Category: CSR

Sterling Bank of Asia Upholds Environmental Commitment through “Kind Heart Gives” Tree Planting Activity

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Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement through this year’s “Kind Heart Gives” tree-planting initiative held at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City. The event brought together employees from various organizations who joined SBA in its corporate social responsibility efforts, underscoring the Bank’s shared mission to make a positive impact on both the environment and the community.

The activity went beyond simply planting trees—it fostered camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of collective purpose among SBA employees. It encouraged participants to take part in meaningful initiatives that advocate for a sustainable future. “Our ‘Kind Heart Gives’ activity reflects Sterling Bank of Asia’s support for sustainability and our values of being socially active in good causes,” said Dan Guevara, SBA’s Center for Learning Head and First Vice President. “We are proud to see our employees engage in projects that go beyond the workplace—efforts that show our dedication to both people and the planet.”

As SBA continues to grow as a financial institution, it remains steadfast in its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen. Through initiatives like “Kind Heart Gives,” employees contribute not only to environmental restoration but also to strengthening SBA’s culture of compassion, volunteerism, and shared responsibility.

CCP’S 16th KUTITAP ARTS CAMP FOR INDIGENOUS CHILDREN GOES TO BAGUIO CITY

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In celebration of the 2025 National Children’s Month and National Indigenous Peoples’ Month, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED), holds a weeklong arts camp under the annual program, Kutitap: Isang Piging ng Kabataang Makasining,  from November 18 to 22, 2025, in Baguio City.

Fifty-five children and their adult leaders, representing various cultural communities from all over the country, will gather for a celebration of arts, culture, and traditions.  

Now in its 16th year, Kutitap pursues its goals of instilling among the Filipino children and youth a deep sense of understanding, appreciation, and pride for Philippine indigenous arts and culture, as well as promoting creativity and positive social values.  

Kutitap will conduct interactive activities to include mini-workshops and showcases (in dance, drama, music, rituals, visual arts, etc.), storytelling, crafting, traditional games, film viewing, group discussions, and creative collaboration, among others.

Since the first gathering in 2009, Kutitap has already reached over 3,334 children from 200 local communities nationwide.  In 2011, the project was redesigned for the benefit of the children in Northern Luzon who were badly affected by typhoons Pedring and Quiel.  

For the first time in 2015, Kutitap was brought out of the CCP and was hosted by the City of Batangas.  For the first time too, the program was filmed and presented as part of the Children of Asia research project under the Asian Culture Institute (ACI) in Gwangju, South Korea.  The film made by Kevin K. Park was shown during the opening of the Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Korea.  In 2023,  Kutitap was included in the Reclaim the Void art assemblage of the Aboriginal community in Western Australia.

In 2016, Kutitap was brought to the Visayas under the hosting of the Province of Capiz;  Tagum City in 2017;  Los Baños-Laguna in 2018;  Koronadal City in 2019;  in 2020 & 2021 virtual editions due to the pandemic, 2022 in CCP, Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple & San Jose Del Monte City;  San Francisco-Agusan del Sur in 2023; and in Himamalyan City-Negros Occidental in 2024.

From November 18 to 22, 2025, Kutitap will engage the kids in educational, cultural, creative, and other participative activities designed to enable them to learn, understand, and appreciate better the indigenous life, traditions, and practices while emphasizing the values of good health, love, compassion, and perseverance.  It will also include sessions on indigenous food, games, folktales, music, dance, film, and crafts. 

Prominent filmmakers Milo Tolentino, Christian Candelaria, and Zig Dulay have agreed to share their notable films with the Kutitap kids – Andong, Sa Iyang Isla, and Black Rainbow.  Andong has been a favorite film of the Kutitap kids as early as 2015.  

Richard Vilar, an internationally well-known storyteller from Butuan City, shares his folktales in a performance art for the Kutitap kids, while Marichelle Santos of Bulacan will teach puni making or the art of leaf folding.  

The 2025 Kutitap poster features the artwork of Kublai Millan of Davao City, designed and laid out by Jeruz Alcazarin of General Santos City.  

All these and more are facilitated by Kutitap’s pool of exceptional facilitators and trainers led by community culture specialists and advocates from Mindanao and Visayas, namely Rosalie Zerrudo,  Lolito Pontillas,  Cecile Mambuay, Arlem Abanes, and Renefe Tremedal.

This year’s participants are children ages 6 to 13 years old from 11 cultural communities:  Mindanao: Blaan-Gen. Santos City,  Higaonon-Butuan City, Visayas:  Loboc-Bohol,  Tacloban-Leyte, Sigma-Capiz  Luzon: Binan-Laguna,  Anak Bale-Balyan Angeles City-Pampanga, NCR:  Bukas Palad-Pasay, Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig-Tondo, Marikina City. 

KUTITAP 2025 is supported by St. Louis University – Baguio City, Baguio Central School, Provincial Tourism Office, Baguio Country Club, and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

For more information on Kutitap & other cultural exchange programs, check out the CCP website, the CCP, and the CCP Cultural Exchange Department Facebook pages. Follow the CCP official accounts on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube for more updates on CCP programs. 

SM Prime Launches Manual for a Waste-Free Future

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The SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) campaign for a Waste-Free Future and its Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable, or RDC model aims to make segregation simple, easy, and actionable.

In the recent Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025), SM Prime launched the SM Waste Free Future Manual – a playbook that encourages individuals and communities to learn about RDC and building better segregation habits.

Small steps, big impact

In the Philippines, the country generates up to 61,000 tons of waste daily and an annual 2.7 million tons of plastic waste. A figure that will rise with urbanization and poor waste disposal practices.

Inspired by the SM Green Movement’s strong call to action to make sustainability part of everyday life, SM Waste Free Future invites everyone to become part of the solution.

The three categories, RDC, make sorting waste an empowering exercise by focusing on the word “able” meaning having the power, skill, or the opportunity “to do”. The manual’s easy, practical, and inspiring read hopes to encourage readers to do just that –championing segregation systems and proper waste disposal.

A limited number of copies have been printed in support of SM Prime’s sustainability efforts. A digital copy of the manual will be made available for download.

It also features innovative reuse programs of SM Prime’s business units that keep materials in circulation and out of landfills. When done at scale, each contribution can inspire others to follow, creating a ripple effect.

Learn, practice, champion

Done with great reflection during its incubation stages, SM Waste Free Future presented a rethink of waste segregation habits and systems built over time.

“We have to be open to new ways of doing things and of putting into action every little step that’s crucial for advancing waste management solutions,” said SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, during the 2024 World Environment Day program launch.

Today, the campaign is deeply encouraged by institutions and agencies that strongly advocate developmental goals.

In his message of support, Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), lauded the RDC bin labeling system. “Proper waste segregation is an entry point toward a circular economy – one that goes beyond waste management to design out waste, keep materials in circulation, and regenerate natural systems.”

All together now

Together, we are stronger than we realize. “This project is not specific to one organization, but one that belongs to an entire society. We welcome everyone to practice this in their everyday lives,” Sy said.

To solve a mounting problem requires all hands on deck. SM Prime firmly believes that together, we can create a sustainable, waste-free future.

“A waste-free future requires shared action from government, business, and communities. May this manual be a catalyst for deeper collaboration, innovation, and circular solutions that support national priorities and the global Sustainable Development Agenda – building systems across sectors that prevent waste, recover valuable resources, and protect our environment for generations to come,” said Dr. Ramachandran.

SM Supermalls and CSC Celebrate 125 Years of Philippine Civil Service with Job Fairs that Champion Public Service Careers

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“I am happy that they came up with a job fair for government agencies. Many still want to serve and work for our government,” said Ken Gonzaga, who applied for several positions during the Job Fair event held at SM North EDSA.

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), continues to champion employment opportunities for Filipinos as it rolls out a series of Job Fairs nationwide this September. 

The initiative forms part of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), which highlights the enduring legacy of public service every September. Job seekers will gain access to job opportunities in national government agencies, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges. These job fairs offer job seekers the unique opportunity to find their purpose in public service.

Opening the doors to public service | The Civil Service Commission (CSC) together with SM Supermalls officially opened the Civil Service Anniversary Job Fair at SM City North EDSA in celebration of CSC’s 125th year.

Partners in nation-building | Representatives from CSC and SM Supermalls join forces to bring government sector job opportunities closer to Filipinos. This reaffirms their commitment to empower Filipinos with sustainable careers during the CSC’s 125th Anniversary.

Beyond Employment: Building a Nation of Servants

These job fairs go beyond recruitment. They highlight the critical role of civil service in nation-building, inspiring Filipinos to pursue careers that directly impact communities and transform lives.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan emphasized the importance of the collaboration: “SM is honored to celebrate 125 years of Philippine Civil Service by opening our malls as venues where Filipinos can discover not just jobs, but meaningful careers in public service. By working hand-in-hand with CSC and our government partners, we continue to support an empowered citizenry and sustainable nation-building.”

A Legacy of Service, A Future of Opportunities

The Civil Service Anniversary Job Fairs reaffirmed SM Supermalls’ role as a trusted partner of the government—helping agencies source their talents, empowering jobseekers to find stable and impactful careers, and bringing essential services closer to communities.

For many participants, these job fairs also meant finding purpose in serving the nation. Joanne Moriel, a fresh graduate has her eye on government employment: “Especially with what’s happening now in the country, I want to be part of the public sector to be able to help make a difference.”

As part of the exclusive celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, SM Supermalls mounted a series of job fairs nationwide in partnership with the Civil Service Commission. These were held on September 3 at SM City Tuguegarao, September 3–4 at SM CDO Downtown Premier and SM City Butuan, September 4 at SM City North EDSA, September 4–5 at SM City Iloilo, and September 5 at SM City Legazpi. The celebration continues with the final leg happening on September 9 at SM City Baguio.

“Our partnership with SM Supermalls make it easier for Filipinos to explore careers in public service—opportunities that go beyond personal growth and contribute to the progress of our communities and the nation, the place is well-organized, convenient and very accessible for jobseekers” said Mary Grace Dugay, Director III, Civil Service Commission.

Public service careers within reach | Applicants are briefed about available government positions, highlighting the role of public service in building stronger communities.

Through its #SMJobFair campaign, SM Supermalls remains committed to making opportunities in both the private and public sector accessible, convenient, and inclusive—transforming malls into gateways where ordinary Filipinos can build extraordinary futures.

SM Prime reinforces the SM Green Movement: Simple Acts, shared & lasting impact for a greener tomorrow

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As environmental challenges continue to grow, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. believes that the journey to a better future is built on the mindful choices we make each day and the stronger communities we form when we act together.

This is the heart of the SM Green Movement, SM Prime’s sustainability initiative and call to action for communities across the country. Born during the height of the pandemic, the Green Movement began with personal stories—employees choosing to reduce waste, conserve water, and use energy responsibly, even while under lockdown. These simple acts planted the seeds for something bigger: a movement that brings together the company, communities, and the country in pursuit of shared prosperity and a more climate-resilient future.

Focusing on waste, water, and energy, the SM Green Movement translates ambitious sustainability goals into everyday practices. 

It inspires suppliers, partner-tenants, residents, guests, and mallgoers alike to play their part in shaping greener, more livable cities. Each initiative is anchored on SM Prime’s mission: to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, advance water stewardship, and work towards a waste-free future.

“The SM Green Movement is our way of showing care—care for our planet, and care for the people who live in it,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin. “We’re not just building malls, homes, or offices—we’re building opportunities for everyone to be part of the solution. And the best part is, it starts with what we do every day.”

With a 3.785-Megawatt peak (MWp) solar power capacity, the SM City Fairview solar photovoltaic (PV) system has 6,882 solar modules over a total area of 4.3 hectares, currently making it the largest rooftop solar PV system on a commercial building in the country.

Collaboration That Drives Real Change

At the core of the Green Movement is a belief in the power of partnership. Lasting change is not a solo endeavor—it thrives through collaboration. 

SM Prime continues to work hand-in-hand with local government units, NGOs, schools, community groups, and individuals to co-create solutions that meet both environmental needs and everyday realities.

“Our strength as a company comes from our ability to mobilize people around a common cause,” said San Agustin. “The SM Green Movement is all about collective impact. Every bottle recycled, every drop of water saved, every watt conserved adds up.”

A Movement for Generations to Come

Today, the SM Green Movement is a growing platform for advocacy and action. With every new story, every new supporter, and every green step taken, SM Prime is helping to reframe sustainability as something within reach of every Filipino.

At the Mall of Asia Complex, water trucks carrying 100% recycled water help keep the property’s greenery thriving while promoting responsible water use.

Bin it right! SM Cares promotes proper waste segregation with clearly marked bins for recyclables, disposables, and compostables—helping communities take part in building a waste-free

Community at Work: SM Cares Joins Brigada Eskwela 2025

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In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela initiative, SM Supermalls mobilized thousands of volunteers across its malls nationwide from June 9 to 13, 2025, to help prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carried the theme, “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.”

Driven by the spirit of bayanihan, SM employee volunteers join Brigada Eskwela to help public schools prepare for the new academic year—fostering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces where students and communities can thrive.
SM employees in action—offering their hands and hearts to help schools gear up for another inspiring year of learning.SM North EDSA volunteers sweep hallways for Brigada Eskwela—helping create clean, focused spaces where students can learn and grow.

As a long-time DepEd partner, SM Supermalls once again participated in Brigada Eskwela 2025 as part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community building. 

The initiative was rolled out across 75 SM Supermalls, with more than a thousand employee-volunteers working hand-in-hand with DepEd, local government units (LGUs), school representatives, and community members. It empowered community volunteers to make a tangible impact by helping schools prepare safe, clean, and inspiring learning environments.

“We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and through volunteerism and shared responsibility, we aim to help create safe and welcoming learning spaces for students all across the country,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.


An employee volunteer from SM Center Pasig organizes learning materials as part of Brigada Eskwela efforts to support public school readiness.
With every wipe and every gesture of care, SM City Novaliches volunteers bring classrooms closer to a brighter, cleaner start.

Demonstrating hands-on commitment, an employee volunteer from SM City Baliwag carefully stacks hollow blocks—contributing to stronger school infrastructure.
Embodying the spirit of bayanihan, SM City Sorsogon employee volunteers paint school chairs with dedication—bringing new life to classrooms through Brigada Eskwela.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Ormoc paint classrooms as part of Brigada Eskwela, helping create more inspiring learning spaces where students can thrive.
An SM City Mindpro volunteer helps clean the school grounds during Brigada Eskwela—making way for brighter days and better learning.

SM employee-volunteers engaged in a wide range of preparatory activities, including classroom cleaning and disinfection, repainting of walls and learning spaces, repairs of desks and chairs, and the turnover of essential learning materials. Through shared efforts, this annual initiative not only enhanced school facilities but also strengthened community ties and encouraged a culture of unity, pride, and collective responsibility for education. 

The program benefited 66 public schools across the country, helping ensure that thousands of Filipino learners return to a clean, safe, and functional learning environment when classes resume.

By supporting Brigada Eskwela 2025, SM Supermalls reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting its dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development in every community it serves.

This initiative also forms part of SM’s broader advocacy under SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, which champions programs for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, the Environment, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth and Bike-Friendly initiatives.

For more updates on SM’s social good initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media. 

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SM Prime: Creating infrastructure for plastic-free communities

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According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the global production of plastics is forecasted to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050, with severe environmental, social, economic, and human health consequences. 

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) remains committed to creating thriving, sustainable cities. 

With a waste-free future as part of its environmental strategy, SM Prime encourages the observation of International Plastic-free Day on May 25 and its call to rethink single-use plastics (SUP) for one day. Moreover, SM Prime celebrates the group-wide strides made to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.

The Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable-labeled bins support SM’s waste-free future initiative and align with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.

A group-wide movement for the EPR Law

The SM group, working with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is pursuing a group-wide strategy to comply with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s EPR Act of 2022.

Formally known as Republic Act 11898, the EPR law requires companies to take responsibility for the recovery of their plastic packaging products and to pursue waste management programs.

Acknowledging the challenges and realities for businesses and on-ground operations through its EPR working group committee, the SM group commits to a plan of action in reducing and recovering its plastic footprint within the given five-year period, sharing alternatives and new technologies to respond to the growing global crises, and establishing partnerships with government agencies and other private institutions.

As the property arm of the SM group, SM Prime’s commitment to a waste-free future aims to create the needed infrastructure that will help support and maintain plastic waste management strategies. 

Crucial to waste recovery efforts, SM Prime equips its properties with a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and standardized waste segregation and management practices to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. A joint venture with a Japanese environmental solutions company, the SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI), converts non-recyclable waste into cement fuel or “fluff fuel” for eco-conscious cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement, as part of its “co-processing” practice.

SM GUUN converts disposable waste into fluff fuel, which helps unload overfilled and over-capacity landfills.

Beyond compliance 

SM Prime continues with its established programs such as the nationwide Trash to Cash recycling market. Since 2007, it has been one of SM Supermalls’ flagship programs that continues to be more relevant given the times.

Available in all 87 SM malls, the Trash to Cash program has since been recognized as a rewarding community-driven practice for surrounding residents and mall tenants.

Activating the SM malls to help their communities with sorted plastic waste, Trash to Cash incentivizes the exchange of recyclables to provide a venue for plastic recovery. Fifteen SM Plastic Waste Collection sites likewise serve as drop-off points for clean, empty, and dry plastics. In addition, the Solid Waste Action Program (SWAP) reverse vending machines at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia enable the diversion of aluminum cans and polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PET), which are considered high-value plastic products.

The annual International Coastal Clean-up (ICC), supported by SM Cares, continues to empower volunteers to take part in this global effort for a record-breaking initiative. In 2024 alone, SM Cares helped mobilize 23,000 employees, students, and various communities that joined nationwide volunteer efforts to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways.

Volunteers participate in the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) for a shared cause, with sign-ups increasing each year.

Hamilo Coast, known for its Marine Protected Areas and its commitment to living in harmony with nature, together with employees, guests, and residents, recovers plastic waste during beach clean-ups.

Aiming for a waste-free future 

Reduction is always the best option. The SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has long since eliminated SUPs from all properties in support of the UNEP’s campaign to phase them out. Pico Sands Hotel was also one of the first hotels to sign with the World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) in their Ayoko Na Sa Plastic Campaign in 2018.  

SMHCC has successfully replaced all single-use amenities, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shampoo and shower gel bottles, and PET water bottles in all its hotel rooms.  Since 2019, as part of the SMX Convention Centers’ guidelines to promote sustainable events management practices, bamboo or starch-based environmentally friendly alternatives to replace plastic cutlery are encouraged to minimize waste generation.

Working collectively as a group to reduce the effects of the plastic waste crises creates a bigger impact at a greater scale. Through enhanced waste management systems, effective waste segregation practices, and proactive community effort, SM Prime aims to successfully divert a greater proportion of plastic waste away from landfills. 

“Our work is never done. There are new technologies, innovative solutions, and more avenues for collaboration to look forward to in making the EPR Act work for our communities,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “But we all have a role to play–it is every individual’s responsibility to create a waste-free future.”

 Waves of Change: Thousands Join SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup

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In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025

A group of people in blue t-shirts AI-generated content may be incorrect.
Thousands of volunteers gather at SM by the BAY in Manila for SM Cares’ flagship coastal cleanup drive for World Oceans Day 2025, showing a united front in the fight against marine pollution.

In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, over 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life united on June 7 for a massive nationwide coastal cleanup led by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines—proving that when a community comes together, real impact happens.

This year’s theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” resonated deeply as volunteers took to coastlines in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, armed with gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life.

Beyond fostering community collaboration and promoting environmental responsibility, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup initiative played a vital role in cultivating healthier environment, enhancing the overall quality of life for local residents, and contributing to the long-term preservation of marine ecosystems. 

A group of people wearing face masks and gloves AI-generated content may be incorrect.
Volunteers from SM City Manila assemble at the coastal cleanup site to remove marine waste and protect vital waterways in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.		A group of people in uniform AI-generated content may be incorrect.
Stepping up for a cleaner tomorrow, volunteers from SM City San Lazaro join the coastal cleanup drive—picking up trash and protecting our shores, one piece at a time.
A group of people cleaning up trash AI-generated content may be incorrect.
Showing the power of teamwork, volunteers from SM City Batangas and SM City Lipa come together to make waves of change for World Oceans Day 2025.		With gloves on and bags in hand, volunteers at SM City Lucena take part in SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup drive, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Dagupan take action for the environment during the coastal cleanup drive, shoveling sand and debris to help restore the shoreline.		SM City Iloilo volunteers join hands with the local community of Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo in a coastal cleanup drive, working together to preserve the shoreline and promote environmental sustainability.

SM City Davao volunteers are out on the shore, turning dedication into action as they clean up the coast and care for the planet.		A group of people posing for a photo AI-generated content may be incorrect.
Beaming with pride, volunteers at SM City CDO Uptown and Downtown hold up the coastal cleanup banner, standing united as ocean defenders in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it’s our turn to give back,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment. “This coastal cleanup isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a symbol of our shared duty to preserve biodiversity and inspire action for a sustainable future, while bringing lasting positive impacts to the community by advancing healthier coastal spaces, and uniting people through shared environmental action.”

A National Movement for the Seas

From students and teachers to LGUs, NGO partners, employees, and security and janitorial teams, the cleanup drew a diverse wave of ocean defenders. SM Cares worked closely with local government units, environmental organizations, youth groups, and coastal barangays to stage cleanups across several major sites nationwide.

These collaborations not only ensured the success of the initiative but also highlighted the power of inclusive, community-driven action. Volunteers gathered to remove tons of waste from shorelines, raise awareness about marine conservation, and inspire long-term behavioral change toward environmental care.


Students, teachers, and partner organizations join forces with SM Cares during the Coastal Cleanup drive—demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.		Demonstrating sustained commitment to protecting the environment, SM employee volunteers return to SM by the Bay to help protect the shoreline.

Building an #SMWasteFreeFuture

The June 7 cleanup is part of SM Cares’ broader sustainability vision through its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, which also includes weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY. 

This May 2025, SM employee-led cleanups have mobilized a total of 279 volunteers, collecting over 4,493 kilograms of waste—highlighting their firm commitment to keeping our coasts clean on a weekly basis. These sustained efforts contributed to creating a safer, more enjoyable coastal spaces for customers, while encouraging a stronger culture of environmental volunteerism.

SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup also supports and aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 14: Life Below Water, by directly reducing marine pollution and protecting ocean ecosystems. It also contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action, by raising environmental awareness and promoting community-led climate resilience, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through its collaboration with LGUs, NGOs, schools, and communities.

With two more major cleanups planned for the year, SM Cares remains determined in its mission to inspire Filipinos to take action—one shoreline at a time. For more stories and updates on how you can be part of the movement, visit http://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media. 

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SM Prime’s Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience 

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A group of people sitting in chairs AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions.

Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR

“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.”

A group of people sitting at a table AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025.

He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks. 

Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships.

Embedding resilience into core business strategy

In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime’s approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster.

“Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be,” he said. “We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt.”

SM Mall of Asia Complex: A benchmark in resilience and innovation | Philippines Graphic

The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding.

Call to scale resilience investment

To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. “From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,” he noted.

His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.

“Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,” he concluded.

SM Supermalls supports first-ever TESDA jobs and skills matching fair

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Your IT-BPO career starts at SM Center Muntinlupa.

In collaboration with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Muntinlupa, the Muntinlupa Local Government Unit (LGU), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), SM Center Muntinlupa will host the pilot run of the Jobs and Skills Matching Fair on June 19, 2025. This one-day event offers jobseekers—particularly those interested in the IT- Business Process Management (BPM) industry—a streamlined path from employment screening to skills training and re-employment.

A job seeker reviews a list of job vacancies while a uniformed professional helps them with information at the SM Job Fair.

The fair begins with an on-site job matching session, where walk-in and registered applicants can undergo interviews with participating companies. Qualified candidates may be hired on the spot, while “near-hires” will be referred to the Skills Hub for personalized consultations facilitated by DTI-PTTC.

Applicants can meet future employers at the first-ever Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in SM Center Muntinlupa on June 19.

At the Skills Hub, jobseekers will undergo a one-on-one evaluation using the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF). This identifies any skills gaps and recommends tailored training programs and career pathways. TESDA will then match these near-hires with accredited training institutions and available scholarship opportunities.

After completing their upskilling journey, participants will be reconnected with partner employers—ensuring a full-circle career pipeline from application to employment readiness.

While this launch is a low-key pilot, it signifies a major step forward in creating more responsive, skills-based employment solutions. 

The Jobs and Skills Matching Fair represents a next-gen approach to job fairs—one that goes beyond resumes and job vacancies to focus on real-time skills-building and industry needs.

SM Job Fairs open real employment opportunities, with jobseekers like this landing roles on the spot.

Join the movement. Start something life-changing.

This isn’t just another job fair—it’s a one-stop opportunity hub. Aside from hundreds of job openings and on-the-spot hiring, attendees can access skills training, career guidance, and essential government services such as the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—all in one convenient, accessible, and air-conditioned SM mall.

From interview to hired—SM Supermalls empowers jobseekers to land their dream roles.

So, update that resume, bring extra copies, dress to impress, and show up as your most professional self. Your next big opportunity starts here.

For full schedules and updates, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook or visit www.smsupermalls.com.

About SM Job Fairs

SM Supermalls, in partnership with key government agencies and the private sector, regularly holds nationwide job fair events to support employment, empower communities, and contribute to nation-building. These fairs provide inclusive, accessible platforms connecting Filipino jobseekers to thousands of career opportunities and essential services.