How SM Prime continues to make significant changes for cleaner seas and oceans

The quest for healthier seas and oceans demands persistent dedication, consistent effort, and real concern for our planet.  In the Philippines, SM Prime has emerged as a powerful advocate for this worldwide movement, embracing environmental stewardship not only as a responsibility but also as an integral part of its corporate identity.

Understanding the complex relationship between trash and climate change, SM has been working to address the solid waste dilemma, which pollutes our seas and considerably contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  Organic and plastic trash landfills release methane, a strong greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change significantly more than carbon dioxide.  SM tackles this issue full on with proactive cleanup actions and rigorous waste management programs, considerably minimizing environmental harm while mitigating its impact on the global climate.

SM's continuous success in advocacy is due to the overall strength and cooperation of its various business units.  This collaboration enables the group to expand its clean-up efforts from coastal areas to smaller but equally important water systems such as rivers and estuaries.  By enlisting hundreds of devoted staff and thousands of eager volunteers, SM guarantees that its activities are comprehensive, impactful, and long lasting.

As an active participant in the global movement for cleaner seas, SM Prime is committed to protecting the environment and inspiring Filipinos to live sustainably.

Collaboration is at the heart of SM's environmental efforts.  Recognizing that healthier oceans require collective effort, SM frequently collaborates with government agencies, municipal governments, and international groups.  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), numerous local government units (LGUs), and global organizations such as Ocean Conservancy are frequent collaborators, particularly during the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

ICC 2024 was a notable milestone for SM's participation in the project, as it marked the company's tenth consecutive year of involvement while also being its largest to date, activating 15 SM malls across the country and generating an amazing turnout of 23,320 committed volunteers.  This unprecedented level of engagement demonstrates SM's growing influence and the growing public interest in ocean conservation.

“Everyone has a role to play in achieving a cleaner, healthier planet. For us at SM, we always encourage Filipinos to be active participants in environmental preservation by joining our cleanup activities, segregating waste responsibly at home, and supporting the SM Waste Free Future campaign through our Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) bins found in our malls.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

SM is committed to preserving this momentum and will continue its cleanup efforts through constant participation.  Since January 2025, SM By the Bay has been doing regular monthly cleanup efforts, highlighting the company's dedication to long-term environmental care.

SM Prime Joins Global Conversation on Building Sustainable Cities for the Future

(L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu

By organizing the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and the 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at the SMX Convention Center Aura, SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) significantly contributed to the advancement of sustainable urban development. Over 300 experts convened at this esteemed event, which was organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), to deliberate on inventive approaches to constructing more resilient and environmentally friendly cities. The conference, which had as its main focus "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," emphasized the value of teamwork in solving urban problems.

The involvement of SM's top executives demonstrated the company's dedication to sustainability. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, highlighted the company's community-serving initiatives and environmentally friendly policies. 

“Our malls are more than just shopping centers; they are dynamic public spaces, woven into the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. Our comprehensive environmental sustainability programs are deeply inspired by the vision of our Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Hans Sy, a tireless advocate for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience. At SM Supermalls, we leverage science and technology to develop innovative solutions that are seamlessly integrated into the design and operation of our malls. We remain committed to leveraging innovation and collaboration to build a greener, more resilient, and more sustainable future for the Philippines.” ~Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls’ President

Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls’ President

SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan highlights the malls’ sustainability initiatives.

Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC), discussed the company's goal of developing sustainable integrated properties that promote vibrant communities. 

(L-R): University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) Dean Jennifer Marie Amparo, UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr., Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Chief Executive Thomas Schneider, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) Conference Director Edgar Reyes Jr., and APRU-Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Director Yekang Ko

Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC), emphasized the significance of social media in disaster readiness. Here, he discussed the NRC's methods and resources, the Resilience Local Government Unit Program (RLGUP), and the ways in which the sciences assist risk governance.

“From Risk to Resilience: The Work of the National Resilience Council in Risk Governance.” ~Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC)

Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC)

A breakout session on forming relationships and partnerships, led by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Lead of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch, highlighted SM Prime's dedication to sustainability even more. The importance of cooperation was emphasized by Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF)-Philippines.

“Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors.”

As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its role as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development. 

SM Supermalls ushers in the holidays with a Filipino Christmas

Leading the lighting ceremony of a giant Capiz Parol and a bedecked 33-foot Christmas tree were SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr.; Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, and SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

SM Supermalls began the first of 84 Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies to usher in the holiday season at SM Aura with “Ilaw at Ligaya” a modern Filipino spectacle featuring a Pinoy-themed fashion show set to Pinoy carols and beats by Pinoypela, ROFG and Prestige Band. 

Leading the lighting ceremony of a giant Capiz parol and a bedecked 33-foot Christmas tree were Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr. 

“Ngayong taon, inaanyayahan namin kayong lahat na mahal naming pamilyang Pilipino na ipagdiwang ang pagbibigayan at saya ng tunay na Pasko dito sa SM. Hihintayin naming kayo at ang mga mahal ninyo ngayong nga araw ng ilaw at liwanag!” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

Leading the lighting ceremony of a giant Capiz Parol and a bedecked 33-foot Christmas tree were SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr.; Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, and SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

From eco-friendly ornaments incorporating rattan, raffia, abaca and buri that adorn the tree and mall décor, to the glittering curtain of LED lights that brighten the halls, this year’s holiday display at SM Aura is especially meaningful and unique. Taking center stage is the mall’s 33-foot Christmas tree adorned with handmade ornaments using locally sourced materials such as Christmas balls wrapped in rattan and abaca, iridescent orchid blooms of capiz, and traditional bamboo parols.  A stunning 3-foot capiz shell star to represent the Star of Bethlehem sits atop the tree bringing light, hope, and joy to mallgoers this festive season.

The highlight of the night featured mall tenants Rhett Eala, Kultura, Dona Lim, Frankie General Store, Plains & Prints, and Zarah Juan in a fashion runway show directed by Runway Productions’ Joey Espino which delighted the audience with its mix of Pinoy streetwear and formal pieces worn with whimsy and fun accessories.

SM Supermalls will continue to launch its much-awaited Christmas centerpieces all over the country, from this week towards the end of October and early November, with uniquely designed and themed trees and holiday installations that promise to delight kids of all ages in each of SM’s 84 malls.

To know more about SM Supermalls’ Christmas launches in your communities and the exciting events that await you and your families this Christmas, visit www.smsupermalls.com or visit @SMSupermalls on social media.

SM Supermalls Chikiting Ligtas

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) launches the Chikiting Ligtas Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) on May 01-31, 2023 in 60 SM malls in cooperation with Healthy Pilipinas, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dubbed as “Chikiting Ligtas sa dagdag bakuna kontra Polio, Rubella, at Tigdas,” this nationwide campaign aims to prevent impending outbreaks from these vaccine-preventable diseases and to inoculate children aged 9-59 months old against measles and rubella with the vaccination of one (1) dose of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, and children aged 0-59 months old against poliovirus types 1 and 3 with the vaccination of one (1) dose of Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine. Just like all other vaccines in the routine immunization program, getting inoculated against these diseases are FREE, safe, and effective in keeping them healthy.

“SM Supermalls remains committed to creating a safer, better normal by providing a convenient, accessible, and enjoyable immunization experience to our SuperKids. With this, we encourage our shoppers, especially parents with children aged below five years old to get them their supplemental immunization against these preventable diseases in 60 SM malls nationwide. The only way we can prevent these life-threatening diseases is through vaccination. We, at SM Supermalls, are giving our full support to the DOH’s campaign by ensuring that our young stakeholders are given the opportunity to access Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine (MR-OPV) in the comfort of our malls.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

Measles, rubella, and polio are highly contagious and can be fatal. In the Philippines, the 2022 year-end report of the Epidemiology Bureau of the DOH documented a 186 % rise from 2021 in epidemic-prone diseases, particularly measles. Further, the country is also at risk of the re-emergence of polio.

With its long-standing commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the public, SM continues to provide not just a #SafeMalling experience to shoppers, but also a convenient and accessible venue where their communities can get vaccinated.

The following SM Supermalls in the East are now accepting vaccinees until May 31st:

• SM Center Angono, Weekdays except Wednesdays, 2nd level in front of Worlds of Fun

• SM Cherry Antipolo, Daily, 2nd Level 

• SM City East Ortigas, Saturdays and Sundays, 2nd Level near Mesa

• SM City Marikina, Weekdays, Ground Level beside near Main Entrance 2

• SM City San Mateo, Weekdays, 3rd level Community Services Area

• SM City Taytay, Weekdays, Basement 1 of Building B

To know more about SM Supermalls’ partnership with the DOH for Chikiting Ligtas, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.