Tag: SM

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SM Group Earns Six ESG Edge Impact Awards for Responsible Business

The SM Group received six recognitions at the 2026 Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards, reflecting its commitment to creating long-term value through investments in people, communities, and responsible business practices.

SM Investments Corporation Recognized for Social Impact

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM Group, received two Gold awards under the Social category.

    • The SM Sustainability School, a group-wide learning program, was recognized for building sustainability knowledge and leadership among nearly 100,000 employees.
    • The Community Health Systems initiative of SM Foundation earned Gold for improving healthcare access in underserved communities.

SM Investments also received a Silver award for embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the employee experience — from recruitment and development to workplace policies and community engagement.

“This recognition belongs to our people, who bring our values to life every day,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments.

Other SM Group Companies Honored

    • SM Retail received a Silver award under the Environment category for SM Green Finds, which helps customers identify products that support sustainable choices.
    • SM Prime won Gold in the Transformation category for its Waste-Free Future campaign, advancing waste reduction efforts.
    • BDO Foundation earned Silver in the Innovative Partnership category for its financial education programs, empowering communities with financial literacy.

Commitment to Responsible Business

Together, these awards reflect SM’s belief that responsible business is integrated into the way the group operates—from developing its people and supporting communities to enabling customers to make informed, sustainable choices.

Organised by the Inquirer Group of Companies, the ESG Edge Impact Awards recognise organisations that make meaningful contributions to environmental stewardship, social development, and good governance in the Philippines.

As Gold awardees, SM Investments and SM Prime will represent the Philippines at the Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards in Malaysia this November, showcasing Filipino leadership in sustainability on the regional stage.

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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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SM’s data privacy efforts recognized anew at National Data Privacy Conference

SM remains committed to ensuring and maintaining in-depth data privacy standards as a core component of corporate governance.

SM Retail, the retail arm of the SM Group, was recently awarded the NPC Seal of Registration Compliance Excellence Award for the Private Sector by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) during the National Data Privacy Conference.

The NPC Seal of Registration Compliance Excellence Award recognises private-sector organisations that uphold transparency and accountability by visibly displaying their NPC Seal of Registration across their operations and digital touchpoints.

“We are grateful for this recognition from NPC. We understand how critical data governance is in maintaining customer trust and loyalty. This award reflects the collective effort of the different business units across SM Retail to strengthen data privacy compliance and awareness,” shared Jonathan Ng, President of SM Retail

SM Retail was also recognised as a finalist for Privacy Initiative of the Year, in recognition of the company’s significant efforts to further educate its employees through data privacy learning channels, modules, and learning sessions. These are key initiatives aimed at strengthening privacy awareness across the organization.

“These programs promote the responsible handling of personal data as part of everyday work using practical, retail-specific scenarios to make privacy more relevant and actionable for employees,” Ng further shared.

SM Retail’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) Leyson San Juan was also named a finalist for Data Protection Officer of the Year for the second consecutive year. These recognitions follow SM Retail’s Privacy Management Program Award win last year.

The awarding ceremony in Parañaque was held during the Privacy Awareness Week (PAW). PAW is an annual celebration dedicated to strengthening data privacy awareness and promoting responsible personal data processing in the Philippines.

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SM Expands Rewards Ecosystem with Trip.com Partnership, Unlocking New Travel Perks for Members

Travel just got more rewarding for SMAC members. The SM Group has taken another step in strengthening its lifestyle ecosystem by partnering with global travel platform Trip.com, offering members new ways to earn points while exploring destinations both local and abroad.

At the heart of this collaboration is a simple but appealing benefit: SMAC members can now earn 1 SMAC Point for every PHP250 spent on hotel and flight bookings made through Trip.com. These points will be credited within 60 working days after the completion of the trip—whether that’s after a hotel stay or a finished flight journey.

The move signals SM’s continued push to integrate everyday experiences—shopping, banking, travel, and more—into one seamless rewards-driven ecosystem.

Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC

“Through strategic partnerships, both within and beyond the SM Group, we continue to enhance the value proposition for our members,” said Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC. “This collaboration with Trip.com further expands our travel ecosystem, allowing members to earn rewards while accessing local and global destinations.”

Trip.com brings significant scale to the partnership. The platform operates across 39 countries and regions, supports 24 languages, and offers services in 35 currencies. Its network includes more than 1.5 million hotels, flights from over 640 airlines, and access to more than 300,000 tours and attractions across 220 countries and regions.

To take advantage of the offer, members need to log in to their SMAC account via the official website and access Trip.com through the SMAC homepage before completing any booking. It’s a small extra step that unlocks added value for frequent travelers and occasional vacationers alike.

This latest tie-up complements SMAC’s growing roster of travel and lifestyle partners, including Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Miles, AirAsia Rewards, and SM Hotels. Beyond travel, the program continues to expand into retail and financial services, with initiatives such as remittance rewards through SM Store and BDO.

As SM builds out its ecosystem, the goal is clear: to make everyday transactions more rewarding—whether you’re booking a flight, checking into a hotel, or simply going about your daily routine.

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Through Pamaskong Handog 2025, BDO and SM will continue their holiday practice of honoring Filipinos living abroad

The holidays are a time for many Filipino families to get together, celebrate, and be thankful. But for the millions of Filipinos who still work abroad, Christmas often means another year of watching important events from afar.

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) and SM Supermalls will hold their annual community celebration, Pamaskong Handog, again on Dec. 6 in SM City Sto. Tomas and on Dec. 13 in SM City Laoag. The goal is to honor their sacrifices and bring families closer together, even if they live far away.

A beloved custom for more than ten years, Pamaskong Handog started as a way for BDO to thank Filipinos who worked abroad in places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Italy, and the Middle East. Over the years, it has grown into several happy events that allow families to get together and enjoy “Pasko sa Pinas.”

This celebration every year has always shown BDO’s dedication to Alagang Kabayan, a type of care that is based on knowing OFs’ hopes, struggles, and strengths. BDO makes sure that all money sent home gets there safely and easily, and Pamaskong Handog strengthens the emotional bond by reminding each of them that they are seen, valued, and honored.

This year’s message highlights the partnership between BDO and SM.

“Abot ang pangarap kasama ang BDO at SM” is this year’s message, and it says something simple but very important: dreams aren’t meant to be carried alone. Filipinos can count on BDO and SM to help them every step of the way, whether they are building a house, starting a business, saving for retirement, or making sure their kids go to school.

BDO makes sure that every Filipino family, whether they live in the Philippines or another country, has access to safe and helpful banking services that help them reach their goals through goods and services like BDO Kabayan Savings, BDO Pay, Kabayan Loans, Cash Agad, and other financial solutions.

A party with lots of fun, music, and important ties

The Pamaskong Handog celebrations this year look like they will be lively and emotional. The celebration is even more special because Piolo Pascual, who has been a BDO ambassador for remittances for a long time, is returning. His genuine concern for Filipino families has made him a familiar and comforting figure in BDO’s community activities around the world.

Lifestyle star Small Laude will be joining the fun with her witty and lively personality. Also joining are the crowd-favorite comedy and content group Beks Battalion, who will make everyone laugh, play games, and feel truly joyful during the holiday season.

People who go can look forward to exciting prizes, events for the whole family, and the chance to catch up with kababayans, which is the Filipino word for “family.”

A coming home of the heart

Pamaskong Handog has touched the lives of many Filipino families every year, bringing back memories of hometown fiestas, reunions full of laughter, and just being together. This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of who we are, our thanks, and our love for those who have given so much to make the lives of those they love better.

BDO is always there for OFs through Alagang Kabayan, not just during the holidays. Because there is one truth that doesn’t change: ang pangarap, mas kaya kapag may kasama. Talk about the plan with BDO and SM.

Follow the BDO Kabayan Facebook Page to get more news and to watch Pamaskong Handog Live.

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SM Expands Entertainment Ecosystem To Capture Emerging Consumer Demand

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, recently shared that it is strengthening its entertainment ecosystem across its portfolio to meet and possibly capture the growing demand for experiences among younger Filipino consumers.

“At SM, we recognize the younger generation’s growing preference for experiences, and this shift opens new opportunities for growth across our businesses. By listening closely to our customers, we are broadening our entertainment offerings to strengthen engagement and create long-term value across the SM ecosystem,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.

A Groupwide Approach to Entertainment

The group’s presence in entertainment is not limited to its malls and arenas. Through SMIC SG Holdings, SM became the first Philippine company to invest in Klook, the Asia-based travel and experiences platform. It’s a one-stop logistics solutions provider, 2GO, which features karaoke lounges and video arcades in its vessels, rare in inter-island travel. BDO Unibank and China Bank also integrate lifestyle and travel-related rewards into customer programs.

This groupwide presence positions SM to tap the ₱1.94-trillion Philippine creative economy, which grew by 8.7% in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Next-Gen Entertainment Hubs

In its people-facing businesses, SM is transforming malls, convention centers, and arenas into multi-dimensional experience hubs.

“Malling for the older generation of customers in SM Malls was much simpler and practical then—dining, shopping and fun. Fast forward to today with our emerging segments, the millennials and Gen Z, who grew up on the Internet and social media—they now value the experience, the feeling of inclusivity, community involvement, and even sustainability,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

“That is why our marketing efforts, including entertainment events, are now geared toward targeting communities, or what we call ‘tribes’. These are your gamers, geeks, foodies, and the many fandoms sprouting, who like more interactive and personalized experiences. The mall has become their entertainment hub and their escape,” Mr San Agustin said.

The MOA Arena, designed for global productions, continues to host international acts and will soon be complemented by a larger arena in Cebu.

“Production value is a whole lot better at the MOA Arena because the building is able to accommodate the creative demands of big events and top-tier acts, especially for multi-sensory experiences. We see the value in constructing world-class venues in key areas that would be able to support their economic growth,” said Arnel C. Gonzales, Vice President for Arena Operations, MOA Arena.

Meanwhile, SMX Convention Center is benefiting from the surge in fan meets, gaming expos, and pop culture conventions, with attendance and bookings rising significantly since late 2023.

“Over the past year, there’s been a remarkable increase in event bookings, ticket sales, and audience turnout at our venues, particularly for entertainment-driven events. This upward trend gathered momentum in late 2023 and continued to grow steadily through 2024 into this year. Even weekday events are seeing rising attendance, indicating that audiences are actively making time—and room in their budgets—for these experiences,” said Mike Albaña, Vice President and General Manager of SMX Convention Center.

Entertainment as Enabler

For SM, entertainment is not just an add-on but an enabler of business and community value. It drives consumer traffic across group businesses, strengthens partnerships with global content providers, and creates shared spaces for leisure and wellness, such as the FIFA-grade football pitch at SM MOA Sky.

“Our role is more of an enabler for all of the entertainment content to pass through our properties, to be able to give back more to our stakeholders as well as to give the fans, our loyal patrons, something to look forward to every time they visit our properties,” said Mr Gonzales.

With its scale, integration, and customer-first mindset, the SM group is positioning itself as a leading player in the country’s fast-expanding experience economy, where business growth, consumer satisfaction, and community value intersect.