SM named among TIME’s World’s Best Companies for second year

TIME and Statista have once again named SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the main company of the SM Group, to their coveted "World's Best Companies 2025" list. This is SM Investments' second consecutive year on the list, demonstrating its commitment to responsible growth based on outstanding financial performance, employee engagement, and sustainable initiatives.

SM Investments ranked third out of 10 Philippine corporations in the global ranking. China Banking Corporation (Chinabank), one of SM's banking affiliates, was also acknowledged.

“This recognition inspires us to keep strengthening our efforts in creating value for our stakeholders and contributing positively to our communities. It also reflects our balanced approach to growth, delivering strong results for shareholders while also fostering long-term value and resilience for employees, partners, and communities.” ~Frederic DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

The TIME World's Best Companies list recognizes and honors the most remarkable organizations from all industries around the world. SM Investments was named to TIME's Asia-Pacific Best Companies 2025 list earlier this year, following its inclusion on the World's Best Companies list in 2024.

The evaluation method included a three-stage screening. Companies had to have earned at least USD100 million in revenue in the previous fiscal year. They were then evaluated on revenue growth over the previous three years, followed by detailed employer questionnaires to determine employee happiness. Finally, sustainability performance and transparency were considered in the final result.

About SM Investments Corporation 

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com 

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

Manila Overseas Press Club fetes SM for contribution to tourism

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent business of the SM Group, was just awarded the Grand Tourism Excellence Award by The Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) on August 15, 2025.  The award celebrates the company's superior execution and management throughout the SM Group, which has benefited many tourism-related MSMEs and contributed to a healthy, fulfilling travel industry.

The award recognizes SM's strategic investments in integrated tourism developments throughout the Philippines, including hotel and resort properties, shipping and logistics, retail businesses, and entertainment complexes catering to both domestic and foreign passengers.

Amando M. Tetangco Jr. accepted the prize on behalf of the company.  Chairman of the Board of SM Investments (center).  He was accompanied by (from left) Christina Garcia Frasco, Secretary of Tourism (DOT); First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos; and MOPC Chairman and President Tony Lopez and Eric Canoy.

About SM Investments Corporation 

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com 

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

Corporate Governance Asia recognizes SM with seven awards for corporate excellence

SM Investments was recognized for its commitment to corporate excellence, sustainability, and leadership at the recent 15th Asian Excellence Awards.

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, was recently honored with seven key distinctions at the 15th Asian Excellence Awards, which were hosted by Corporate Governance Asia, a renowned regional journal on corporate governance. 

The accolades acknowledge the company's consistent leadership in corporate governance, sustainability, and stakeholder involvement.  Corporate Governance Asia named SM Investments President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio Asia's Best CEO, while Executive Vice Presidents Erwin G. Pato and Franklin C. Gomez were co-awarded Asia's Best CFO, recognizing the company's strong financial stewardship and leadership excellence.

“We are deeply honored by these awards, which reflect the collective effort of our people across the SM Group. Our commitment to long-term value creation, sustainability, and sound governance remains core to how we operate and grow.” ~Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

This year’s theme, “The Role of Asian Corporations to Climate Neutrality,” underscores the growing importance of sustainable and transparent practices in shaping the region’s future.

SM Investments also earned awards for its other corporate initiatives, namely, the Sustainable Asia Award, Asia’s Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Best Corporate Communications, and Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines). The following accolades marked the second consecutive year the company has received all seven awards.

Founded in 2011, the Asian Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in management, financial performance, corporate social responsibility, environmental practices, and investor relations.

About SM Investments Corporation 

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com 

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

Asia’s Golden Icon Awards recognizes SM Investments CEO for financial excellence leadership

In an era when financial leadership is increasingly defined by resilience, innovation, and social impact, Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), was recently recognized with the 2025 Asia's Golden Icon Awards for Asia's Remarkable Leadership in Financial Excellence.

This award, presented by the Golden Icons group, an association of leaders from the public and private sectors dedicated to recognizing individuals making a transformative impact, honors a leadership philosophy that transcends numbers.

Mr. DyBuncio's accolade comes at a time when organizations throughout Asia are reconsidering what long-term value looks like.  Under his leadership, the parent company of the SM Group has improved its financial foundation and adopted a larger objective of serving as a platform and enabler for inclusive progress.

“Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio has been selected for the award of Asia's Remarkable Leadership in Financial Excellence for his outstanding contributions to the financial sector and his exemplary leadership at SM Investments Corporation. Under his guidance, the company has not only achieved remarkable growth but has also set new standards for excellence in financial management and corporate governance.” ~Golden Icons Group

Mr. DyBuncio said that more than an individual achievement, the award affirms SM’s role as an enabler to growth. 

“Leadership in finance today means creating value that is sustainable, human-centered, and purpose-driven. At SM, we see ourselves as enablers—of entrepreneurship, of community development, and of opportunities that multiply across sectors. This recognition reaffirms our belief that doing well and doing good are not at odds, but part of the same equation.” ~Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments)

The Golden Icons group works to provide vital assistance, support and resources to individuals and communities.  

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

SM cultivates livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers

SM cultivates livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers

The SM Group continues to promote inclusive development by providing smallholder farmers with practical, long-term farming skills, allowing them to improve their livelihoods and boost food security within their communities.

At the heart of this program is the SM Foundation's Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Programme, which has trained 32,359 farmers.  In total, the SM Foundation and Philippine Geothermal Production Company, among others, have trained approximately 49,000 farmers statewide.

The KSK initiative will expand to more rural towns by 2025, including underserved areas in Northern Mindanao, Bicol, and parts of Visayas, bringing opportunities closer to those who need them the most.

“We believe inclusive growth starts at the community level. By investing in smallholder farmers, we are not only helping secure local food supply chains but also creating pathways to improved quality of life in the rural sector.” ~Cristie Angeles, SM Foundation’s Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs

Through hands-on learning, KSK provides participants with practical backyard and small-scale farming strategies for increasing crop quality and yield.  More crucially, the program connects them to local marketplaces and SM's larger supplier network, promoting cooperative formation and allowing agricultural families to earn more stable, long-term incomes. 

These initiatives are consistent with data from the Asian Development Bank, which identified smallholder farmers as the backbone of food systems in poor countries, accounting for 84% of all farms and producing approximately one-third of the world's food.  In the Philippines, where many people farm less than a hectare of land, access to information, technology, and markets is important.

To strengthen market ties, SM established the SM Weekend Market, a platform that allows local farmers and agripreneurs to directly sell their produce in high-traffic mall locations.  The weekend market connects local farmers with new clientele, including everyday shoppers, mall employees, and tenants.

SM's commitment to the community extends across all of its businesses.  Through the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), SM promotes urban agriculture programs in collaboration with the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, promoting sustainable gardening and selecting farm locations for long-term development.

These programs reflect the SM Group's broader objective of serving as a partner for inclusive growth by developing real, inclusive possibilities that promote rural development, empower livelihoods, and build local economies.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

SM’s ‘We’ve Got it All For You’ strategy captures growing Gen Z market

The SM Store offers a broad product range that appeals to different market segments, making it a one-stop shop for all.

SM Investments Corporation’s (SM Investments) retail arm, SM Retail, Inc., is reaching new consumer markets, particularly the rapidly growing Gen Z demographic. Data from the SM Store, the department store business of SM Retail, reveals a 13% increase in in-store purchases by young shoppers in 2024, signaling a shift in consumer behavior and a rising preference for physical retail experiences.

“Our strategy has always been ‘We’ve got it all for you.’  SM Store offers a broad product range that appeals to different market segments, making it a one-stop shop for all. We’re also placing greater emphasis on engaging with Gen Z. While Gen X and Millennials still lead in terms of purchasing power, we’re strategically investing in Gen Z as they become an increasingly influential consumer group. Filipino shoppers, especially Gen Z, are more experiential and tactile in their shopping preferences. At SM Store, we are dedicated to evolving to meet these expectations, investing in modern store designs and enhancing customer service to stay ahead of the curve. SM is all about excellent customer service.” ~Jonathan Ng, Executive Vice President at SM Retail

This increase in Gen Z shoppers reflects the growing purchasing power of this demographic.

Gen X, ages 45 to 60, are those born between 1965 and 1980, and Millennials, ages 29 to 44, are born between 1981 and 1996. Gen Z, ages 13 to 28 or born between 1997 and 2012, currently makes up 38% of the Philippine population according to the recent census by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

With 41 million Gen Zs, SM Retail is well-positioned to capitalize on this segment. A 2024 study by The Fourth Wall and Uniquecorn Strategies revealed that 31% of Filipino Gen Zs prefer shopping in physical stores, valuing the experience of products they can see and touch.

This trend mirrors a broader global shift. A January 2025 report by Adyen, published by Retail Dive, found that nearly three-quarters of global Gen Z consumers shop in-person at least once a week, viewing it as an integral part of their lifestyle.

SM Retail has also focused on improving the customer experience through strategic partnerships, such as one with Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL), which aims to create a more delightful in-store environment.  This emphasis on in-store savings, convenience, and the chance to instantly own things is consistent with Generation Z's desires.

Noting the presence of personal shoppers who are always ready to assist customers.

SM shop continues to innovate, adapting its inventory selection, shop layouts, and overall customer experience to match the demands of a rapidly changing retail landscape.  This dedication to quality is evident in SM Retail's strong financial success.  In 2024, the company reported a net income of PHP 20.9 billion, a 5% rise over the previous year, with retail revenues up 5% to PHP 434.5 billion, up from PHP 412.9 billion in 2023.

SM Retail's continued development and ability to engage with various customer categories strengthens its leadership position in the Philippine retail market, contributing considerably to the group's parent company, SM Investments' outstanding financial performance.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

Banking on history: SM’s efforts at heritage preservation

A group of students and faculty hand sign a thankful message following the rehabilitation of their facilities at the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD). 

SM is making progress in the preservation of cultural landmarks, demonstrating its commitment to generating long-term social benefit in addition to financial success. 

SM, through the Henry Sy Foundation and the SM Foundation, recently completed the restoration of the West Visayas State University's (WVSU) Quezon Hall in Iloilo City, a genuine educational and architectural landmark protected by the 2009 National Heritage Act, as identified by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. 

SM has long complemented its national economic expansion with programs that promote growth and well-being in the areas where it operates, with recent social expenditures including the restoration of architectural monuments.

“These cultural landmarks are irreplaceable—once lost, we cannot bring them back. Preservation is a collective responsibility. It goes beyond installing commemorative plaques; it means breathing new life into these spaces so they continue to serve, inspire, and remain accessible to future generations. In restoring these heritage educational institutions, we honor the generations of learning they have nurtured. Our hope is that through preservation, we help spark more opportunities for education and personal growth—not just today, but for many years to come.” ~Deborah P. Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation

The restoration project strictly adhered to the guidelines set by the NHCP to ensure its structural and cultural integrity. While keeping the building’s original character intact, modern sustainable features were mindfully integrated, including energy-efficient lighting, inverter air conditioning units, and the use of paint with light reflective finishes to optimize energy consumption. 

“I believe it is captured already in this slogan: People Helping People. The two foundations and WVSU have a common understanding on the pursuit of changing people's lives for the better.” ~Julius Undar, WVSU Chief Administration Officer

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), heritage sites are critical for societies because their preservation not only establishes an inherent cultural value for future generations, but also has the potential to contribute to social, economic, and environmental goals. 

Last year, the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) finished the renovation of its senior high school building laboratory facilities.  PSD was founded in 1907 with the goal of providing educational opportunities for people with disabilities.

SM, through the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation completed the restoration of West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) Quezon Hall in Iloilo City.

The SM Group collaborated on the project with Pasay's Department of Education (DepEd) and the city's local government unit. Modern learning facilities were built to supplement the century-old school and transform it into an inclusive learning hub, complete with areas for practical learning in electronics, computer technology, and the performing arts.

Taal Vista Hotel, a pre-World War II jewel that opened in 1939, exemplifies SM's commitment to cultural preservation. 

In 1936, Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon envisioned building a hotel near the Tagaytay peak with the best view of Taal Lake.  Mr. Henry Sy Sr. had a special connection to the hotel because he used to frequent it.  The SM company purchased it in 1988 and renovated the 25-cabin lodge into a 262-room hotel with modern renovations such as a new wing to accommodate more conference facilities, events, and first-rate services.

Another example is the restoration of China Banking Corporation's (China Bank) original headquarters in Binondo, Manila.  The Binondo Heritage Restoration Project restored the bank's century-old building to its previous Neo-Classic Beaux Arts brilliance.  The restoration became the focal point of China Bank's centenary celebration in 2020. 

In 2021, China Bank was awarded a historical marker by the NHCP and an Important Cultural Property marker by the National Museum, recognizing the bank's consistent dedication to preserving not only its business history but also the national legacy.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

SM Maintains Confidence in the Country’s Growth Trajectory

SM’s property firm, SM Prime recently unveiled its investment plan for the development of malls, residences and integrated properties.

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM Group, is enthusiastic about the Philippines' growth momentum and has reaffirmed its commitment to the economy's future, according to Erwin G. Pato, Executive Vice President for Treasury, Finance, and Planning.

In recent interviews with CNBC and Bloomberg, Mr. Pato expressed SM Investments' confidence in the country's growth trajectory.  He stressed that the group's synergized investments in retail, real estate, and financial services will continue to support the Philippines' consumption-led economy.

The business also recently announced a PHP60-billion share buyback scheme, billed as the largest in Philippine corporate history. This project shows SM's optimistic perspective for the country's economic future.  SM's move to repurchase shares worth USD1 billion demonstrates the company's confidence in its value appreciation and the Philippine economy's continuing expansion.

“We're having this buyback because we believe in our company and its growth potential. We believe that growth in the Philippines will continue to be consumption-driven. Seventy percent of our gross domestic product (GDP) is consumption-driven, and our business is right within that footprint. Our offerings in retail, integrated property development, and financial services will continue to be key players in this consumption-driven growth. We’re a proxy of the Philippine economy because of our scale and the communities we serve. With lowering interest rates, we believe this will help our macroeconomics and could lead our economic managers to achieve our inflation rate within the 2% to 4% range. If that happens, it suggests a strong tailwind for the consumer story.” ~Erwin G. Pato, Executive Vice President for Treasury, Finance, and Planning

SM Investments' consolidated net income increased 7% in 2024, reaching PHP82.6 billion from PHP77.0 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, SM Retail Inc., the group's retail division, reported a net income of PHP20.9 billion, up from PHP19.9 billion the previous year.

As one of the country's top property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., the group's property arm, plans to invest PHP100 billion this year in the building of malls, apartments, offices, hotels, and conference centers.  This investment is motivated by the prospect of continued increase in consumer demand and corporate activity.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com 

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

SM Approaches 2025 with Cautious Optimism

The SM Group is cautiously optimistic about the coming year, encouraged by the Philippine economy's continued growth.

Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments, stated that despite ongoing challenges such as peso volatility and higher inflation, the business sector has adapted well.

Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

Consistent demand supported household spending in the third quarter, with Household Final Consumption Expenditure rising 5.1% year on year, matching the level seen in the same quarter last year, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

“Any moderation in inflation should trigger a strong confidence rebound. This could create opportunities in consumer-focused sectors in the country and we are poised to cater to these evolving demands. By investing and expanding to more areas nationwide, SM creates new markets and improves access to these essential sectors, serving more communities and helping stimulate sustained economic activities. Our focus for 2025 will be to drive purposeful growth, empowering communities and partners through our investments towards a sustainable future.” ~Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer  

To meet rising demand, SM continues to expand into underserved areas, promoting long-term economic development and working with government stakeholders to improve access to modern retail, financial services, and integrated property developments.

Mr. DyBuncio also stated that SM continues to invest in promising ventures like renewable energy and logistics, which promote economic activity.

SM has invested in the clean energy industry through the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), which generates 300 megawatts of geothermal steam supply. SM intends to continue developing geothermal concessions through PGPC in support of the Department of Energy's goal of achieving 50% renewable energy supply by 2040. 

To promote circularity in green energy production, SM's property arm, SM Prime Holdings, collaborated with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) will implement a Japanese technique for reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and difficult-to-recycle packaging into an alternative fuel.

BDO Unibank, SM's banking arm, is a major funder of renewable energy projects. BDO has invested PHP898 billion in sustainable finance, including loans for 59 renewable energy projects as of December 2023.  

In logistics and tourism, improved transportation networks across the country's archipelago connect tourist and industrial areas, promoting inclusive growth. SM's subsidiary 2GO launched MV Masigla and MV Masikap in 2024 to help better connect goods to 19 ports across the country, including Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila, bolstering the government's push for medium-term growth through an upgraded tourism infrastructure and ecosystem.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

SM Enables Seniors in the Digital Age through #SeniorDigizen Campaign

The half-day program ensured the presence of our dedicated staff in assisting a senior citizen with tech questions, ensuring everyone wouldn’t feel discouraged from learning. 

In order to create a secure and welcoming online community for senior citizens, the SM Group, through SM Development Corporation (SMDC), recently partnered with Globe to implement the #SeniorDigizen program in its residential properties.  By giving senior citizens the skills and information they need to safely navigate the internet, the program supports SMDC's mission to safeguard locals and foster a strong sense of community.

Free, customized learning sessions on subjects like cybersecurity, fintech apps like GCash, and telehealth services like KonsultaMD are available through the #SeniorDigizen. The elderly residents of Quezon City's Grass Residences, who are frequently the targets of internet scams, benefited from the pilot program. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reports that digital fraud frequently targets senior citizens, with losses of about PHP 155 million in 2023.

“The SeniorDigizen program is part of our ongoing commitment to empowering our senior residents with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently navigate the digital world. Our goal is to create an immediate impact within these communities, and as we continue to grow the initiative, we plan to reach out to our neighboring communities by hosting similar events for them.” ~Jessica Bianca ‘Jica’ T. Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy of SM Prime and SMDC

Because of its sizable senior population, Grass Residences was selected as the pilot site. The program was a welcome opportunity for residents like 76-year-old participant Connie Cailles. One Grass Residences resident, Ms. Cailles, recalled how thrilled she was to see the program in one of the notices in the elevator of their building. After finishing the lessons, she mentioned how beneficial the program and staff were in helping her and other seniors, as opposed to family members who occasionally lost patience when trying to teach her how to use her phone's features and necessary apps. 

“Okay po na nakatutok sila sa amin. Lalo na kasi pasensyoso’t pasensyosa sila. Kasi usually kapag mga kamag-anak ko—mga alam mo na—parang naoobligado sila. Kapag sa mga ganitong programa, pakiramdam ko naii-spoil tuloy kami.” ~Connie Cailles, a 76-year-old Participant

(It’s nice that the staff are patient with us seniors. Usually, when it’s my relatives—you know how it is—they feel obligated. But in programs like this, it feels like we’re being spoiled.)

In order to create an atmosphere where seniors could learn without worrying about criticism or discouragement, the half-day program made sure that every participant received practical help. By inviting more people from other communities to participate, SMDC intends to grow the initiative.

“This activity had the highest attendance of seniors here at Grass. Although some are still adjusting, I see them really trying. Thanks to SMDC and Globe, I think more attendees will join after this.” ~Elbert Mozo, Treasurer of the Grass Residences Board of Trustees

The senior community at SMDC’s Grass Residences in Quezon City eagerly participates during their Senior Digizen Learning Session. 

SM’s support to the senior citizen community 

The SM group has taken the lead in projects that help and encourage its senior citizen community. The organization supports community and environmental initiatives through SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation and the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. 

Among its initiatives is the Emergency Preparedness Forum for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), an annual forum that provides emergency preparedness skills to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and PWDs, to help them protect themselves and their loved ones. More than 7,417 people have been successfully trained by the program since it began in 2015.  

In addition, the Walk for Life parade is an event to honor seniors during the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week.

Seniors also benefit from the health and wellness centers, which is in keeping with the SM Foundation's goal of making targeted social investments in livelihood, healthcare, and education to help underprivileged Filipinos improve their lives. 

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com