Universal Accessibility by Design and Practice earns SM Group 23 industry distinctions

 With inclusivity and access as a key pillar in SM’s corporate purpose, inclusive spaces and facilities enhance the SM Group’s portfolio of malls, offices, and retail spaces. It is this universal implementation of accessible environments, and commitment to advance disability inclusion that bagged SM Group industry distinctions from The Philippine Foundation For the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc. (PFRD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, disability-friendly facilities are overseen and supported nationwide with manpower training in line with industry standards to effectively accommodate Persons With Disabilities.

 “Every single person entering and engaging in the spaces built by SM deserves to feel welcomed and accommodated,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations and Program Director for Disability Affairs, SM Cares. “Our benchmark for true inclusivity expressed well is when every guest, visitor, and mallgoer can freely move around our spaces while still receiving the support they need when challenges arise.”

 

SM and SM Cares: Serving to supplement accessibility gaps

For SM Cares, accessibility is a priority—a crucial component of property planning for mobility and manpower training, ultimately contributing to community service.

 

The results of this enduring commitment over the years were recognized at the 2026 Apolinario Mabini Awards, where SM’s mall, retail, and office properties received multiple citations for advancing accessibility and creating more inclusive environments for Persons With Disabilities.

Presented by the PFRD, the Apolinario Mabini Awards recognize organizations and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the welfare and inclusion of Persons With Disabilities.

SM’s largest network of real estate for retail, SM Supermalls, bagged 12 citations with SM Store, SM Commercial Properties Group, and SM Supermarket, taking home ten awards for the Disability Friendly Establishment category.

Among the recipients are SM City Roxas with silver and SM Center Angono, SM City Bacolod North Block Extension, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Sto. Tomas, SM Store J Mall, SM Store Puerto Princesa, E-Com Three, and E-Com Five with bronze. Special awards were also presented to several SM malls, SM Stores, and Savemore branches for initiatives ranging from substantial compliance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 to improvements that addressed accessibility gaps and expanded access for customers.

Additionally, SM Cares was recognized by the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) for its sustained leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing disability inclusion in the Philippines through its Advocate for Equity Award.

The distinction highlights how SM Cares has consistently demonstrated exemplary support in creating accessible and inclusive spaces which enable meaningful participation of Persons With Disabilities in community life. SM Cares was further noted as an instrumental force in promoting awareness, accessibility and equal opportunities for the sector, generously opening mall spaces nationwide as venues for various disability-related events, fostering visibility, and engagement.

 "Inclusion is intentional at SM because of our purpose on sharing social equity and our drive of becoming a truly inclusive Mall for All. It is woven into how we train our people, create our programs, and design our spaces. We believe accessibility is about making every person feel welcome, respected, and able to fully participate in the experiences we create every day," said Eusebio.

Discover, Dine, and Play: Cebu’s Growing Collection of Destination Attractions Captivates Travelers

Cebu continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the country's most dynamic travel destinations, offering visitors a diverse mix of attractions, experiences, and activities that go beyond its renowned beaches and heritage sites. As part of its SM for Cebu commitment, the most-loved SM malls in Cebu continue to bring together shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation, and leisure experiences, giving both locals and visitors a maxed-out experience and more ways to discover, dine, play, and make the most of their time in the province.

Discover fun and adventure at Cebu Fun Park, one of the featured attractions within the SM Seaside Complex that brings recreation and leisure together in one destination. 

At SM City Cebu, visitors can experience a vibrant urban destination where shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation come together in one convenient location. From leading fashion and lifestyle brands to the latest in technology, beauty, home, and everyday essentials, SM City Cebu curates one of the city's most comprehensive retail destinations, making it a preferred shopping hub for both locals and tourists. Food lovers can also explore the Food Hall, which brings together a diverse selection of dining concepts, offering everything from local favorites to international flavors in one vibrant culinary destination, while families and groups can enjoy friendly competition at the SM Bowling Center. For moviegoers, the Directors Club Cinema offers a premium viewing experience, while the first and only IMAX Theatre in Cebu remains a premier entertainment destination, offering audiences an unparalleled cinematic experience with cutting-edge projection and sound technology for the biggest film releases. With its central location and broad range of offerings, SM City Cebu provides visitors with a convenient way to shop, dine, be entertained, and unwind while exploring the city.

In Mandaue City, SM J Mall offers a distinctly different lifestyle experience, combining Japanese-inspired design and contemporary leisure concepts with shopping, dining, wellness, and entertainment. Visitors can explore the mall's Japanese-inspired spaces and discover dining destinations such as the Izakaya Terrace and Food Hall, offering opportunities to enjoy meals and gather with family and friends. Beyond dining, SM J Mall brings together retail, beauty and wellness, technology, and active-lifestyle experiences, creating a destination suited for both relaxation and recreation. Moviegoers can also enjoy the premium Directors Club Cinema, while the mall's curated spaces and lifestyle concepts provide visitors with a more experiential way to spend their day. Together, these offerings give SM J Mall a distinctive character within Cebu's growing collection of lifestyle destinations.

SM Skating offers an exhilarating ice-skating experience at SM Seaside City Cebu, giving visitors a space to glide, play, and enjoy memorable moments on the ice. 

At SM Seaside City Cebu, visitors can explore an expansive mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and leisure offerings, including the SM Bowling Center, Ice Skating, and Directors Club Cinema. Beyond the mall, the surrounding SM Seaside Complex brings together Cebu Ocean Park, Cebu Fun Park, and Thirsty Pickle, offering marine discovery, family recreation, and active sports experiences. The destination is further expanding its events and entertainment offering with the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, which hosts major concerts, sporting events, and other large-scale activities, while the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu is set to further strengthen Cebu's capacity for conventions, exhibitions, meetings, and events.

From homegrown Cebuano specialties to globally inspired cuisine, SM Supermalls bring together diverse dining experiences that celebrate Cebu’s vibrant food culture.  

Cebu's diverse dining scene adds another dimension to the visitor experience, from beloved Cebuano specialties to globally inspired cuisines. Across SM malls in Cebu, guests can discover local favorites, homegrown brands, and international restaurants, making every visit an opportunity to explore new flavors while experiencing the region's vibrant food culture. Whether enjoying the variety at the Food Hall of SM City Cebu, experiencing Japanese-inspired dining at SM J Mall, or exploring the wide range of restaurants at SM Seaside City Cebu, visitors can easily make food part of their Cebu experience.

Visitors enjoy an exciting game of pickleball at Thirsty Pickle, one of the featured lifestyle attractions within the SM Seaside Complex, offering active recreation for both beginners and experienced players. 

The growing variety of attractions gives travelers more ways to spend their day, whether enjoying marine encounters and family activities, discovering new dining and lifestyle concepts, shopping, watching movies, bowling, playing pickleball, or attending concerts and major events. By bringing together diverse lifestyle, retail, dining, entertainment, and recreational experiences, these destinations contribute to Cebu's broader tourism landscape, creating more opportunities for longer visits, repeat trips, and engagement with local businesses. As Cebu's tourism landscape continues to evolve, its growing collection of attractions reinforces the province's position as one of the country's premier travel destinations, inviting visitors to discover, dine, and play while experiencing even more of what Cebu has to offer.