followed in the afternoon after the technical session. Attendees expressed their joy at being able to meet colleagues, partners and peers in person, fostering a renewed sense of unity and collaboration. The handshake and eye contact, long absent in virtual meetings, returned as powerful symbols of human connection.

Comptrollers’ Circle is a business excellence initiative that has continually improved the Lopez Group’s management information systems since 1999. On its 24th year, the team is headed by Tirona, with core members Milani Caimol of Lopez Holdings, Jingle Hernandez of Lopez Inc., Carmina Ubaña of First Gen Corporation, Ellen Almodiel of Rockwell Land Corporation, Loraine Atienza of ABS-CBN, Noemi Atienza of SKY and JeiJei Gertes of Third Generation Holdings Corporation, who emceed the event.

The Lopez Group Comptrollers’ Circle during the Christmas fellowship

(Story/Photos by: Jei-Jei Gertes)