Showing posts with label SM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SM. Show all posts

Sunday, November 5, 2023

CHILD Haus celebrates 21 years, Tears from Heaven

11:28:00 AM


The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall hosted the 21st-anniversary party of CHILD Haus, a special place created by 'Mader' Ricky Reyes to give hope to kids with cancer. Over the years, the Sy family has been a big supporter of this place. In the beginning, it was Henry 'Tatang' Sy, Sr., and in recent years, Hans Sy, the Chairman of the Executive Committee at SM Prime Holdings Inc., has carried on the tradition started by his father.


CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries.

 
At the forefront of the event were Mr. Sy and 'Mader' Ricky, and they invited several people and businesses who have supported CHILD Haus over the years. Many kids who have found a home at CHILD Haus were also there. The media covered the event, acknowledging the significant impact places like CHILD Haus have on children and their parents, often being their much-needed support.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes

 
SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy

During the event, they showcased three stories from CHILD Haus, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa in video clips. These videos were all about spreading hope and showing the life-saving efforts of the organization. Even the most experienced photographers in the press couldn't hold back tears, and it was truly amazing to see their emotional reactions. This shows just how deeply these stories touched everyone in the audience.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and three inspiring CHILD Haus children, Aya, Laura, and Jessa.


After ‘Mader’ Ricky's heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the organization's life-saving work possible.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy award plaques of appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose contributions have enabled the organization's life-saving mission.

Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations - one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.

A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a reality.

Singer Karylle leads the CHILD Haus children in an uplifting song.

 

In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.

To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

SM Supermalls' Guard Gilren Bajado Recognized for Exemplary Action

11:06:00 AM


Gilren Bajado, lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Almus J. Alabe and Regional CRS Manager Harold James E. Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony.



LG Bajado's outstanding accomplishment stems from her remarkable act of honesty and integrity on August 3, 2023, at SM Cinema, SM City Marikina. During her clearing duties, she discovered a lost black pouch containing 64,800 pesos, along with ATM cards and assorted ID cards belonging to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old staff member of Palarong Pambansa.

L-R: SM City Marikina Customer Relations Services Manager Mr. Edward S. Masangcay, Regional CRS Manager Mr. Harold E. Herrera, Lady Guard Gilren Bajado of RJC Security, PNP Chief Bejamin Acorda Jr., SM Supermalls Senior Asst VP for CRS Mr. Almus J. Alabe, RJC HR Manager Mr. Wilmark Reyes

 

Without hesitation, she reported this to the CRS office, ensuring the safe return of the lost valuables to their rightful owner. Her integrity, honesty, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and admiration from her peers and superiors.

 


SM Supermalls and RJC Security Solutions take immense pride in her achievement, as it reflects the company's core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Her commitment to her duties, her sense of responsibility, and her exemplary character have brought honor not only to herself but also to RJC Security Solutions as a leading provider of comprehensive security services.

 


The recognition of LG Gilren Bajado as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year strengthens SM Supermalls’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. The company consistently strives to provide security solutions while ensuring that its employees embody the highest ethical standards.


SM Supermalls extends its warmest congratulations to LG Gilren Bajado for her outstanding achievement and for being a shining example of integrity and professionalism. Her actions serve as an inspiration to all and remind us of the impact that a single individual can have on building a safer and more trustworthy society.

UST's Manila Campus Adds Henry Sy, Sr. Hall

10:35:00 AM



The University of Santo Tomas (UST) celebrated the completion of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall on October 7, 2023. This ceremony is a construction tradition that marks the moment when the last beam is placed atop the building.


The artist’s rendition of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, which will rise near Gate 10 (Dapitan St.)

 

The seven-story building stands as a tribute from the Sy family, the SM Group, and UST to honor the lifelong commitment of SM's founder to education. It also reflects the University's ongoing dedication, alongside the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI), and the 152-year-old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS), to advance in the field of medicine.

 Heads of the UST and HSFI, led by Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang,O.P. FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao, and Debbie Sy, at the topping off ceremony last October 7, 2023

 

The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will serve as a hub for simulation in medical education, interactive student centered-learning, collaborative multidisciplinary research, and interprofessional education. It will house the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center.


“The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will be a state-of-the-art structure designed to meet the challenges and expectations of a digitally-inclined medical education landscape. It will house technologically advanced facilities and equipment, which will complement the existing teaching, learning, and research practices of the University. It is yet another milestone, securing the UST FMS a relevant spot, a significant spot in Catholic medical education in the country, the region, and the world.” FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao said about the Henry Sy. Sr. Hall.

“Medical students can access a broad range of digital tools and resources to enhance their learning and education as we were compelled to shift to e-learning and online course platforms,” UST Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., said.

 (from left) SM Foundation (SMFI) SAVP for Education Eleanor Lansang, SM Investments VP for Securities Judith Balderrama, Henry Sy Foundation (HSF) treasurer Virginia Yap, SMFI Executive Director and HSF Trustee Debbie Sy, HSF Executive Director Dr. Lydia Echauz, SMFI and HSF Trustee Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal are welcomed by Dr. Joreen Rocamora, Director of the UST Office of Public Affairs.

  

“Nowadays, keeping up with the advances in medical education is paramount to ensure that our students are competent, agile, and well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing educational landscape of modern medicine, and this building, this edifice, will give us state-of-the-art equipment, which will give our medical students a cutting-edge knowledge on how to use robotics as well as other equipment,” Fr. Ang added.

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall is on track to be completed by June 2024.

SM Prime & WWF-Philippines Unite for Future Sustainability Champs

10:16:00 AM


In a joint effort to prepare young student leaders for the vital task of safeguarding the environment in the future, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) have unveiled the "YOUth are the Future" leadership program. This initiative focuses on educating and empowering the youth about environmental conservation, climate change, and sustainability concerns.

 

“There is no better time than now to educate the youth. As stewards of the planet, it is important that they have an opportunity to learn about environmental conservation, encourage them tovoice out their fresh ideas, and share new perspectives,” said WWF-Philippines Education for Sustainable Development Project Head Dino Calderon.


 

“When we provide our young student leaders with learning opportunities and expose them to practical solutions, we have a chance to help them design a sustainable future. We are committed to make sure that things change for the better,” says Hans “Chico” Sy, President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion.

 


Starting with a grand event on October 10, 2023, student ambassadors from different high schools in Metro Manila embarked on a guided tour of the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The tour highlighted SM Prime's sustainability initiatives and disaster preparedness practices. The official introduction of the "YOUth are the Future" Ambassadors took place at the SMX Convention Center, accompanied by a pinning ceremony. This significant gathering saw the participation of leaders and delegates from SM Prime, WWF-Philippines, government bodies, and foreign dignitaries.

 


In a message she delivered during the event, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said, “Our journey is really about the race to resilience, as our climate changes, society is changing. Sustainability is our pathway to survival as a planet and that is what resilience is really about, the ability to withstand the impacts of the hazards that we know and those that we could face in the future.”

The youth ambassadors will participate in a three-day eco-camp at the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club in November, where they will learn about waste and energy management, resource optimization, and climate mitigation and adaptation strategies from some of the country’s experts.

 


Renowned for its role in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle conservation, the 3-day eco camp in Hamilo Coast also serves as an immersive natural classroom in environmental conservation. The expected output from the eco-camp is a Green Manifesto that outlines their plans to effect change and a storybook module co-authored by all the participants. The program will culminate through a series of mall and school tours throughout Metro Manila to boost youth engagement and student ambassador recruitment.

In a message sent by her excellency Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, she said, “This visionary program embodies the transformative power of education and empowerment in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future. Taking advantage of this program will give you all a head start on becoming influential figures in creating a more sustainable and ecologically aware culture”.

 


Together with its partners, WWF-Philippines hopes to empower young Filipinos further to become the next generation of sustainability champions. Programs like YOUth are the Future, can help future generations become proactive leaders who can #ChangeTheEnding for the planet.

SM Foundation's 2nd Rainwater Harvesting System Expands Sustainability

9:55:00 AM


Rainwater harvesting means collecting and saving rainwater for later. It's a good way to save water and not depend too much on regular water sources. Many old civilizations used it, and today, smart groups use it for eco-friendly water management.

SM Foundation, Inc., a part of the SM group focused on doing good for the community, has started using rainwater harvesting in two health centers they fixed up. They did this in Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility.

Health workers in San Fernando, Cebu Primary Healthcare Facility water the locally sourced plants using the water from the rainwater harvesting system


SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment.

Ready in times of emergency

Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.” 

SMFI Health and Medical Programs senior project manager Albert Uy runs through how the system functions.


SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.

To guide users for safe recycled water use, all faucets connected to the facility have visible labels. Alongside this innovation, SMFI also used air-cleaning paints, LED lighting fixtures and appliances, and locally sourced plants to create a clean and comfortable environment for patients and health workers.

These green innovations exemplify the SM group’s commitment to the environment and community health within the broader context of the SM Green Movement. With the social good impact of the two rainwater harvesting systems, SMFI targets to replicate this initiative in other health centers in its pipeline, further improving water security in the face of challenges. 

Health workers use the rainwater harvesting system for their outdoor cleaning needs

Saturday, September 30, 2023

SM Scholars Aim to Spread the Gift of Education

5:36:00 PM




"I desire to become an educator not just to fulfill a dream but also to be a blessing to the next generation."

The following words of inspiration are attributed to Princess Eunice Motel, an 18-year-old recipient of an SM scholarship, presently engaged in her educational pursuits at the Philippine Normal University. Princess Eunice Motel, who hails from a family of modest means, is one of two offspring born to Hildajane, who works as a part-time factory repackager, and Richard, who is employed as a set technician from Caloocan City.

New SM scholars recently joined the contract signing event in Pasay.



Princess' dream of becoming a teacher has been a lifelong aspiration, deeply rooted in her heart and mind since her childhood. This calling became even more pronounced when she embraced her Christian faith.

 
"My unwavering commitment to becoming a teacher is directly inspired by the Kidz Life Ministry, a cherished initiative of our church dedicated to teaching children about God's word. I aspire to be a vessel for sharing knowledge, instilling hope, and nurturing a brighter future for the next generation," she said.

SM Scholar and aspiring educator Princess Eunice Motel
 

To pursue her dreams, Princess has chosen to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education at the Philippine Normal University, her dream institution. "PNU is renowned for its ability to nurture exceptional teachers," she remarked. "As I aspire to become an educator, I also strive for greatness and excellence, and there's no better place to achieve that than at PNU."

Following in her mother's footsteps, Jhona Bolinas is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with English as her major. Born in Baliuag, Bulacan, she passed entrance exams at other universities but opted to enroll at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela due to its proximity to her family.

Despite considering other career paths, Jhona opted education, drawing inspiration from her mother, who is also an educator. "Watching, observing, and listening to her, I learned the basics," she shared. Driven by her love for reading and writing, she also chose to specialize in English.


 

SM scholar Krissa May Oquindo (right) aspires to be a teacher for her family and community.


When asked if she plans to work abroad after graduation, Jhona keeps her options open, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "But right now, I want to ensure that my mother enjoys a good life before making such a significant decision," she explained.

Another aspiring educator is Krissa May Oquindo. Her father, a cable technician, is the family's sole breadwinner while her mother dedicates her time to caring for the family. Krissa completed her senior high school education at the Universidad de Manila. She applied to four State universities and ultimately chose to enroll at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), known for producing graduates highly sought after by employers, as per a recent survey.

SM scholar Krissa May Oquindo (right) aspires to be a teacher for her family and community. When asked about her motivation to become a teacher, Krissa responded, "Being an educator has always been my passion. From the moment I set foot on a school campus, the idea of standing in front of students and sharing knowledge excites me." She has selected Science as her major to deepen her understanding of the subject and to enlighten others about it.

Krissa has no plans to teach abroad. She believes that while there is demand for teachers overseas, the same holds true in the Philippines: "My passion for teaching is rooted in caring for the next generation, especially for the youth of our country." Through the years, the SM college scholarship program has empowered 3,791 graduates who have enrolled in over 120 partner colleges and universities across the nation. These scholars enjoy full tuition benefits, monthly allowances, part-time work opportunities during semestral and Christmas breaks, job offers from the SM Group upon graduation, and engaging activities and enrichment programs.

Additionally, SM's tech-voc scholarship program has produced 4,669 graduates, further contributing to the development of skilled professionals in various fields.

SM Group awards its 104th school building

5:13:00 PM

 


In time for the school year opening, SM Prime through SM Foundation turned over a fully furnished two-storey building to the President Manuel Roxas Memorial Integrated School-South in Roxas City, Western Visayas.

SM scholars from Roxas City volunteer to clean the new school building ahead of its turnover.


The 104th educational facility resulting from this joint effort adheres to the standards mandated by the Department of Education (DepEd). It comprises four classrooms, each equipped with desks and chairs tailored to accommodate left-handed students. Moreover, the facility includes dedicated restroom facilities for each classroom, with an additional accessible restroom for individuals with disabilities situated on the ground floor. It also includes concave blackboards, electric fans, and LED lighting. Emergency lights were installed in the stairways for emergency-preparedness.



Supporting DepEd’s commitment to ensure that learners have access to water for hygiene and sanitation, SM Foundation installed a handwashing facility along with liquid soap for the community’s use.

To further assist, the SM group will help with the maintenance and upkeep of the said school. 


SMFI School Building head, Juris Soliman (center) leads the preparation if the school building turnover.


Social Good


It was earlier announced by DepEd that roughly 21 million students enrolled this school year 2023-2024.

Amidst this, the agency reported that only over 100,000 out of the more than 300,000 school buildings are in good condition.



  

Believing in the power of education in uplifting communities, SM Foundation has been an active member of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School Program since 2002, turning over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities nationwide. The said program intends to address overcrowding in schools and provide an environment conducive for learning.

Friday, August 25, 2023

SCPW, UAPSA join hands with SM Prime in promoting wetland conservation

11:56:00 PM


 On the occasion of the 2023 International Day for Biological Diversity, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) participated in conjunction with the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW), in presenting the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium. The event took place on May 29th, within the premises of the MAAX Building situated in the Mall of Asia Complex.

SCPW president Arch. Celestino Ulep leads a discussion on nature-based architecture during the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium. Photo from SCPW
 

Bannering the theme "Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture," the hybrid symposium featured presentations centered on fostering knowledge and awareness about wetland conservation and innovative design approaches.
 


SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep leads the opening of the Wetland Center Design Symposium

SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep opened the symposium by sharing his optimism on how collaboration and embracing nature-based architecture can pave the way towards creating a future where wetlands thrive and biodiversity flourishes.

Notable experts in the field also graced the event, sharing their insights and experiences including Chris Rostron, the global manager of Wetland Link International, and Alex Hughes of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London, UK. The guest speakers kicked off the discussion by sharing about the pivotal role of Wetland Centers as a tool for Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in wetland conservation efforts.

Arch. Ulep, meanwhile, engaged the audience by introducing the concept of nature-based architecture, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sustainability and harmony in design by creating structures that seamlessly integrate with the natural environment.

Meanwhile, Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW Special Projects Officer, made a detailed visual presentation on the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) Design Team's experience. He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of designing a wetland park, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and architects.

Esteemed partners, including Ms. Rida Reyes Castillo of SM Prime, Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Mr. Laudemir Salac of DENR-Region 3, and Arch. Gleo Raymundo of UAPSA graced the event to show their full support for this endeavor.

"It is an honor and privilege on the part of SM to partner with the SCPW and UAPSA in realizing its common goal of protecting ecosystems, particularly wetlands, by inspiring the youth to engage and take action on the socio-civic and economic issues in their communities by finding workable solutions towards building a sustainable future," SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo said.
 


SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo

Castillo further emphasized that environmental protection and nature conservation are integral pillars of SM Prime's sustainability campaign and that they believe in the power of cultivating the younger generation’s devotion to building a sustainable future.

The symposium concluded with a comprehensive discussion on the rules and guidelines of the design competition, followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among participants. The symposium also marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, which aims to create a platform for talented students in the field of construction and design to showcase their skills and ingenuity and encourages them to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions.


DENR and SM Prime Urge Cities to Innovate and Invest in Water-Saving Techs for Water Crisis Prevention

10:38:00 PM




The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in conjunction with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a prominent real estate developer in Southeast Asia, has urged local public officials to abstain from the extraction of groundwater. Instead, they are advocating for a shift towards rainwater collection methods, promoting recycling and impoundment. Furthermore, officials are being encouraged to delve into innovative technologies like modular desalination and modular sewage treatment facilities. These measures aim to effectively address the impact of climate change on the nation's water resources.


During the recent "Towards a Greener Footprint" multi-stakeholder symposium held in Iloilo City, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga presented a series of solution-oriented directives aimed at aiding the local government in curbing their carbon footprint. Notably, Yulo-Loyzaga underscored the significance of water preservation as a pivotal measure to tackle the impending water scarcity while concurrently enhancing the populace's availability to secure water sources and sanitation facilities.

At the multi-stakeholder forum, "Towards a Greener Footprint", in Iloilo City recently, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga shared solutions-focused guidelines to help the local government reduce carbon footprint, with emphasis on water conservation to address the looming water crisis and increase access to safe water and sanitation. From left to right: Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, journalist Ces Drilon, Secretary Loyzaga, urban planning and landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) co-chair Michaela Rossette Santo-Tayag and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio. Photo credits to Arnold ALmacen/Iloilo city Office of the Mayor
 

“We need to invest in the appropriate engineering and infrastructure to deliver water from the source,” Secretary Loyzaga said. “We must avoid, if not reduce drastically, the extraction of groundwater which in low-lying coastal areas causes subsidence and increases flooding.”

“Rainwater catchments will not only provide additional supply for household use but will also help ensure the availability of surface water through the maintenance of watershed cover when impounded,” Secretary Loyzaga said.

Based on the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority, water abstracted for own use increased from 215.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2020 to 217.8 bcm in 2021 countrywide. From 2010 to 2021, the largest amount of self-abstracted water is for the power sector (58.7%). This was followed by agriculture (33.5%); mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and construction (5.3%); and services sector and households (2.6%).




Earlier this month, the DENR said the country still has enough water supply, but proper management is needed to prevent a possible water crisis by the end of the year.

The call was met with a resounding response from the private sector, particularly, SM Prime. In the same forum, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza B. Silerio shared how SM Prime has stepped up the sustainability programs that it has been doing since SM Supermalls started recycling water in the 1990s.

From rainwater catchment to help deter flooding in communities where its malls are located, SM Prime also pioneered the mall-based rainwater filtration system that converts the collected rainwater to be potable enough for washing, cleaning and even drinking. Launched at SM City Baguio, the facility will supply mall tenants with enough potable water to help reduce sourcing from the communities’ water table.

“As an integrated property developer, we have seen the first-hand effects of natural hazards that are caused by the change in weather patterns in the Philippines,” Engr. Silerio explained. “El Nino and La Nina are two phenomena resulting from climate change. Our country ranks number one in the World Risk Index 2022 report as the most vulnerable among 193 nations.”

Faced with this challenge, Engr. Silerio shared that SM Prime will continue to find innovative ways to address the climate challenges. “We continue to evolve and adapt technology to improve our resource consumption as part of our climate action,” she concluded.

Saturday, August 5, 2023

SM City Masinag 3-Day Sale Starts on August 18

8:36:00 AM


Rainy days aren’t that gloomy after all as SM City Masinag holds its second 3-Day Sale for 2023 on August 18–20, plus an extra day on August 21!

The best discounted deals are up for grabs at up to 70% off. Shoppers can get a chance to win a Suzuki Avenis motorcycle by joining an electronic raffle with a minimum single or accumulated receipt of P1,000 per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 171700, Series of 2023

 

SM Store offers up to 50% discount on selected items plus an additional 10% to Prestige Card holders on Friday, August 18, and to SM Advantage Card holders on Saturday and Sunday, August 19–20, from 3–7 PM only, per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 170249, Series of 2023

For more details and on-sale items, check out SM City Masinag on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Monday, July 31, 2023

A Founder’s Dream: Urban Farming and the SM Foundation

11:58:00 AM

 


Based on a vision put forward by founder Henry Sy, Sr., and a program that began in earnest in 2007; SM Foundation mounted simultaneous Urban Farming initiatives last July 7, at the SM City North Edsa Annex and 16 other SM malls. It was a wonderful way to highlight its progress over the years and to celebrate the vision with the strategic government agencies and LGUs that have been such valuable partners over the 16 years.




SM City North Edsa

This Urban Farming initiative is led by the SM Foundation through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP). It’s about uplifting the farmer community, fostering environmental consciousness, food security, and creating livelihood and income opportunities for marginalized urban communities. Through the KSK-SAP, a comprehensive program of urban farming techniques, product development, marketing, and basic accounting are offered in strategically-located field schools.


SM City Roxas

The KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have taken place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality vegetables and fruits. 


SM City Clark

Partnering with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following government agencies; the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government. Each government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability of the program, and so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring its success.

As an example, the SM Foundation has brought SM Supermalls and SM Markets into the picture so that as these urban farmers successfully harvest, they’re given an opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now being held in several malls across the nation. When the produce reaches a volume that goes beyond this Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer other alternatives.


SM City Naga

It’s about creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is realized. After all, it can’t be about teaching them what and how to farm and then leaving them with no outlet with which to monetize this harvest. The SM Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income opportunities become part of the overall scenario.


SM City Cabanatuan

Who would have thought that this vision of Henry Sy, Sr., back in 2007, would have been so uncanny in predicting the mounting problems and issues we face today in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development? It’s a vision and dream that those in the SM Foundation are very proud to carry on, and deliver.

SM is in the business of creating a sustainable environment. From being the first to consider renewable energy in mall buildings, to implementing energy-saving devices, we continue to meet significant sustainability milestones. 

Join us as we commit to a more sustainable lifestyle at smgreenmovement.com and #SMGreenMovement.


SM City Cebu

 

SM City East Ortigas


SM City Telabastagan


SM City Fairview

    
SM City Gen San



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