27 November 2025 – The SGV Knowledge Institute, with SGV Consulting, hosted an event titled “Harmony in Action: Navigating Enterprise Resilience through Governance, Risk, and Compliance Synergy” at the Legaspi Ballroom of Makati Diamond Residences. The event gathered leaders from top corporations, boards, and regulators to explore how Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) enhanced by responsible AI can strengthen enterprise resilience in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Designed as a leadership conversation anchored in the metaphor of an orchestra, the forum highlighted how governance functions must work in concert to equip organizations for today’s non-linear, accelerated, volatile, and interconnected (NAVI) risk landscape. The event was hosted by SGV Knowledge Institute Leader and SGV Financial Crime Risk Management Leader Veronica Arce-Balisi.

The program opened with welcome remarks from SGV Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, who underscored the importance of viewing GRC not as isolated obligations but as an integrated system that provides rhythm, structure, and cohesion to enterprise strategy. “Just like in a symphony,” she shared, “each section of governance must play its part with clarity and unity for the organization to achieve true resilience.” 

GRC Integration and Strategic Alignment

The afternoon’s first panel session, “GRC Integration: Aligning Governance, Risk, and Compliance with Business Strategy,” was moderated by Joseph Ian Canlas, EY Asean Core Consulting Quality Leader and SGV Risk Consulting Leader, and Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza, SGV Risk Consulting Partner and Risk Fields of Play Leader.

The session’s panelists were: Vicky Lee Salas, Senior Vice President for Special Projects and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, SM Investments Corporation; Atty. Narlette Manacap, Compliance Risk Country Officer, Citibank Philippines; and Sing Hwee Neo, EY Global Client Service Partner for Government and Public Sector.

The discussion explored the current state of GRC in organizations, key roadblocks such as siloed functions and regulatory complexity, and the rising need for cross-functional collaboration. The speakers also emphasized the role of leadership alignment and culture in building resilience across risk, compliance, and audit teams.

Responsible AI for Risk, Compliance, and Audit

The second session, “Leveraging Responsible AI in Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit,” examined how AI is accelerating risk intelligence and reshaping decision-making. Moderated by Lee Carlo Abadia, Technology Consulting Principal, and Carlo Dimarucut, Technology Consulting Partner, the panel featured: Chee Kong Wong, APAC Risk Leader and GRC Technology Leader, EY Oceania; Jose Roy Hipolito, Risk and Compliance Head, MediCard Philippines; and Michelle Alarcon, President and Co-Founder, Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines.

The panelists discussed the transformative impact of predictive analytics, explainable AI, and generative audit tools, while emphasizing the need for strong data governance, ethical safeguards, and readiness assessments. 

Board-Level Perspectives on Resilience and Technology

The final panel session, on “Relevance of Enterprise Resilience, New Technology such as AI/Big Data, and Synergized Risk Management,” brought together experienced board members and senior executives: Medel Nera, Non-Executive Director, House of Investments, iPeople, and several publicly listed companies; SolGen Darlene Marie Berberabe, Solicitor General of the Philippines; and Cheryl Cabal-Revilla, Executive Director and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation; President & CEO, mWell.

Moderated by Ryan Gilbert Chua, SGV Consulting Leader, and Warren Bituin, SGV Technology Consulting Leader, the panel examined how board oversight is evolving in response to geopolitical risks, sustainability expectations, and the rise of AI-enabled decision-making. The panelists emphasized the need for boards to champion skills development, strengthen internal controls around sustainability data, and ensure technology investments align with long-term value creation.

Interactive Experiences and Closing Messages

In addition to insightful discussions, participants engaged in an interactive Drum Circle activity during a session break, symbolizing rhythm, unity, and collective action – mirroring the event’s central theme.

The forum concluded with closing remarks from SGV Deputy Managing Partner, Strategy and Transactions Leader, and Markets Leader Noel P. Rabaja, who highlighted the interconnected roles of GRC, AI, and board governance in shaping resilient enterprises. He encouraged leaders to continue fostering synergy across functions, noting that “resilience and effective governance don’t happen in silos; they happen when each element plays its part, distinct yet harmonious.”

The SGV Knowledge Institute serves as a hub for intellectual exchange and advancement, leveraging SGV’s collective thought leadership and the deep experience of its multidisciplinary professionals. By fostering continuous learning, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, SGV aims to empower businesses to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented in today’s business landscape.