The Business of Social Good: National University marks 125th year with expansion to 14 campuses

Committed to providing more access to quality education, the National University is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year with the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas this year. (Photo is artist’s perspective of NU Cebu)

The National University (NU) celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2025 with the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas on SM Properties. This brings the total campus count to 14 this year.  This expansion is planned to raise student enrollment to 85,000, demonstrating NU's commitment to its purpose of providing more Filipinos with accessible and high-quality education. 

The expansion represents the SM Group and NU's shared aim of promoting good change through education and community development.

The additional campuses, which are set to open later this year, are an important component of NU's mission of reaching more students across the country.  This symbolizes the SM Group and NU's commitment to social good, as they collaborate to break down barriers and create opportunities for all Filipinos. 

Henry Sy, Sr. truly felt that education is the key to overcoming the cycle of poverty, and this idea has guided the Sy family's support for NU since 2008.

“We've been expanding with the purpose of providing more access to quality education, which is core to the SM Group's commitment to social good. For us, giving back means ensuring that excellence in education reaches more Filipinos, regardless of their background. The Sy family has always aimed for excellence at NU—whether in academics, infrastructure, or sports. We are focused on building international credibility for NU. This recognition from our international peers is a testament to our commitment to our students and graduates. Our chairman, Dr. Hans Sy, recognizes the value of research and faculty development, which is why we are transforming NU into a research-oriented university. This is in direct alignment with the SM Group's long-standing advocacy for advancing education and social progress. Our students can rise above their circumstances through hard work, dedication, patience, humility, strength, and conviction. With the continued support of the SM Group, together, we embark on this ongoing journey to success, driving social good through education.” ~Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NU

In keeping with SM's commitment to inclusion and accessibility, as well as its conviction in every student's potential, NU maintains an open admissions policy and invests in assessments to determine the necessary intervention to enable Senior High School (SHS) graduates become college-ready.  This assures that more Filipino students, regardless of background or status, have the opportunity to pursue higher education.  This is consistent with and supportive of the SM Group's overall goal of promoting possibilities for growth and social mobility through education.

NU's continued pursuit of excellence is evident in its expanding international reputation.  The institution just received a QS 3 Star rating, with 5 Stars in Employability and 4 Stars in Teaching, Social Impact, Facilities, and Good Governance, out of 13 areas evaluated by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).  QS is the world's top provider of services, analytics, and insights for the global higher education sector, and NU's ranking demonstrates the university's dedication to worldwide educational best practices.

Committed to providing more access to quality education, the National University is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas this year. (Photo is artist’s perspective of NU Las Pinas)

As part of this strategy, NU intends to provide more international mobility for its students, ensuring that their qualifications are widely recognized.  This, combined with SM's support, increases students' possibilities to participate in the global marketplace.

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 Prime: Engineering a Sustainable Future

SM Prime gathers the community for a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Nowadays, sustainability is a key factor in all sectors of the economy. One of Asia's top integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), elevates sustainability through a strategic framework that makes use of its broad operations, substantial economic impact, and cultural influence.

SM Prime embarked on its sustainability journey in the 1990s, driven by a determination to be resilient and pragmatic. The organization has always placed a higher importance on substance than style, choosing tactics based on practical application over glitzy, temporary solutions.  Its approach is based on what matters most to the company and the community it serves, making sure that its sustainability initiatives are successful and long-lasting.

Together for a sustainable future is the succinct and impactful message that SM Prime used to introduce its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap in its 2023 Annual Integrated Report. This goal is in line with the company's mission to create and manage creative, sustainable, and integrated real estate developments that improve everyone's quality of life.

SM Prime’s sustainability strategy is built on three main goals:

1. Environmental sustainability
2. Prosperity for all
3. Climate resilience

SM Prime established three main objectives to be pursued, based on its sustainability framework of Economy, People, Planet, and Community: Environmental sustainability, Prosperity for All, and Climate Resilience. These goals are all intended to create a future characterized by sustainability, resilience, and widespread prosperity by 2030, 2040, and beyond.

The company has launched two noteworthy programs under its environmental sustainability strategy: Net Zero by 2040 and #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Net Zero by 2040

With a primary focus on climate action toward a net-zero business, SM Prime is dedicated to improving people's quality of life through stepping up climate action, lowering disaster risks, investing in resilient design, preserving biodiversity, and putting strategic CSR programs into place. The World-Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines and the company have been working together to set science-based goals that are in line with the global commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050.

“We understand the magnitude of the challenges we face to achieve our Net-Zero commitment. SM Prime is determined to take action and meet its climate commitments. This is one of our top agendas in sustainability.” ~Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime President and CEO

SM City Santa Rosa's solar photovoltaic (PV) system has 5,772 panels at 3.088 MWp capacity and has an annual solar energy production of up to 4.292GWh.

#SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Prime launched its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture, in support of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Day of Zero Waste. The program introduces a simple segregation scheme: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC), all aimed at reducing overall waste generation and increasing the waste diversion rate from landfills through sustainable disposal methods. The initiative was launched nationwide for SM employees and across all SM property groups and stakeholders.

SM Prime continues to support existing programs and partnerships that promote better waste management solutions. Initiatives such as SM Supermalls’ Trash-to-Cash recycling market, Plastic Waste Collection and E-Waste Collection programs, and regular coastal and estero clean-up activities effectively engage the community in rethinking their relationship with waste.

To address food waste, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation (SMHCC) has pioneered projects such as The Sustainable Diner with WWF-PH, diverting 198,640 kg of food waste through bokashi composting and 40,013 kg through biodigesters. SMHCC also launched Tela Tales, a program that recycles condemned linens. 

SM Prime leads the way in sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) recently partnered with Globe and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines for the Hapag Movement, aimed at targeting food waste and involuntary hunger affecting millions of Filipinos.

“As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues. We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome. However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together.” ~Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM Sustainability Champion

Water stewardship

By putting cutting-edge water conservation and management techniques into practice, SM Prime is dedicated to water stewardship and makes sure that newly developed properties are more responsive and adaptable to the shifting needs of communities.

Wastewater is treated at its sewage water treatment plants so that it can be reused and contaminated water is kept out of the nearby waterways. Malls use recycled water for air conditioning, water closet flushing, and greening of the landscape.

SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Filtration Facility addresses water security and ensures a safe and sufficient water supply for the operations of the mall and its tenants.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.’s Chairman Henry T. Sy, Jr. receives SM Prime’s 30th Listing Anniversary Plaque from the Philippine Stock Exchange’s President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon.

Prosperity for all

The advancements of SM Prime spur socioeconomic growth and benefit all parties involved in a concrete way. Henry Sy founded the business, and it is still dedicated to realizing his goal of bringing top-notch developments to the Philippines. A vision that is aptly demonstrated by the Mall of Asia Complex, which provides a model for future cities that embrace a comprehensive approach to urban development and go beyond commercial success.

On July 23, SM Prime commemorated the company's 30 years of being publicly traded, marking three decades of dedication and revolutionary expansion in the Philippine real estate sector. 

“True leadership is marked by a solid dedication to collective success. Our journey at SM Prime demonstrates the power of dreaming big and the incredible achievements that follow when you pursue those dreams with determination and hard work.” ~Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime President and CEO 

SM Prime and AboitizPower Secure Long-Term Cleanergy Deal

(From left to right) SM Prime Energy Consultant Jaime Patinio, AboitizPower Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations Sandro Aboitiz, SM Engineering, Design and Development President Hans Sy, Jr., SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Rubio, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. Vice President for Commercial Strategy, Sales, and Engagement David Aboitiz, AboitizPower Vice President for Retail - Commercial Operations Business Unit James Byron Yu, and SM Prime Chief Finance Officer John Nai Peng Ong gather for a luncheon on Thursday, August 4, after sealing a long-term partnership with the commitment to helping build a cleaner and brighter future.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, secures a long-term deal with AboitizPower for Cleanergy supply, realizing its goal of increasing its renewable energy portfolio to more than 50%. This is in support of the Department of Energy’s program of moving up the renewable energy supply component of the country to 35% by year 2030.

Under the agreement, AboitizPower is poised to supply reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from Tiwi and MakBan Geothermal Power Plants, and PV Sinag’s Power Plants, operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI). This long-term contract will power SM Prime properties, including malls, leisure homes, offices, hotels, and other establishments under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) by the end of 2022.

“This partnership with AboitizPower is aligned with our unwavering commitment to being a catalyst for economic growth and steward of nature. We will continue providing world-class amenities within our sustainable lifestyle cities that have been beneficial and inspirational to millions of Filipinos.” ~Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s President

SM Prime builds legacy communities based on its core sustainable pillars: Economy, People, Environment, and Community. It is dedicated to generating value sustainably through its diverse business segments.

“AboitizPower is thrilled to be SM Prime’s partner in building sustainable lifestyle cities. We thank SM Prime for trusting us to be their partner in their transition to clean and renewable energy. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to power various SM Prime properties with our renewable assets.” ~Sandro Aboitiz, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Operations Business Unit

“We consider it a great milestone for our group to be in support of SM’s transition to renewable energy and are working to rapidly expand our renewable portfolio as the demand for Cleanergy grows. We have supported a growing number of corporations transitioning to clean and renewable energy and we are excited at the prospect of seeing a future where Cleanergy is the norm.” ~David Aboitiz, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) Vice President for Commercial Strategy, Sales, and Engagement

The leading renewable energy provider plans to expand its Cleanergy portfolio in the next 10 years to support the government’s plans of boosting the renewable energy industry in the country. AboitizPower is targeting approximately 50:50 Cleanergy and thermal capacity mix by 2030. 

 

                                                                          

About SM Prime

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders.  Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.

 

SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

 

Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement

Mekeni partnership with Hiraya Foundation

Mekeni  President Prudencio S. Garcia and Consul General Elmer Cato at the Gawad Alab ng Lahi Awarding held at Whitby Hotel, New York. (Photo credit: Troi Santos, CNN Philippines)

Mekeni Food Corporation, one of the country’s biggest food manufacturing companies, is further solidifying its commitment to promoting local heritage not just in the country but in the US.

The home-grown food brand recently partnered with Hiraya Foundation, a New York-based non-profit organization established by Filipino and Filipino-American professionals, for the first-ever Gawad Alab ng Lahi.

Gawad Alab ng Lahi is a program by Hiraya Foundation that aims to recognize individuals, enterprises, and communities that contribute to uplifting the lives of Filipinos and promoting progress in the Philippines.

(L-R) Pampanga Press Club President Noel Tulabut, Mekeni AVP for Marketing Kathlene Gomez-Schultz, Mekeni AVP for HR and Export Marilou Uy, Consul General Elmer Cato, Mekeni President Prudencio S. Garcia, and Skills Simplified CEO Francis Miranda at the Gawad Alab ng Lahi event held at Whitby Hotel, New York (Photo credit: Troi Santos, CNN Philippines).

Hiraya Foundation Chairman of the Board Romulo Aromin, Jr., MD added that the program honors those who made a meaningful impact on the lives of Filipinos abroad and in the Philippines. 

“We are fortunate to cross paths with Hiraya Foundation and a group of successful Filipinos who also advocate conservation of our heritage, especially during this time where everything seems to be at our fingertips. As a local brand penetrating the global arena, we recognize the importance of preserving one’s identity, being proud of your roots, and effecting positive change in society. We hope that our story will inspire them that if they are resolute in their dreams, nothing is impossible. No challenge is too big to bring them down.” ~Prudencio S. Garcia, Mekeni President

Garcia, who is also a former overseas worker, continued that like Hiraya Foundation, uplifting lives is at the core of Mekeni.

Mekeni was born out of a simple dream of a father who wants to give his family a better life ahead. This, however, changed and grew deeper after its founder, Felix Garcia, witnessed the hardships in their barrio after the devastating Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Since then, it has become their advocacy to uplift lives within and beyond their community.

“We are grateful to Mekeni for supporting and joining us in our cause. With a program such as this, we hope we could inspire the next generation to uphold our heritage no matter where success takes them.” ~Romulo Aromin, Jr., MD, iraya Foundation Chairman of the Board

This partnership between Mekeni and Hiraya Foundation was made possible by the Philippine Consulate in New York, headed by Consul General Elmer Cato who lauds the foundation for its patriotic advocacy. 

In the recently concluded awarding ceremony last July 11, 2022, at Whitby Hotel in New York, the following were the winners of the Gawad Alab ng Lahi award: Dr. Leo Felix Jurado for his unrelenting advocacy for Filipino nurses in the US; Concentrix Philippines for opening doors nationwide for Filipinos to provide for their families and thrive in unprecedented times; Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. for being at the forefront of advancing the interests and welfare of nurses in the US by providing professional and legal assistance; and Carnival Cruise Line for recognizing and rewarding Filipino talents through employment and ensuring their health and safety during the height of the pandemic. 

Photo shows Mekeni President Prudencio S. Garcia speaking before over a hundred overseas Filipino workers during the Pagpupugay event organized by the Philippine Consulate in New York and OWWA.

Apart from participating in Gawad Alab ng Lahi, Mekeni representatives also met with Filipino overseas workers in New York in a tribute event organized by ConGen Cato and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Mekeni was given a chance to impart to the attendees their experiences and learnings in overcoming challenges.