Thursday, 3 July 2025

SM Prime’s year one toward a waste-free future

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines generates over 60,000 metric tons of waste daily, a figure expected to rise with urban growth and economic activity. 


Together as one community, 2024 marks the launch of SM Waste-Free Future in SM Mall of Asia.


Recognizing the urgency, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) launched the SM Waste-Free Future program in 2024 as one of its flagship environmental sustainability programs to reduce overall waste generation through effective waste segregation and divert waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods.


In its first year, it implemented a new waste management segregation system across its properties, including all malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers, and estates nationwide. 


Beyond SM Prime, the campaign on waste has extended its reach to other SM groups and portfolio companies, making SM Waste-Free Future a group-wide endeavor.


A bigger picture of waste 


The Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins are central to the program’s segregation practice.  RDC makes it simple and consistent, providing key visual cues to bin it right.

Together for an SM Waste-Free Future, the Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins at SM Store branches support the broader goals of environmental sustainability through clear and effective waste segregation practices.


Despite its infancy stage, the rapid and wide-scale integration underscores SM Prime’s ability to operationalize sustainability across diverse asset classes and ecosystems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovative waste diversion strategies. 


SM Prime also celebrates the efforts of SM Retail in advancing a waste-free future. All SM Store branches have successfully deployed their RDC bins, while SM Markets continues to implement its reusable bag system. In support of waste management efforts, Goldilocks Bakeshop has also implemented the RDC system across its stores in all SM Supermalls. 


Creating opportunities to expand


Partnerships with other organizations pave the way for the work ahead. SM Waste-Free Future strengthens tenant engagement for SM Supermalls and SM Offices, supporting businesses with similar goals on waste and helping them align with their global sustainability policies.


Similarly, it reinforces SM Hotels’ advanced Back of House operations, food waste policies, and textile recycling program. The SM Hotels’ Tela Tales program transforms discarded linen into sustainable products and provides livelihood for the women of partner communities, upcycling more than 2,000 yards of condemned linens. 


Recognizing that technology greatly contributes to the solutions, SM Waste-Free Future has also strengthened collaborations with other organizations. SM Development Corporation (SMDC) works with Globe’s Hapag Movement to rescue surplus food from residents and help make a difference in the lives of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger and divert household food waste away from landfills. 


In the mall’s Cyberzone areas, SM Supermalls’ Electronic Waste Collection Program and their partnership with PLDT and Smart make it accessible to dispose of old mobile devices and other electronic gadgets responsibly. 

Shoppers can conveniently drop off old gadgets for proper recycling through SM Supermalls’ E-Waste Collection in partnership with PLDT and Smart at Cyberzone.


Join the movement


SM Waste Free Future invites more communities and stakeholders to participate through proper waste segregation, joining local clean-ups and collection drives, or supporting eco-friendly products and practices. 


Positive reinforcement and catchy social media campaigns from SM Cares target the youth by promoting better waste segregation habits and encouraging them to become more involved with the state of the planet they will inherit. 


Recently, in celebration of World Oceans Day, SM Cares mobilized communities across 18 SM Supermalls nationwide, bringing together over 5,000 volunteers and collecting more than 30,000 kilograms of waste from shorelines. 


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Mobilizing for World Oceans Day, SM Cares volunteers unite and act to remove waste that ends up in the oceans.


“Waste-Free Future is more than just a program—it’s a mindset shift. And we’re only getting started,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “We call on our tenants, partners, and customers to continue the journey with us—because a truly sustainable future is one we build together.”


With the growing momentum for a waste-free future, SM Prime believes that a cleaner, more circular Philippines is well within reach.

DTI, PRA, and SCMAP launch “Job Blueprint” with SM Supermalls

The future of employment in the Philippines' wholesale and retail trade sector got a major boost on June 16, 2025. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP), officially launched Section G: Job Blueprint for the Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector at SM City North EDSA. The initiative included a two-day job fair, offering immediate hiring opportunities to Filipino job seekers.



(L-R): Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) President Dennis Llovido, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Engelbert Chua, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, and Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Roberto Claudio Sr. attend the media launch of the Section G: Job Blueprint for Wholesale and Retail Trade on June 16, 2025, at SM North EDSA.

The Section G Job Blueprint, developed through extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, highlights the strong collaboration between government, the private sector, and mall leadership to address workforce gaps in retail and supply chain. Serving as a foundation for future reforms, it aims to boost employment growth by leveraging the sector’s vital contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its role as a key employer of over 10 million Filipinos, according to the DTI.

Industry support and immediate impact

The job fair, which offered hundreds of career opportunities from leading retailers and logistics providers, drew a diverse crowd of job seekers eager to engage with PRA and SCMAP member companies recruiting for roles in merchandising, warehousing, logistics, and frontline retail.

In the photo: SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Job Fairs Royce Cabunag, Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Roberto Claudio Sr., and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Engelbert Chua at the launch of the two-day Section G: Job Blueprint for the Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector job fair at SM North EDSA.

 “This is more than just a job fair—it’s a call to action,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President of Marketing at SM Supermalls. “We are proud to partner with DTI, PRA, and SCMAP in hosting this meaningful initiative that connects people to opportunity and promotes inclusive employment.”

SM Supermalls, as host venue and promotional partner, reinforced its commitment to national workforce development and economic recovery. This event is part of SM’s ongoing support for programs that empower micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), job seekers, and industry players.

Job seekers connect with leading retailers and logistics providers offering roles in merchandising, warehousing, and frontline retail.

With Section G now officially launched, stakeholders look forward to implementing its key recommendations and building a stronger, more resilient retail trade sector for all.

SM Supermalls joins the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) in driving inclusive employment at the launch of the Section G Job Blueprint.

About SM Supermalls Job Fairs 

SM Supermalls, a division of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the Philippines' leading developer, operator, and owner of world-class malls. SM Supermalls is dedicated to fostering sustainable and community-centric developments. Through initiatives like job fairs, SM Supermalls continues to play a pivotal role in nation-building, offering opportunities that transform lives and contribute to the well-being of Filipino communities.  

Waves of Change: Thousands Join SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup

                                            In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025



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Thousands of volunteers gather at SM by the BAY in Manila for SM Cares’ flagship coastal cleanup drive for World Oceans Day 2025, showing a united front in the fight against marine pollution.


In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, over 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life united on June 7 for a massive nationwide coastal cleanup led by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines—proving that when a community comes together, real impact happens.


This year’s theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” resonated deeply as volunteers took to coastlines in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, armed with gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life.


Beyond fostering community collaboration and promoting environmental responsibility, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup initiative played a vital role in cultivating healthier environment, enhancing the overall quality of life for local residents, and contributing to the long-term preservation of marine ecosystems. 


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Volunteers from SM City Manila assemble at the coastal cleanup site to remove marine waste and protect vital waterways in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

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Stepping up for a cleaner tomorrow, volunteers from SM City San Lazaro join the coastal cleanup drive---picking up trash and protecting our shores, one piece at a time.


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Showing the power of teamwork, volunteers from SM City Batangas and SM City Lipa come together to make waves of change for World Oceans Day 2025.

With gloves on and bags in hand, volunteers at SM City Lucena take part in SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup drive, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation.


Employee volunteers from SM Center Dagupan take action for the environment during the coastal cleanup drive, shoveling sand and debris to help restore the shoreline.

SM City Iloilo volunteers join hands with the local community of Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo in a coastal cleanup drive, working together to preserve the shoreline and promote environmental sustainability.


SM City Davao volunteers are out on the shore, turning dedication into action as they clean up the coast and care for the planet.

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Beaming with pride, volunteers at SM City CDO Uptown and Downtown hold up the coastal cleanup banner, standing united as ocean defenders in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.


“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it's our turn to give back,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment. “This coastal cleanup isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a symbol of our shared duty to preserve biodiversity and inspire action for a sustainable future, while bringing lasting positive impacts to the community by advancing healthier coastal spaces, and uniting people through shared environmental action.”


A National Movement for the Seas

From students and teachers to LGUs, NGO partners, employees, and security and janitorial teams, the cleanup drew a diverse wave of ocean defenders. SM Cares worked closely with local government units, environmental organizations, youth groups, and coastal barangays to stage cleanups across several major sites nationwide.


These collaborations not only ensured the success of the initiative but also highlighted the power of inclusive, community-driven action. Volunteers gathered to remove tons of waste from shorelines, raise awareness about marine conservation, and inspire long-term behavioral change toward environmental care.


Students, teachers, and partner organizations join forces with SM Cares during the Coastal Cleanup drive—demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Demonstrating sustained commitment to protecting the environment, SM employee volunteers return to SM by the Bay to help protect the shoreline.


Building an #SMWasteFreeFuture

The June 7 cleanup is part of SM Cares’ broader sustainability vision through its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, which also includes weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY. 


This May 2025, SM employee-led cleanups have mobilized a total of 279 volunteers, collecting over 4,493 kilograms of waste—highlighting their firm commitment to keeping our coasts clean on a weekly basis. These sustained efforts contributed to creating a safer, more enjoyable coastal spaces for customers, while encouraging a stronger culture of environmental volunteerism.


SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup also supports and aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 14: Life Below Water, by directly reducing marine pollution and protecting ocean ecosystems. It also contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action, by raising environmental awareness and promoting community-led climate resilience, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through its collaboration with LGUs, NGOs, schools, and communities.


With two more major cleanups planned for the year, SM Cares remains determined in its mission to inspire Filipinos to take action—one shoreline at a time. For more stories and updates on how you can be part of the movement, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.


SM Prime’s Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience at UNDRR Global Platform 2025

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions.

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Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland.


Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR


“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.”


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Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025.


He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks. 


Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships.


Embedding resilience into core business strategy


In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime’s approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster.


“Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be,” he said. “We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt.”


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The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding.


Call to scale resilience investment


To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. “From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,” he noted.


His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.


“Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,” he concluded.

What’s New at SM Supermalls? Experience What’s First in Cebu

To live in the moment is your theme this month of June with several opportunities for joy and fulfillment heading your way.

What makes life truly rewarding is having the present moment to create meaningful memories—whether it’s by yourself or with the people you love. From sharing great food, to celebrating small wins, to saving the day after a long, arduous week—you can live your best life by making the most of today. 




Indulge in having moments to cherish, and take the chance to create memories of happiness with SM Supermalls—right here in Cebu.



Moments Worth Savoring at SM City Cebu


What better way to share special moments than over delicious food? Savor memorable dining experiences with these must-visit food destinations headlining this June and July:

  • Manam—finally opening this month, get ready to relish familiar yet innovative flavors with modern takes on Filipino comfort food and traditional dishes—including their signature Beef Short Rib Sinigang & Watermelon.

  • Ooma—the long wait for this Japanese-inspired restaurant is over! Known for its bold takes on Japanese dishes, food lovers in Visayas can enjoy Ooma favorites including the Hanger Steak, Aburi Mixer, Ebi Tempura, and more.

  • 8 Cuts Burgers—a casual restaurant serving a wide menu of burgers and sides, highlighting their custom-blended patties crafted from premium grade ingredients.

  • Mo’ Cookies—a dessert haven known for its ooey-gooey palm-sized cookies come in flavors like Chocolate Chip, South Cotabato Fudge, and Nutella Crinkle, among many others.

  • Din Tai Fung—a renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain celebrated for its expertly crafted xiaolongbao, along with a variety of authentic Taiwanese dishes.



Unwind and Treat Yourself at SM Seaside City Cebu


Meaningful moments don’t have to be grand—because joy can also come from small wins, small steps, and all the little things you do to show appreciation for yourself. Check out these freshly opened hangout spot:

After a long wait, the fast-growing Pickup Coffee has finally arrived at SM Seaside City Cebu with its first-in-SM premium café concept: Pickup Prime—offering elevated brews perfect for your productive lifestyle

Whether it’s your very first collectible item or your first time trying out makeup, there’s joy and fulfillment in treating yourself to new things and fresh experiences. Reward yourself with these first-in-Cebu stores launching this June:

  • Geek PH—specialty toy and collectibles store, catering to pop culture enthusiasts, offering a wide range of action figures, blind boxes, and other unique items.

  • Issy—a Filipino beauty brand renowned for its vegan, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly makeup products, bannering items designed to be versatile, easy to use, and suitable for the tropical climate of the Philippines.

  • Premier Drip—a wellness lounge specializing in intravenous (IV) therapy opening their first-in-Cebu store, offering the magic of having an enhanced overall skin health, radiant glowing, and boosted immunity.

  • Bangkok Kitchen Express—a Thai restaurant bringing the authentic flavors of Bangkok to Cebu for the very first time.



Parisian Bistro at SM J Mall


Take your special moments to a classic French dining experience here in Cebu. Our discerning food lovers can look forward to the opening of Salon de Thé by The French Baker—a Parisian-inspired café featuring European pastries, gourmet teas, and bistro-style dishes.


Life’s about what you do with every waking moment. Have your time, create memories worth remembering, and take center stage with lots of opportunities for joy here in Cebu—only at SM Supermalls, bringing you a #NewEraOfFirsts.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!