Tag: SM Group

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SM Investments Makes Case for Long-term Thinking Amid Rapid Change

SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, underscored the need for businesses to look beyond short-term economic cycles and identify the changes that matter at the 24th MAP International CEO Conference, held under the theme “In the Age of Flux: Scaling the Next Inflection Points.”

The conference examined how companies are responding to rapid change, from artificial intelligence to shifting consumer demand, and how leaders can distinguish lasting shifts from market noise.

In his welcome address, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said nearly seven decades of operating in the Philippines have taught the group to take a long-term view.

“At SM, nearly seven decades in the Philippines have taught us to look beyond the cycle. We have seen periods of uncertainty, disruption, and rapid change. Through them, one thing has remained constant: the long-term potential of the Philippines and the aspirations of the Filipino people,” Mr DyBuncio said.

He pointed to the growth of regional markets as one change creating opportunities for businesses.

“That potential is increasingly visible beyond Metro Manila. As incomes rise and aspirations evolve, opportunities are opening across the regions. For businesses, this means looking beyond where growth has traditionally been concentrated and investing where the next generation of demand is emerging,” he said.

Discussions at the conference also explored how technology is changing the way companies understand and respond to change. Artificial intelligence and data can help businesses identify patterns more quickly, but more information does not necessarily make the decisions for them. Leaders still have to decide what matters, where to invest, and when to act.

Across the SM Group, this long-term approach can be seen in the continued growth of its retail, banking, property, and portfolio businesses, including their expansion beyond traditional economic centers. These businesses fund their own growth, allowing SM Investments as the parent company to benefit from their growth and the dividends they generate.

This structure gives SM Investments a distinctive position as a parent company, with established businesses that can invest and grow independently while contributing dividends to the parent over time.

The underlying approach remains straightforward: understand where demand is going, invest with discipline, and stay close to the customers the businesses serve.

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BÚTLAK at 40: How the Negros Trade Fair Blooms with Heritage, Flavor, and Enterprise

Leaders and partners behind BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair come together during the media launch. From left: Royce Cabuñag, AVP and Head of SM Communities; Chef JJ Yulo; Mary Anne Colmenares, NTF Chairperson; Chef Tony Boy Escalante, owner of Antonio’s; Francis Esteban, owner of Breakfast at Antonio’s; Christina Gaston, ANP President; Antonio Sebastian Escalante of Antonio’s; Pats Lim Dy, SAVP for SM Communities; and Joaquin San Agustin, EVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls.

Step into SM Aura this September, and you’ll find yourself transported—not just to a mall, but to Negros Island itself. For 40 years, the Negros Trade Fair has been more than a marketplace; it’s been a living showcase of Filipino creativity, resilience, and pride. This year’s milestone edition, aptly called BÚTLAK (to bloom), brings together 178 brands under one roof at the SMX Convention Center Aura from September 22 to 27, 2026.

Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.

A Journey Without a Plane Ticket

The launch preview captured the essence of Negros through a stirring video that whisked guests across its landscapes, kitchens, and workshops. It was the kind of reel that makes you want to book a flight—but the fair itself brings Negros to Manila, offering six days of food, fashion, art, and handcrafted treasures.

ANP President Christina Gaston reminded everyone why this fair matters: “MSME development is about giving people the opportunity to discover what they can create, what they can become, and where their creativity can take them.” Over four decades, small ventures have grown into enterprises, and local products have reached markets once thought impossible.

Flavors That Tell Stories

Guests at the launch were treated to a culinary journey led by Negrense icons JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, and Chef JP Anglo. From heirloom recipes to bold new interpretations, the tasting was a delicious preview of what’s to come.

Joel Torre, actor-restaurateur and proud Negrense, summed it up simply: “I’m very proud of Negros products.” Chef JP Anglo added, “Life is always changing; it’s a constant evolution. That’s why the Negros Trade Fair is thriving—it’s about the chase for perfection and love for craftsmanship.”

From savory empanadas and sisig to ube halaya and distinctive local ice cream flavors, the BÚTLAK media launch served a flavorful celebration of Negros—featuring Wawa Bing’s, JT’s Manukan, Cocina Javellana, and Marcelo’s Microcreamery.

Expect beloved names like Bob’s Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products, alongside fresh food concepts and pasalubong finds that go far beyond inasal.

Fashion, Crafts, and Culture

Beyond the table, the fair is a treasure trove of wearable art and homegrown design. Labels like Arête and Ellege Handcrafted Fashion showcase accessories and clothing rooted in tradition yet styled for today. Meanwhile, Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts Industries, and Artisana Island Crafts transform abaca, bamboo, capiz, and other indigenous materials into décor and furniture that sustain artisan livelihoods.

The fair will feature 178 brands across food, fashion, furniture, homeware, art, and local crafts—bringing come for the names they already love and leaving with a new favorite—or several.

For Stephanie and Cristina Claparols of Lakat Sustainables, the fair feels like family: “There are a lot of new brands to discover, especially from the new generation. That’s the most exciting part.”

Roots and Blooms

The anniversary theme, explained by ANP Vice President Mary Anne Colmenares, captures the fair’s spirit: “Our roots are found in traditions, skills, and stories handed down to us. Our blooms are the new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations emerging from those roots.”

SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed the sentiment: “We’re celebrating 40 remarkable years—but we’re equally excited about the next 40.”

Final Take

The 40th Negros Trade Fair isn’t just about shopping. It’s about heritage, talent, and heart. It’s about supporting local makers while discovering flavors, fashions, and crafts that carry the soul of Negros. Bring your family, bring your friends, and take home a piece of the island.

See you at BÚTLAK!

 

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SM Group receives 12 Stevie® Awards for reporting and community programs

The SM Group received 12 Stevie Awards at the 2026 International Business Awards, recognizing both parent-company reporting and programs delivered through its malls and communities.

The SM Group’s parent company, SM Investments Corporation, received four awards. It received Gold Stevie Awards in the Conglomerates (Large) and Best Annual Report (Publicly Held Corporations) categories for its 2025 Integrated Report.

Its 2025 Sustainability Report was awarded Bronze for Best Sustainability Report. The SM Sustainability School was also awarded Bronze in the Asia, Australia, and New Zealand Sustainability Initiative of the Year category.

“Clear reporting provides investors and other stakeholders with a better understanding of how we make decisions, manage the business, and plan for the long term,” stated Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments. “The other awards demonstrate how our businesses carry that same sense of responsibility into the communities they serve.”

That work can be seen in the eight awards received by SM Supermalls.

“People experience a mall based on what they do there, not what we say about it,” SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan explained. “A place to read, an event that promotes local art, or a program that makes the mall more user-friendly can all make a tangible difference in a community.”

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition won Gold for Brand Experience of the Year (Consumer), while the Find Your SM campaign took Silver in the same category.

The SM Green Movement received Silver for Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility. The SM Cares Coastal Cleanup initiative received Silver for Environmental Achievement, and SM Cares: A Mall for All received Silver for Diversity and Inclusion.

The SM Cares Book Nook won Bronze for Most Innovative Creative Project. The program creates spaces in malls for people to read and share books. The Empowering Communities campaign was also named the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

SM Mindanao Art received Bronze in the Corporate and Community (Community Engagement Event) category, bringing Mindanaoan artists and their work to a wider audience.

Over 300 business professionals participated in two months of judging. Winners were determined based on their average scores.

The International Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, honor organizations, executives, entrepreneurs, and teams worldwide.

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SM Remains on Track to Cut Emissions by 40% by 2040

SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, said it remains on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2040, supported by investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other initiatives across its businesses.

Speaking at a recent MUFG NOW Manila forum, “Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Opportunities and Challenges,” Timothy Daniels, consultant and head of sustainability and investor relations at SM Investments, said the company’s emissions reduction goal builds on years of investment in efficiency and renewable energy across the group.

“When we looked at our emissions, we identified where we could make meaningful reductions and developed a target supported by specific programs and investments. We wanted a goal that reflects what we can achieve based on actions we are taking today,” Daniels said.

“For us, sustainability helps reduce costs, improve reliability, and make our operations more resilient. It’s simply part of how we run the business.”

Across the group, SM has installed more than 200,000 solar panels on its properties, helping generate electricity and reduce dependence on grid power.

Carmen Copper Corporation’s floating solar facility at the Malubog Reservoir

Its mining subsidiary, Carmen Copper Corporation, operates a three-hectare floating solar facility at the Malubog Reservoir in Cebu. The facility’s 8,540 solar panels generate 4.99 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy that could potentially supply about 10% of the mine’s power needs.

SM has also expanded its renewable energy investments through Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), which operates geothermal steam fields in South Luzon.

Beyond its own operations, the group is helping support the country’s energy transition through BDO Unibank. To date, BDO has deployed approximately Php1.2 trillion in sustainable financing, including support for 71 renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 6,165 MW.

Daniels noted that some of the largest emissions reductions will depend on the broader shift to renewable energy. While companies can improve efficiency, install solar panels, and use renewable power, progress also depends on the availability of renewable energy, transmission infrastructure, and grid development.

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Treat Yourself Promo 2026: Deals, Rewards, and Freebies at SM Supermarket & Savemore

Grocery shopping just got a whole lot more exciting. SM Supermarket and Savemore are bringing back their popular “Treat Yourself” promo, giving shoppers more ways to enjoy exclusive deals, earn rewards, and take home exciting freebies.

Running from April 15 to June 15, 2026, this much-anticipated campaign is packed with value—whether you’re shopping in-store or online at smmarkets.ph. Backed by trusted brands like Del Monte, Unilever, Lucky Me, Nissin, Head & Shoulders, and Creamsilk, every purchase comes with added perks.

Earn More Rewards When You Shop

Make every grocery run count with extra SMAC points when you purchase participating items at SM Supermarket and select Savemore stores.

Shoppers can also enjoy:

    • Free SM Bonus items with qualifying purchases using SMAC
    • 4+1 bundles and exclusive in-store deals

It’s a simple upgrade to your usual grocery routine—more value, more rewards.

Shop Online and Get Exclusive Freebies

If you prefer shopping from home, Treat Yourself has you covered. With a minimum spend of ₱1,500 on participating items, you can score limited-time freebies using special promo codes.

Freebie Schedule:

    • April 18–19, 24–25 & May 2–3
      Code: TY FOOD – Free Lay’s Stax Sour Cream & Onion (42g)
    • May 9–10, 17–18 & 23–24
      Code: TYBEAUTY – Free Creamsilk Hairfall Defense Conditioner (320ml)
    • May 30–31, June 6–7 & 13–14
      Code: TYHEALTH – Free Pediasure Plus Choco Liquid (110ml x 4 RTD)

Perfect for stocking up on essentials while enjoying a little extra.

Experience the Treat Yourself Expo

The Treat Yourself Expo adds even more excitement to your shopping experience, featuring games, exclusive promos, and surprise rewards.

Highlights:

    • Indulge Wheel – Spin for prizes with a minimum ₱500 purchase using SMAC
    • Surprise Treat – 50 lucky shoppers can get ₱200 OFF vouchers (with a minimum ₱3,000 spend), redeemable until June 15

Upcoming Locations:

    • May 1–3 – Savemore Festival Mall
    • May 15–17 – SM Supermarket Southmall
    • May 29–June 1 – SM Supermarket Fairview

 

Collect Limited-Edition Sticker Surprises

Starting May 1, 2026, SMAC members can collect fun, limited-edition “Sticker Surprise” collectibles featuring Ron Turon and partner brands.

Get them with a minimum ₱1,500 grocery purchase at SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and select Savemore stores.

These playful stickers are perfect for personalizing notebooks, tumblers, journals, and gadgets—adding a little fun to your everyday essentials.

Make Every Grocery Trip More Enjoyable

With the return of Treat Yourself, every trip to SM Markets becomes more rewarding. From exclusive deals and bonus rewards to exciting freebies and collectibles, there’s always something extra to look forward to.

So whether you’re shopping for essentials or indulging in your favorites, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself.

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Addressing the Brain Drain: How the SM Group Is Bringing Higher Education Back to the Regions

For decades, many Filipinos have left their hometowns in search of quality education and better career opportunities—often concentrating talent in urban centers while leaving provincial communities underserved. Today, the SM Group, through National University (NU), is helping reverse that trend by bringing accessible, high-quality higher education closer to home.

With a growing presence outside Metro Manila, National University is not only educating students—it is creating jobs, nurturing local talent, and strengthening regional economies.

Expanding Access Beyond Metro Manila

National University now serves more than 84,000 students across its nationwide campuses, with seven campuses located outside Metro Manila. These include NU Bacolod, NU Laguna, NU Baliwag, NU Dasmariñas, NU Lipa, NU Clark, and the newest campus, NU Cebu, which opened this academic year.

What stands out is NU’s strong commitment to local employment. NU Cebu currently boasts 100% local hires, while NU Bacolod employs 96% local staff, NU Laguna 99%, NU Baliwag 98%, NU Dasmariñas 96%, NU Lipa 98%, and NU Clark 97%. These numbers highlight NU’s deliberate effort to provide professional opportunities within the regions they serve.

By offering quality education and employment in provincial areas, NU allows professors, administrators, and students to build meaningful careers without leaving their hometowns.

Standardized Compensation, Stronger Talent Retention

One of NU’s key strategies in addressing brain drain is its standardized compensation package across all campuses nationwide. This approach ensures competitive and equitable salaries regardless of location, making provincial postings more attractive to educators and professionals.

“We bring talent back to the provinces,” said NU President and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita. “NU offers a standardized salary matrix applicable to all our employees across the country. This approach has helped make our recruitment more appealing to applicants in provincial regions.”

NU President and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita

By aligning education, labor, and development goals, NU helps reduce inequality between urban and rural areas—strengthening local ecosystems for long-term growth.

Education as a Catalyst for Community Development

NU’s expansion also reflects the SM Group’s vision of responsible community development. Most NU campuses are situated within SM’s social ecosystem, offering students and employees accessibility, safety, and convenience.

“NU is part of SM’s corporate social responsibility,” Dr. Ermita shared. “By allowing campuses to be part of the SM community, accessibility is achieved and affordability is maintained. Transportation hubs are also located near most mall-based campuses, ensuring convenience and safety for students and employees.”

This integrated approach helps communities retain educational talent while reinforcing access to social and economic opportunities.

Coming Home: Stories from NU Cebu

At NU Cebu, the impact of this mission is deeply personal. One of the campus’ returning locals is Executive Director Johanna Minglana, who shared how the opening of NU Cebu allowed her to return home after decades in Manila.

“NU Cebu allowed me to come full circle in my birthplace while continuing my academic career,” Minglana said. She noted that many faculty and staff share similar sentiments—finding purpose in meaningful work without being separated from their families and communities.

According to Minglana, NU Cebu represents more than an academic institution. “It embodies SM’s vision of being a catalyst for community development. It creates jobs not only within the university but also for surrounding businesses—from food establishments and boarding houses to transportation and retail.”

Building the Future, Locally

As National University recently marked its 125th founding anniversary, thousands of alumni gathered to celebrate its legacy and continued commitment to providing world-class, life-ready education. Whether in urban centers or provincial communities, NU remains focused on preparing graduates to thrive wherever opportunity takes them.

By bringing higher education to the regions, NU and the SM Group are proving that talent doesn’t have to leave home to grow—and that meaningful development begins by investing in communities where people already belong.