Women on Fire 2025: Empowering Women, Building Resilient Communities

In honor of National Women's Month and Fire Prevention Month, SM Cares created Women on Fire, a celebration of women's incredible leadership, strength, courage, and resilience in fire prevention, disaster response, and community safety.  Women on Fire, in conjunction with important government agencies and private organizations, provided as a platform for education, awareness, and empowerment, with approximately 25,000 participants across all activities.

SM Cares, in collaboration with the United Nations Philippines and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), launched Women's Month on February 28 with the Purple Illumination Ceremony, which illuminated the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe and mall façades across the country.  The color purple, a widely known symbol of justice, dignity, and women's rights, kicked off National Women's Month in the Philippines, underscoring SM's commitment to gender equality and empowerment.

SM Megamall’s Time Sculpture turns purple in support of women empowerment.

Shoppers at SM North Edsa walk through the display at the LED Tunnel, a striking tribute to gender equality and women’s resilience.

Strengthening Preparedness and Safety

Women on Fire was a campaign feature that honored female firefighters, emergency responders, and community leaders for their contributions to safety, fire prevention, and disaster preparedness.  On March 4, 2025, SM Cares and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) held the 4th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill in SM malls nationwide, with SM Mall of Asia serving as the major location.  Hundreds of registered people took part in the Fire Square Roadshow, which included fire safety displays and interactive training sessions to improve preparation.

"Women are at the forefront of resilience. Through ‘Women on Fire,’ we celebrate and honor their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to gender-inclusive safety efforts." ~Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women

A female mall-goer tries the fire fighter’s protective uniform at the Fire Square Roadshow of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Students from the Philippine College of Criminology participate in the Fire Square Roadshow of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Women in Resilience: Empowering Women as Leaders in Disaster Preparedness and Community Building

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Cares organized the 2025 National Women's Month Celebration Kickoff at SM Mall of Asia on March 5, 2025.  With the theme "Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas," the event sought to encourage women in a variety of fields, especially those from underrepresented groups.  A trade show featuring goods from women-led MSMEs, talks on gender equality and women's rights and leadership, and free services like livelihood assistance, legal advice, and health examinations were among its events. 

Meanwhile, the Women LEAD Forum, co-hosted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and SM Cares, highlighted the critical role of women at the barangay and grassroots levels in disaster resilience.  The debate focused on how women-led projects improve neighborhood preparedness and can serve as models for national climate and catastrophe resilience programs.

SM Cares Champions Safe and Inclusive Spaces with Safe Spaces Act Orientation

To reaffirm its commitment to establishing safe settings, SM Cares hosted the 3rd Nationwide Safe Spaces Act Orientation on March 4 and 6, attracting over 12,000 participants from 86 SM malls nationwide.  This campaign educated students, employers, residents, and security officers about the need of creating harassment-free environments in malls and workplaces.

SM Supermalls holds the 3rd Nationwide Orientation on the Safe Spaces Act with in the photo: Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Officer in Charge Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President (VP) of the Corporate Compliance Group (CCG) Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, PCW former Executive Director Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, SM Supermalls VP for CCG Liza Silerio, together with SM Supermalls security and janitorial personnel.

For more updates on SM Cares' initiatives, visit the official website or follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media.

SM Cares unveils Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit, captivates moments of courage and hope

Representatives from SM Cares, SM City Clark, Kythe Foundation, Fotoklase, Focus Bulacan, Fujifilm volunteers, and UP Aviation Society during the launch of Pocketful of Sunshine Exhibit at SM City Clark.

A heartwarming exhibit, showcasing the unforgettable moments from the Pocketful of Sunshine fly-by event, was unveiled at SM City Clark on June 2, 2023. Organized in collaboration with SM Cares, SM City Clark, Angeles City Flying Club (ACFC), and Kythe Foundation, the exhibit aims to celebrate the indomitable spirit of courageous children with disabilities.

The Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit features a collection of photographs captured during the extraordinary fly-by event, which took place on March 19, 2023. Around thirty-one (31) children had the remarkable opportunity to embark on a breathtaking adventure in ultralight aircraft. These captivating images was taken by volunteer photography groups such as Fotoklase, Focus Bulacan, Fujifilm Photographers, and UP Aviation Society, that beautifully portray the joy, courage, and wonder experienced by the children during their airborne journey.

(L-R) SM City Clark Assistant Mall Manager John Louie Mutuc, Angeles City Flying Club President Tonet Rivera, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Engr. Bien C. Mateo, Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, Kythe Foundation Executive Director Dr. Angie Sievert-Fernandez, and SM Cares Asst. Vice President Richard A. Caluyo

To mark the launch of this touching exhibit, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held, graced by the presence of Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SVP for SM Supermalls and Director of SM Cares Program on Persons with Disabilities; Dr. Angie Sievert-Fernandez, Executive Director of Kythe Foundation; Mr. Tonet Rivera, President of Angeles City Flying Club; and Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, symbolizing the opening of a world filled with boundless dreams and possibilities for children facing cancer and chronic illnesses.

"We are honored to showcase the incredible moments captured during the Pocketful of Sunshine fly-by event. This exhibit serves as a testament to the resilience and bravery of these extraordinary children. It is our collective hope that their stories of courage will inspire others to believe in the power of dreams and create an inclusive environment for all.” ~Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SVP for SM Supermalls and Director of SM Cares Program on Persons with Disabilities

SM Cares unveils Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit, captivates moments of courage and hope

SM Cares unveils Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit, captivates moments of courage and hope

SM Cares unveils Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit, captivates moments of courage and hope

The Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit promises to be an uplifting and heart-touching event, celebrating the strength of these young warriors. Their remarkable journey, immortalized through the lens of compassionate photographers, serves as a reminder of the importance of collective support and fostering accessible experiences for children facing health challenges.

Mall-goers can visit the exhibit from until June 8, 2023 at The Event Centre near Foodcourt of SM City Clark. 

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

SM Blind Awareness Campaign made even wider, goes all the way to Cavite

The Blackout Zone opens at SM City Tanza from April 24 until May 14

SM Cares just launched the latest leg of “The Blackout Zone”, the organization’s highly successful exhibit designed to simulate blindness in SM City Tanza, Cavite last April 24, Monday. 

Present at the launch were Engr. Bien Mateo, Senior Vice President of SM Supermalls, Arch. Jaime Silva from the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc., Marlo Lucas from the Resources for the Blind Inc., and Jayme Marino of the National Council on Disability Affairs. Also present during the launch are Dr. Florencio Costa of the Tanza National Comprehensive High School, Mr. Joebert Guzon of FEAPITSAT, and Coralyn Perez of Tanza Municipal Social Welfare and Development representing Mayor Yuri Pacumio.

Student participants from Tanza National Comprehensive High School at The Blackout Zone booth at SM City Tanza

Student participants from Tanza National Comprehensive High School at The Blackout Zone booth at SM City Tanza

“The Blackout Zone” is the first exhibit simulating the blind experience in the Philippines which is mounted inside a mall, promising an immersive and experiential tour of a day in the life of a blind person for free. Participants get to fulfill simple tasks, like tying a shoe, creating a sandwich, making coffee, and watching movies in a safe setting without sight. At the end of the tour, the participants are debriefed by the blind master, a representative of the blind community who shares their personal insights and how the challenges within the exhibit reflect the daily experience of blind people. In this way, mall-goers, tenants, and employees are encouraged to have a deeper understanding and affection for members of the blind community.

(L-R) NCDA Information Officer Jayme Marino, Resources for the Blind, Inc Marlo Lucas, SM Supermalls SVP for Operations and SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs Engr. Bien C. Mateo, United Architect of the Philippines’  Arch. Jimmy Silva, SM Supermalls SAVP for Operations Jason T. Terrenal, FEAPITSAT Academic Head Joebert Guzon, and Tanza National Comprehensive High School Principal Dr. Florencio C. Costa.

“We at SM Cares firmly believe that empathy and awareness are crucial to enabling a barrier-free and disability inclusive environment. As such, we humbly invite everyone to visit ‘The Blackout Zone’ to show solidarity, appreciation, and inspired action to the blind community.” ~Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs 

Following the success of “The Blackout Zone” from previous legs in SM Southmall and SM City Clark, SM City Tanza’s setup is the biggest one to date. First launched in October of last year, “The Blackout Zone” has been visited by almost 2,000 attendees. The Tanza exhibit will be open until May 14, and plans for future exhibits in different SM malls around the country are already underway.

The Blackout Zone blind master Andrew Perez briefing the first batch of participants

The Blackout Zone is just one of the many initiatives of SM Cares under its Program on Persons with Disabilities. Others include the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum for PWDs and senior citizens; the annual Happy Walk for Down Syndrome in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines; and the annual Angels Walk for Autism in partnership with Autism Society Philippines.

Through The Blackout Zone, SM Cares supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly "SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities."

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

SM Blind Awareness Campaign

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Autism Society Philippines, SM Cares hold talks on autism issues for Nat’l Autism Consciousness Week

Autism OK advocates and celebrity parents during the AOK Pilipinas Live event

In observance of the 27th National Autism Consciousness Week, Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and SM Cares, the City Government of Mandaluyong, and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) recently hosted a panel discussion on autism inclusion at SM Megamall Cinema 4 last January 20.

Titled "AOK Pilipinas, Live!," the event facilitated meaningful conversations on various issues concerning people on the autism spectrum and their loved ones, in line with the theme "Building a Nation Powered by Transformative Autism-inclusive Innovation."

Autism OK advocates and celebrity parents during the AOK Pilipinas Live event

Guests and panelists include P3PWD Representative, Hon. Rowena Guanzon; ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe; ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz; Mandaluyong City former councilor Charisse Abalos-Vargas; QC Kabahagi Center Executive Director Karen Sagun; Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines Foundation Executive Director Hazel Borja; and SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President Richard Caluyo, and SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Engr. Bien Mateo. Also present were celebrities Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, and Candy Pangilinan, who are autism awareness advocates and proud parents of children with autism.

Autism OK advocates and celebrity parents during the AOK Pilipinas Live event

Veluz-Magno moderated the first session, which focused on the importance of innovation in addressing issues concerning people on the spectrum, with Abalos-Vargas, Sagun, Borja, and Caluyo as panelists. This was followed by the first Q&A session of the day. 

During the second session which was moderated by Koe, Montero, Miles, and Pangilinan shared stories and experiences raising children on the spectrum and gave useful tips for other parents living with family members with autism. The panelists also expressed their support for other parents who are taking care of children who have autism and assured them that support is available if and when they need it. 

“Everything will be okay, it’s not a burden…chill lang tayo, kaya natin ‘yan.” ~Candy Pangilinan, Autism Awareness Advocates and proud parents of children with autism

“I feel hopeful for the future here in the Philippines, for your children, for our children. Just look around there is so much support…I just wanted you to know that you are not alone.” ~Troy Montero, Autism Awareness Advocates and proud parents of children with autism

In his special message, Mateo thanked the ASP for always believing in the advocacies of SM Cares. He also reiterated that SM is a mall for all, living with disability or not. 

"We want to send the message to all our mall-goers, including people with autism, that you're always welcome here at SM. This is also the perfect time for us to thank ASP for their unwavering trust and for continuously believing in our advocacies, especially those that are geared toward people with autism. We are always proud to be your companion, and we will continue to support you in your goal to create a more autism-friendly Philippines." ~Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President

Participants of the AOK Pilipinas Live event at SM Megamall

The event is just one of the many ways SM Cares supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly "SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities."

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. 

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares. 

Experience the unseen at SM Southmall’s The Blackout Zone

First batch of participants trying out the Blackout Zone challenges.

SM Cares recently launched its first-ever immersive exhibit that aims to promote blind awareness, The Blackout Zone, as part of its goal of creating a welcoming and caring environment for persons with disabilities, including the blind and the visually impaired, in all of its developments. The launch was held last October 6 at SM Southmall in Las Pinas City.

“On October 13 we will be celebrating World Sight Day, which focuses on global attention on vision impairement, including blindness With SM Cares, and through your help, we want to create a different kind of exhibit called The Blackout Zone. Through this, we will be able to experience the daily challenges of our fellow Filipinos who are visually impaired. This will allow us to broaden our knowledge on how we can help create an inclusive environment for them.” ~Engr. Bien C. Mateo, senior vice president of SM Supermalls and program director of SM Cares Committee on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls SVP and Architect Jaime Silva, United Architects of the Philippines

The Blackout Zone is open until October 16, except October 10, at the 3^rd level of SM Southmall for free. Inside the Blackout Zone, participants take on different challenges in total darkness that unleash the power of their senses like tying a shoe, creating a sandwich, making their own coffee, and watching movies.

The goal of the exhibit is for the general public to develop a sense of care and affection for the blind, whether it is a loved one, a colleague, or a stranger; and to realize that in the world of the blind, things are possible. 

First batch of participants trying out the Blackout Zone challenges.

The Blackout Zone is just one of the many ways SM Cares is supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly "SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities."

Other initiatives in line with this include the annual Angels Walk in partnership with ASP, held every January in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week; the annual Happy Walk in partnership with DSAPI, held every February in celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month; the annual Sensitivity Training for Customers with Different Needs, which educates mall staff and security personnel on how to care for PWDs; and the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum which educates PWDs and senior citizens on what to do during emergencies.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

SM Cares 50th celebration of Earth Day

 

In line with the 50th celebration of Earth Day on April 22, SM Cares has partnered with Earth Day Network Philippines for a social media campaign that aims to promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices among Filipinos.

SM Cares’ #LoveEarth campaign is a social media initiative centered around the message of “Healing the Earth” that calls for positive change in behavior and mindset in caring for the environment. The campaign encourages individuals to be more appreciative, mindful, and moderate in their consumption of Earth’s resources such as food, water, and energy, even while staying at home for the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through this campaign, we want to encourage everyone to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle and work together toward caring for the only planet that we all call home, even in our own little way.”  ~Liza B. Silerio, VP of Corporate Compliance of SM Supermalls

#LoveEarth campaign supports Earth Day Network’s recently launched digital campaign Earthrise, a youth-led digital movement whose goal is to mobilize organizations, communities, and individuals all over the world on Earth Day to demand immediate action on climate change from the world’s leaders and policy makers.

 

Earth Day is an annual celebration led by the Earth Day Network that puts the spotlight on issues that are affecting the environment. First held in 1970, Earth Day was the result of a need for a unified response against various environmental problems like pollution and resource depletion. Today, the event is considered the biggest environmental movement in the world, with millions joining celebrations every year.

“The enormous challenge – but also the vast opportunities – of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic of the 50th anniversary. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.” ~Earth Day Network

The #LoveEarth campaign is just one of the numerous ways that SM is promoting sustainable living among Filipinos, and the company has other programs aimed at helping care for the environment. These are the Regular Trash to Cash Recycling Market that is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month; daily water recycling systems, and environmental campaigns such as the Green Film Festival and Green Retail Agenda, just to name a few.

To learn more about the #LoveEarth campaign and other environment initiatives by SM, visit the SM Supermalls official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls/.