Author: Ruel Umali

The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21st-anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father.

CHILD Haus founder ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution’s 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries.

Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky, and several individuals and companies who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The media was present as well, recognizing how establishments like CHILD Haus make a big difference and become the ‘answered prayers’ of so many children and their parents.

CHILD Haus founder ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes

SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy

Three CHILD Haus stories, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa, were turned into video vignettes that highlighted the message of hope and the life-saving work of the organization. While it is easy to describe such events as heartwarming and tear-jerking, it was truly remarkable to witness even the most seasoned press photographers being moved to tears by these videos. This is a clear testament to the profound impact that these testimonials had on the audience at the event.

CHILD Haus founder ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and three inspiring CHILD Haus children, Aya, Laura, and Jessa.

After ‘Mader’ Ricky’s heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the organization’s life-saving work possible.

CHILD Haus founder ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy award plaques of appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose contributions have enabled the organization’s life-saving mission.

Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations – one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.

A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a reality.

Singer Karylle leads the CHILD Haus children in an uplifting song.

In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.

To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

Marikina City – Gilren Bajado, lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Almus J. Alabe and Regional CRS Manager Harold James E. Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony.

LG Bajado’s outstanding accomplishment stems from her remarkable act of honesty and integrity on August 3, 2023, at SM Cinema, SM City Marikina. During her clearing duties, she discovered a lost black pouch containing 64,800 pesos, along with ATM cards and assorted ID cards belonging to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old staff member of Palarong Pambansa.

SM City Marikina Customer Relations Services Manager Mr. Edward S. Masangcay, Regional CRS Manager Mr. Harold E. Herrera, Lady Guard Gilren Bajado of RJC Security, PNP Chief Bejamin Acorda Jr., SM Supermalls Senior Asst VP for CRS Mr. Almus J. Alabe, RJC HR Manager Mr. Wilmark Reyes

Without hesitation, she reported this to the CRS office, ensuring the safe return of the lost valuables to their rightful owner. Her integrity, honesty, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and admiration from her peers and superiors.

SM Supermalls and RJC Security Solutions take immense pride in her achievement, as it reflects the company’s core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Her commitment to her duties, her sense of responsibility, and her exemplary character have brought honor not only to herself but also to RJC Security Solutions as a leading provider of comprehensive security services.

The recognition of LG Gilren Bajado as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year strengthens SM Supermalls’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. The company consistently strives to provide security solutions while ensuring that its employees embody the highest ethical standards.

SM Supermalls extends its warmest congratulations to LG Gilren Bajado for her outstanding achievement and for being a shining example of integrity and professionalism. Her actions serve as an inspiration to all and remind us of the impact that a single individual can have on building a safer and more trustworthy society.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) held the topping off ceremony of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall last October 7, 2023. The ceremony is a builder’s tradition that highlights the placement of the final beam on top of the structure.

The seven-storey building is a tribute of the Sy family, the SM Group, and UST to the SM founder for his life-long education advocacy. It is equally a manifestation of the ever-growing desire of the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI) and the 152-year old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) to further level up in the field of medicine.

The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will serve as a hub for simulation in medical education, interactive student centered-learning, collaborative multidisciplinary research, and interprofessional education. It will house the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center.

“The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will be a state-of-the-art structure designed to meet the challenges and expectations of a digitally-inclined medical education landscape. It will house technologically advanced facilities and equipment, which will complement the existing teaching, learning, and research practices of the University. It is yet another milestone, securing the UST FMS a relevant spot, a significant spot in Catholic medical education in the country, the region, and the world.” FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao said about the Henry Sy. Sr. Hall.

“Medical students can access a broad range of digital tools and resources to enhance their learning and education as we were compelled to shift to e-learning and online course platforms,” UST Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., said.

“Nowadays, keeping up with the advances in medical education is paramount to ensure that our students are competent, agile, and well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing educational landscape of modern medicine, and this building, this edifice, will give us state-of-the-art equipment, which will give our medical students a cutting-edge knowledge on how to use robotics as well as other equipment,” Fr. Ang added.

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall is on track to be completed by June 2024. ♦

Download the high-resolution photos below: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_242BvXlBoePKFH_V54p7LuOqPjqZiDW?usp=sharing

The artist’s rendition of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, which will rise near Gate 10 (Dapitan St.)

Heads of the UST and HSFI, led by Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang,O.P. FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao, and Debbie Sy, at the topping off ceremony last October 7, 2023

(from left) SM Foundation (SMFI) SAVP for Education Eleanor Lansang, SM Investments VP for Securities Judith Balderrama, Henry Sy Foundation (HSF) treasurer Virginia Yap, SMFI Executive Director and HSF Trustee Debbie Sy, HSF Executive Director Dr. Lydia Echauz, SMFI and HSF Trustee Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal are welcomed by Dr. Joreen Rocamora, Director of the UST Office of Public Affairs.

Recognizing today’s youth’s key role as tomorrow’s guardians of the environment, SM Prime
Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) have
teamed up to launch YOUth are the Future,a leadership program aimed to equip young student
leaders on environmental conservation , climate change, and sustainability issues.
“There is no better time than now to educate the youth. As stewards of the planet, it is important
that they have an opportunity to learn about environmental conservation, encourage them to
voice out their fresh ideas, and share new perspectives,” said WWF-Philippines Education for
Sustainable Development Project Head Dino Calderon.
“When we provide our young student leaders with learning opportunities and expose them to
practical solutions, we have a chance to help them design a sustainable future. We are
committed to make sure that things change for the better,” says Hans “Chico” Sy, President of
SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability
champion.
Commencing with the grand launch on October 10, 2023, the student ambassadors from various
Metro Manila high schools participated in a discovery tour around the SM Mall of Asia Complex,
which features SM Prime’s sustainability efforts and disaster resiliency practices. The formal
introduction of YOUth are the Future Ambassadors was held at the SMX Convention Center and
along with a pinning ceremony. Leaders and representatives from SM Prime, WWF-Philippines,
government agencies, and foreign dignitaries are also present at the event.
In a message she delivered during the event, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said, “Our journey is really about the
race to resilience, as our climate changes, society is changing. Sustainability is our pathway to
survival as a planet and that is what resilience is really about, the ability to withstand the impacts
of the hazards that we know and those that we could face in the future.”
The youth ambassadors will participate in a three-day eco-camp at the Pico De Loro Beach and
Country Club in November, where they will learn about waste and energy management,
resource optimization, and climate mitigation and adaptation strategies from some of the
country’s experts.
Renowned for its role in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle conservation, the 3-day eco camp in Hamilo
Coast also serves as an immersive natural classroom in environmental conservation. The
expected output from the eco-camp is a Green Manifesto that outlines their plans to effect
change and a storybook module co-authored by all the participants. The program will culminate
through a series of mall and school tours throughout Metro Manila to boost youth engagement

Health workers in San Fernando, Cebu Primary Healthcare Facility water the locally sourced plants using the water from the rainwater harvesting system.

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy.

SM group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), for one, has embraced this by installing rainwater harvesting systems in two of the local health centers it recently refurbished–Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility.

SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment.

Ready in times of emergency
Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”

SMFI Health and Medical Programs senior project manager Albert Uy runs through how the system functions.

SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.

To guide users for safe recycled water use, all faucets connected to the facility have visible labels. Alongside this innovation, SMFI also used air-cleaning paints, LED lighting fixtures and appliances, and locally sourced plants to create a clean and comfortable environment for patients and health workers.

These green innovations exemplify the SM group’s commitment to the environment and community health within the broader context of the SM Green Movement. With the social good impact of the two rainwater harvesting systems, SMFI targets to replicate this initiative in other health centers in its pipeline, further improving water security in the face of challenges.

Health workers use the rainwater harvesting system for their outdoor cleaning needs.

To learn more, please contact:

Victor Persius F. Chan
SAVP for Corporate Affairs & Sustainability
(632) 8857-0100 local 0117
victor.chan@sminvestments.com