Built to protect: SM Prime’s flood mitigation strategy

SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), a pioneer in sustainability initiatives in the Philippines, has long been committed to environmental stewardship and building resilient structures. From its early adoption of water recycling and innovative energy management programs to operationalizing renewable energy and waste management, SM Prime has consistently prioritized sustainability. This commitment was further underscored by the company’s active participation in the recent Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Office of Civil Defense. At the conference, Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, emphasized the critical role of resilience in urban populations and how innovation and multi-sectoral collaboration are essential for the country’s sustainable development.

The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, especially tropical cyclones and typhoons, making disaster risk management (DRM) and resilient infrastructure crucial. SM Prime employs a hydrological survey approach in building locations to determine flood susceptibility.

SM City Marikina prioritizes safety with flood mitigation measures, ensuring a secure and comfortable environment for the community.

SM City Marikina, elevated on 246 concrete stilts, allows floodwaters to flow beneath, keeping occupants safe during severe weather events.

A strong example of such resilience lies in SM City Marikina, whose unique structure was lauded by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Built beside the Marikina River, an area prone to flooding during severe weather events, SM City Marikina stands on 246 concrete stilts. This innovative design allows floodwaters to flow beneath the structure, leaving the mall and its occupants safe and dry. During Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009, which devastated surrounding areas, SM City Marikina remained intact, serving as a refuge for those affected by the disaster. Similar to the stilts methodology, SM City Cabanatuan’s lower ground parking level serves as a temporary catchment basin.

SM City Cabanatuan demonstrates SM Prime’s dedication to flood mitigation through its robust design.

SM City Cabanatuan’s lower ground parking level doubles as a temporary flood catchment basin, a crucial element of our flood mitigation strategy.

Beyond these two malls, this promise of flood resilience is present in other properties. A key innovation employed by SM Prime is the implementation of rainwater catchment basins in its malls. These massive underground tanks, similar in size to swimming pools, collect and store rainwater from the street level, mitigating flooding in surrounding communities. Twenty-nine SM Supermalls across the country are equipped with these basins, boasting a combined capacity of 85,400 cubic meters – enough to fill over 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

Built to protect, SM City Masinag incorporates a rainwater catchment basin to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall.

SM City Masinag’s rainwater catchment basin collected 8,652.60 cubic meters of rainwater during Super Typhoon Carina.

Designed with the community in mind, SM City Masinag incorporates flood mitigation measures for safety.

These catchment basins have proven invaluable during recent typhoons. For instance, SM City Masinag’s rainwater catchment basin played a crucial role during Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) last July 2024, effectively managing the increased water volume. It collected 8,652.60 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to 264 gallons of water. As the first SM mall equipped with a rainwater catchment basin, SM City Masinag was strategically built in a historically flood-prone area, serving as a catch basin for water flowing down from upper Antipolo. In the second half of 2024, SM malls prevented an estimated total of 46,405 cubic meters of rainwater–the volume of 18 Olympic-sized swimming pools–from flooding the surrounding areas.

Mr. Gareth Aboy, a resident and former officer of Vermont Phase 1 Association near SM City Masinag, expressed his gratitude: “The residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to SM City Masinag for always being there in our times of need. Thank you for keeping your doors open for our immediate daily needs, your elevated parking spaces for our vehicles, and for keeping your water catchment basin open to help drain the water from our flood-prone village. SM City Masinag has always been and will continue to be a treasure for the residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo.”

Sustainability and resilience are at the core of SM Prime’s business strategy. The company invests significantly in these measures, recognizing that the benefits – safer communities, environmental protection, and enhanced business continuity – far outweigh the costs. SM Prime remains committed to building a more resilient future for the communities it serves.

Solar PV System

Imagine a world powered by the sun, the ultimate source of life. As climate change worsens due to fossil fuel use, sustainable energy alternatives are more crucial than ever. The Philippines, with its abundant sunlight, is uniquely positioned to harness solar power and help combat climate change. In 2024, Manila experienced around 4,440 hours of daylight, which translates to a significant potential for solar energy production.

SM Prime recognized this potential early on. In 2014, SM North EDSA became the first commercial property in the Philippines to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof, achieving the largest installation in Southeast Asia at the time. This move signaled the beginning of SM Prime’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan explains, “SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility to serving people and the planet.”

Today, SM Supermalls operates 44 malls with solar PV systems, generating a combined peak energy of 51.6 megawatts (MW). The largest installation is at SM City Santa Rosa. With a total of 96,000 solar panels across malls in Luzon and Visayas, SM Prime holds the Philippines’ largest solar energy portfolio, covering around 33 hectares. These efforts are a vital part of the company’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.

This 51.6 MW capacity significantly cuts carbon emissions, providing clean energy that powers thousands of homes or removes thousands of cars from the roads. It also reduces the need for coal, offering environmental benefits for both the planet and local communities.

The solar power generated directly fuels essential mall operations like lighting and escalators, reducing SM Supermalls’ reliance on the national grid. This, in turn, helps stabilize the power supply, reducing the risk of outages and easing the burden on electricity providers. By tapping into clean, renewable energy, SM Prime is contributing to a more sustainable future for the Philippines.

SM Prime’s sustainability efforts extend beyond solar energy. The company also focuses on waste management, water conservation, and air quality initiatives, all designed to minimize environmental impact. Through these comprehensive measures, SM Prime strives to create a positive change while ensuring responsible, innovative operations.

In sum, SM Prime’s large-scale adoption of solar PV systems, combined with its broader environmental initiatives, exemplifies its dedication to creating a sustainable future for the Philippines. By leading in renewable energy and sustainability, SM Prime is helping pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and brighter tomorrow.

SM Mall of Asia Complex: A benchmark in resilience and innovation

The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare landmark along Manila Bay, showcases SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for disaster resilience and community protection for all its projects.

Initially conceived as a pioneering mixed-use development on reclaimed land spearheaded by the Philippine government, it has evolved into a benchmark of safety and stability, fulfilling the vision of founder Henry Sy, Sr., who aspired to create “a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions.”

Expanding on his father’s vision, Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), emphasizes the importance of creating resilient, sustainable spaces that prioritize both safety and community well-being.

“We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities,” Mr. Sy states. In affirmation of this belief, he stands as the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board.

Launched in 2015, ARISE Philippines is the country’s 157-member-strong premier private sector alliance united by a shared vision of a resilient and prosperous future. The organization, the first country network established by the UNDRR, aims to minimize disaster-related loss of life, ensure investments and assets are risk-informed, and build infrastructure capable of withstanding both natural and man-made hazards.

SM Prime’s commitment to resilience is evident in the very design of the MOA Complex, which incorporates cutting-edge disaster resilience features to protect against the unique challenges posed by its coastal location.

Before construction began, SM Prime engaged the expertise of Jan de Nul, a renowned Belgian coastal development company. Their extensive research and studies ensured the viability of the project, taking into account the complex interplay of land and sea. To create a resilient structure, the company conducted risk reviews in which the following components are incorporated: Identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. This meticulous pre-engineering phase laid the groundwork for a structure, completed in 2006, that was capable of withstanding the test of time and nature.

One of the key challenges addressed was soil erosion. To combat this, the team implemented a sophisticated system of wick drains. These drains act as pathways for pore water in soft, compressible soil, effectively preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the land. This technology, while more costly than traditional methods, provides a significantly higher degree of protection, particularly against liquefaction during seismic events.

The threat of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon where soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during earthquakes, was also mitigated through innovative foundation design. Driven and bored piles, combined with precise excavation methods, provide the complex with robust resistance against liquefaction and seismic activity.

HONOR X9c 5G is Coming on January 10 but Can It Survive a 500FT Drop Test?

 
Manila, Philippines, January 1, 2025 – Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines just dropped #TheToughestPhone of 2025 as the country celebrated New Year’s Day. Coming on January 10, HONOR X9c 5G will be launched on HONOR’s Facebook page.
“This is our biggest launch ever and we’re excited to be dropping this the same time we welcome 2025! This smartphone is stronger with its All-Angle Ultra Defense. HONOR X9c 5G is now water, drop, and heat-resistant. Mark your calendars on January 10 and get to know the toughest phone of 2025,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
All-Angle Triple Defense
 
The new HONOR X9c 5G sports an all-angle triple defense feature that has an SGS 5-Star rating for Drop Resistance. It also defied an industry standard as it can withstand up to two-meter drops.
HONOR X9c 5G also has water resistance feature with an IP65M rating. It can be submerged up to 25cm deep for a maximum of 5 minutes.
The biggest surprise of HONOR for the HONOR X9c 5G is the boiling test – a new trend that will make social media go wild yet again. With its heat resistance, the toughest phone can take extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C cold to 70°C hot.
So, mark your calendar on January 10 and witness the unveiling of the toughest phone of 2025 – the HONOR X9c 5G. Catch it live on HONOR’s Facebook page.

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For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).
About HONOR
HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.
Media Contacts:
Pao Oga
PR Manager
09190016898
Denis Santos
PR Supervisor
0917174532
 

Celebrate Holidays With #GreenLove, let Kim Molina Show You How Outside of her work as a singer and actress, Kim Molina constantly advocates for protection of the environment.

Kim’s love and care for the environment earned the attention of Taiwan Excellence and tapped her to do a vlog to help support the #GreenLove campaign in partnership with Manila Water Foundation (MWF) to promote La Mesa Ecopark (LME) so that the public will have a deeper grasp and appreciation of nature and the protection of watersheds.
Her fondness for nature is evident as she will showcase how to celebrate holidays in a #GreenLove way at LME.
With passion for environmental responsibility at her core, Kim shares eco-friendly gift-wrapping tips on her vlog, which you can see on her both Facebook and Instagram personal accounts. (FB: https://www.facebook.com/kimmolinaofficial/videos/1729618074546048 IG: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDJH2C1yAeq/)
Likewise, gifting is not all about material things as Kim will also show that organic food is an alternative that anyone can give and almost everyone will like to receive.
Kim said that she was happy doing the vlog, showing the transformation of LME into a destination that offers experiential eco-learning while appreciating rich biodiversity.
She believes that her vlog will help awaken the environmental consciousness of the audience on watershed protection.

“La Mesa Ecopark is a must-see destination this holiday season. Thus, it is not only a place for the family to bond and enjoy nature, but this is also for team building for large groups, and even seminars. You will really enjoy the exciting outdoor activities that the place has to offer,” Kim said
Kim Molina proves that there is no single best way of celebrating the holiday season, not to mention showing the possibility of still being environmentally responsible amidst all the fun and festivities.
To know more about #GreenLove campaign follow Taiwan Excellence’s social media accounts.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph/ and
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taiwanexcellence_ph/?hl=en.

Shopee Empowers Content Creators To Enhance Online Shopping Experiences Ahead of the 11.11 Mega Pamasko Sale

Creators Edlyne Lorenzana and Sharlaine Andal, Shopee Head of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Erin Tagudin, and Creator Callie Rae delved into the key role content creators bring to the online shopping experience, as well as the growth opportunities the Shopee Affiliate Program unlocks during the Shopee Creators Fashion Night.

Shopee, Southeast Asia’s leading e-commerce platform, is proud to announce the remarkable growth of its creator ecosystem as it gears up for the highly anticipated 11.11 Mega Pamasko Sale. In today’s digital marketplace, content creators are more than just influencers; they play a crucial role in enriching the online shopping experience through authentic reviews, tailored recommendations, and innovative and engaging product discovery.
Creators Driving Engagement and Sales
With the proliferation of content creators in social media today, these online stars are becoming a driving force in the modern-day consumer’s shopping journey. Kantar’s 2023 “Philippine Media Landscape” report indicates that 60% of Filipino shoppers have made purchases after seeing a product featured by a content creator. Their influence over buying decisions is growing more significant, especially in an e-commerce environment where choices seem endless.
In this context, the Shopee Affiliate Program has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering trust and engagement among shoppers. The Affiliate Program rewards registered Shopee affiliates with a small commission every time someone orders an item they promote. With credible content creators placing their stamp of approval and sharing their favorite and trusted Shopee finds, their followers are assured of quality products and a smooth online shopping experience.
Creator Sharlaine Andal started her affiliate journey when she purchased items on Shopee to redecorate her room and shared her experience in a video. Shortly after, she was invited to join the Shopee Affiliate Program, unlocking a new avenue to earn through her content. “It’s amazing that I get to share the quality,legitimate items I buy from Shopee with my followers and earn a commission at the same time,” Andal expressed.
“What’s even better is the sense of community I found with my fellow affiliates,” she added. “It’s not about competition, but about having fun promoting great products at great prices together.”
Over the past year, the Shopee Affiliate Program has experienced remarkable growth, seeing close to 600% year-on-year increase in new affiliates compared to 2023. This surge highlights the growing value creators bring to brands and sellers in driving traffic and boosting conversion rates. During the platform’s recent 9.9 campaign, the program successfully facilitated millions of transactions through personal recommendations and honest product reviews by social media creators. This highlights the effectiveness of content creation in generating revenue for both users and businesses.
Innovative Platforms for Enhanced Content Creation
Shopee continues to lead the way in supporting creators with features that maximize engagement and earning potential:
Shopee Live: As a cornerstone of the platform’s interactive shopping experience, Shopee Live continues to grow with over 60% increase in viewership year-on-year. With millions of streams conducted on the platform in 2024 alone, this feature allows creators to connect directly with their audiences, showcasing products in real-time and fostering community and trust.
Shopee Video: This newly launched feature has already been delivering impressive results, with creators producing 10 times more content on Shopee Video in the first quarter of 2024. By providing brands and sellers a lasting platform to host their content, they can maximize the reach and earning potential of a single piece of content. Shopee Video has proven instrumental in increasing brand visibility, consumer engagement, and order conversion through seamless content-to-checkout experiences. This was demonstrated during Shopee’s recent 9.9 campaign, where orders on Shopee Video increased six-fold compared to the average day.
Creator Maria Jhazelle, also known as callieszn on Shopee, gained over 1.1 million followers and doubled her earnings in 2024 after transitioning to full-time streaming. By actively engaging the beauty community during her highly anticipated streams on Shopee Live, she increased daily sales by 62%.
From Runway to Everyday: The Go-To Platform for Millions of Fashion Deals
Fashion creators play a key role in ensuring a smooth online shopping journey for apparel– a category where concerns of sizing and fit often cause hesitation By offering product demonstrations and sharing honest reviews about fit, comfort, and material, these creators build trust with buyers. Following Shopee’s active efforts to ensure a trustworthy, reliable shopping experience, the app saw a 140% growth in Fashion orders during its last 9.9 sale, signaling the growing opportunities for fashion sellers and creators.
Additionally, Shopee also showcased its increasingly robust assortment of fashion items on its platform, ranging from established international brands like Cole Haan, Jag, Lee, and Forever 21 to trendy up-and-coming labels like Lovito, Tala by Kyla. Through personalized product recommendations and growing partnerships with content creators on features like Shopee Live and Shopee Video, users get an inside look at how stylish pieces look when worn and shoppers are increasingly turning to Shopee where they can explore millions of fashion deals.
A Call to Creators: Join the 11.11 Celebration
As the 11.11 Mega Pamasko Sale draws near, Shopee invites content creators to seize this unparalleled opportunity, especially with e-commerce in the Philippines projected to grow to $30 billion by 2027. This is the ideal moment for creators to join the Shopee Affiliate Program and leverage the heightened shopping activity as the holiday season approaches.
These online shopping activities have become a local cultural phenomenon and one of the key events associated with Christmas in the Philippines. At Shopee’s last 11.11 Mega Pamasko Sale in 2023, the e-commerce giant saw an 8x uplift in new Shopee Live viewers– a clear sign that online shopping continues to thrive in the country.
Shoppers can be assured of a seamless, reliable, and exciting online shopping experience at Shopee’s 11.11 Mega Pamasko Sale with On-Time Pamasko Delivery, 70% Off Holiday Deals, and Free Shipping with PHP 0 minimum spend. On November 11, shoppers can check the Shopee app at 12 midnight, 12:30 AM, 12 noon, and 6:30 PM with 11.11 Rush Deals, where they get a chance to score enormous offers on must-have products like the Xiaomi smart TV, Dyson Airwrap, and Nintendo Switch. Users can also go to the Shopee app to play Shopee Shake and get the chance to win up to 1.1 million Shopee Coins.
A Cultural Shift Towards Content Creation
The rise of content creation has become a cultural phenomenon, shaping the daily lives of millions. Shopee is proud to offer innovative platforms that allow creators to monetize their passion while delivering a seamless online shopping experience to consumers. This shift empowers individuals, sparks creativity, and fosters a sense of collaboration within the community where creators and consumers connect.
Join us in celebrating the transformative power of content creation and its integral role in the future of e-commerce.
Follow us on @shopeePH on Facebook and Instagram to know more about the Shopee 11.11 Mega Pamasko Sale, and check out the Shopee App now!

Collaborative partnerships for climate resilience

The Philippines tops the list of countries with the highest disaster risk, thus building our capacity to respond, bounce back and adapt to intensifying climate impacts is a nationwide priority and shared responsibility.

“Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors,” said World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director, Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).
“There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our national policies and our commitments, but for these to succeed, there needs to be sincere effort and openness to work across different sectors and disciplines,” said Custodio. The session on creating connections and partnerships was hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Service Lead of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch.

Jonas Dumdum of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila and World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines Executive Director Katherine Custodio on Collaborative Partnerships for Climate Resilience, at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations, is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

“Finding the right champions within the company – that’s very important. It helps to engage the leaders from the top,” said Custodio, who has seen the history of the shared goals between the NGO and its many corporate partners over the years.

Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SMDC, shares her insights on sustainable and climate-resilient integrated properties.

WWF-Philippines and SM Prime Holdings, Inc., (SM Prime) have partnered on successful programs such as the YOUth are the Future, the annual Earth Hour campaign with SM Supermalls, SM Hotel’s Sustainable Diner, and the Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development project that’s now in its 14th year.

“At SM Prime, we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC), during the event.

As one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, SM Prime believes that taking the right climate action must be grounded in science and endeavor to transition to a net-zero economy. SM Prime’s partnership with WWF-PH ensures that its near and long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2040, align with the global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050.

“WWF-PH is pleased to work with SM Prime on their decarbonization efforts through our Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI) program. Companies such as SM Prime are guided in identifying climate-related risks, working on a roadmap, and publicly committing to their science-based targets,” said Custodio.

“Change does not happen overnight. This is something we have learned in our work with communities all over the country. True partners are willing to work together for a long time, and actively listen to each other,” said Custodio, when asked by Dumdum about climate partnerships and shared purpose. “When your project positively impacts people’s livelihood and wellbeing – when people’s lives improve in a durable way, that’s when you know you’ve created an impact,” she said.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future. 

The 7th APRU-SCL 2024 is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baňos, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, from August 6-8, 2024. For more information, email: hspdconf@up.edu.ph or visit the website: dcerp.che.uplb.edu.ph/ichspd.

SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023. In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.

SM City Baguio’s groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility has treated over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into drinkable water.

This initiative supplements the mall’s water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city’s water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.

“There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “And SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources.”

The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards.

The rainwater treatment facility (RTF) of SM City Baguio utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process with real-time monitoring, ensuring processed water always adheres to potability requirements.

“This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. “By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city’s water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City.”

The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city’s water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city.

SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future. 

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

Sustainability has become a driving force across every industry. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, sustainability is elevated through a strategic framework that leverages the company’s extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence.

SM Prime’s sustainability journey began in the 1990s, guided by a focus on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, favoring strategies grounded on real-world application rather than flashy, short-term fixes. Its strategy is built on what truly matters to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both effective and enduring.

In its 2023 Annual Integrated Report, SM Prime introduced its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap with a clear and powerful message: Together for a sustainable future – aligned with its vision of creating and managing innovative, sustainable, and integrated property developments that enhance the quality of life for all.

SM Prime’s sustainability strategy is built on three main goals: (1) Environmental sustainability, (2) Prosperity for all, and (3) Climate resilience.

Building on its sustainability framework of Economy, People, Planet, and Community, SM Prime identified three major goals to pursue: Environmental sustainability, Prosperity for all, and Climate resilience – all aimed to create a future marked by sustainability, resilience, and widespread prosperity by 2030, 2040, and beyond.

Under its environmental sustainability strategy are two significant programs released by the company: Net Zero by 2040 and #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Net Zero by 2040

SM Prime is committed to enhancing people’s quality of life by intensifying climate action, reducing disaster risks, investing in resilient design, protecting biodiversity, and implementing strategic corporate social responsibility programs, with its main focus on climate action toward a net-zero business. The company has been collaborating with the World-Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines to establish science-based targets in alignment with the global commitment of a net-zero ambition 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,” said 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 gathers the community for a #SMWasteFreeFuture.
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,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion.

Water stewardship

SM Prime is committed to water stewardship by implementing innovative water conservation and management practices, ensuring that properties developed are more responsive and adaptable to the changing needs of communities.

Through its sewage water treatment plants, wastewater is processed, preventing contaminated water from polluting local waterways and for reuse. The recycled water is utilized in malls for water closet flushing, air conditioning operations and landscape greening.

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
SM Prime’s developments serve as catalysts for socio-economic progress, delivering tangible benefits to all stakeholders. Founded by Henry Sy, the company remains committed to his vision of bringing world-class developments to the Philippines. A vision perfectly exemplified through the Mall of Asia Complex which offers a blueprint for future cities that go beyond commercial success to embrace a holistic approach to urban development.

SM Prime celebrated its 30th year as a publicly listed company last July 23, signifying three decades of service and transformative growth in the Philippine real estate industry.

“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

Create waves of positive change with SM at the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up

The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) is back for another year and is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, taking place simultaneously on September 21 in 15 different SM Supermalls across the country: SM By the Bay at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Legazpi, SM Daet, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Roxas, SM City Cebu, SM City Seaside Cebu, SM City Mindpro, and SM City General Santos. Together, we can make a significant impact on our oceans and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

In 2023, SM Cares recorded more than 100,000 kg of trash collected with the help of an estimated 17,000 total volunteers from 15 SM Supermalls nationwide. This year, in celebration of its 20th year of supporting communities and creating a positive impact on the environment, SM Cares aims to double the amount of solid waste collected to 200,000 kg, eyeing a volunteer count of 20,000.

If you’re interested in joining the global movement towards cleaner seas and oceans, SM Cares is inviting you to be part of this year’s ICC!
For participants from NCR, you may register via SM Malls Online through this link: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICC2024
For participants from Cebu, you may register via SM Malls Online at https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICCSMSSXSMCC
For outside of NCR and Cebu, you may visit this link: https://bit.ly/ICC2024-Registration
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.