SM Prime: Engineering a Sustainable Future

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

SM Prime: Engineering a Sustainable Future

10:54 PM

Pia Yanson x Rising Tigers Magazine launch in National Bookstore, Bacolod

The 8th Magazine signing of Rising Tigers Magazine was held at National Book Store at Gaisano Mall, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental and with the featured cover leader, Pia Yanson with her 150 family, friends and supporters that includes the spouses of Murcia and Bacolod Mayors. 

For the first time as a cover leader of a national magazine, meet Pia Yanson from Bacolod. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, investor and most of all, a mother to two talented children. 

The event was the biggest signing launch in National Book Store and attended by the President of Rising Tigers Magazine, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. After the signing, everyone went to Sugarland Hotel for the sumptuous dinner and attended by 400 guests of Pia and enjoyed with the live entertainment. 

The queen of her business empire, Pia Yanson is a mother first prioritizing everything for her children, before anything else but her powerful voice as an entrepreneur and respected personality in Bacolod has a purpose. Providing scholarships to deserving students to help them earn a tertiary degree, engaging in relief operations for the calamity-stricken, providing assistance in the form of donations to orphanages and religious projects and administering gift-giving programs in partnership with local and international organizations: these are all the profound traces of the hard work she has gifted the community. She is an avid supporter of the projects of the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition based in Washington D.C. and is an Honorary Member of the Association of Sugarlandia, USA. 

Her parents likewise are very proud for Pia’s achievements, they arrived recently from New York, USA to attend the Asia Leaders Awards 2024 that was held inside the Embassy of Indonesia with a surprised from Pia that she was one of the awardees. Pia has a genuine heart to help the indigents at the same time, proving her generosity with a good heart to help out. 

Grab the current issue at National Book Store Nationwide and Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounges. Contact 09778978877 for bulk purchases.

Pia Yanson x Rising Tigers Magazine launch in National Bookstore, Bacolod

2:30 AM Pia Yanson

Business: MerNel's Sweetens Asia Leaders Awards with signature Cakes and a Flag inspired Masterpiece

MerNel's, renowned for its delectable confections, took center stage at the Asia Leaders Awards held at the Embassy of Indonesia in Makati, Philippines by sponsoring their signature chocolate heart-shaped cakes. 

In addition, they presented a ceremonial cake inspired by the Indonesian flag, masterfully crafted with an ala-fondant design and filled with rich yema to complement the overall taste and texture of the cake. 

Merle Balicao, founder of MerNel’s, led the cake-cutting and toasting event along with distinguished guests and honorees. The ambassador of Indonesia His Excellency Agus Widjojo who attended the event added a touch of diplomatic elegance to commemorate 75 years of Philippine – Indonesia Diplomatic Relations.

MerNel’s offered attendees delectable treats with its richly moist-textured chocolate heart-shaped cakes. The color red was dominantly visible in a ceremonial cake that had a white ala-fondant design just like the Indonesian flag and tasted very sweet due to its luscious yema filling.

The cake-cutting and toasting were all about unity and celebration, the spirit of Asia Leaders Awards. Merle Balicao thanked Asia Leaders Awards for the opportunity to be part of such a big event, community, and shared moments of happiness. MerNel’s added sweetness to the Asia Leaders Awards, which everyone who attended will never forget. The event was all about collaboration, inspiration, and celebration of excellence and MerNel’s cakes were one of the highlights of the night.

Business: MerNel's Sweetens Asia Leaders Awards with signature Cakes and a Flag inspired Masterpiece

8:03 AM

Men and Women of Power and Purpose: Asia Leaders Awards 2024 and 75th Philippines - Indonesia Diplomatic Relations

“Despite obstacles that come your way, you have not only achieved personal success but have also extended your hands to help the marginalized, embodying the true spirit of leadership with compassion.

Your efforts remind us that greatness is not measured by individual accomplishments alone, but by the positive impact we create in the lives of others.”- Enunina Mangio 

Tag Media Group, publisher of Rising Tigers Magazine and Producer of Asia Leaders Awards conceptualizes an activity, it must be different from the previous. The team who are composed of young and dynamic leaders will not settle for less. 

So for the Asia Leaders Awards this year with a theme “Men and Women of Power and Purpose” List, to showcase sustainability, peace and economic strength, the team partners with the Indonesia Embassy headed by His Excellency Indonesia Ambassador Agus Widjojo. 

The event last June 20 started with a pictorial for Rising Tigers Magazine and followed by a cocktails showcasing the Filipino delicacies. The honorees from the Diplomatic Corps arrived earlier and amazed with the transformation of the Embassy’s ballroom which serves as their lobby in their regular days. 

The event’s welcome address was delivered by the co owner of Rising Tigers Magazine, Dr. Brian Poe Llamanzares and mentioned that he is proud for the magazine’s frequent presentation of featured leaders, it means that more people can be reached to influence and to do more good for the country by being inspired by these leaders we have today. 

“These awarding ceremonies are important because they are meant to highlight the accomplishments of noteworthy individuals. These awards give people something to look forward to, to hope for, and to aspire towards. Thank you to our awardees for giving us hope and inspiration.”- Brian Poe Llamanzares.

The inspirational message came from the empowered National President of the biggest business organisation in the Philippines, PCCI or Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Consul Enunina Mangio. 

The young and dynamic, Andria Terese Nicolas was one of the speakers to share what Asia Leaders Awards is all about. 

“We at Asia Leaders Awards would like to encourage everyone, the Filipino People, to join us to take our stories of our inspiration everywhere. Together WE have DEMONSTRATED the BAYANIHAN spirit that sparks the Rising Tiger in every Filipino. Our organization would like call upon everyone to listen, you have proven to us that Filipinos are indeed brave entrepreneurs, political leaders, and citizens. At TAG Media Group, we foster a culture where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and give every individual an opportunity to thrive and be seen.”

The Keynote speaker of course was the Indonesia Ambassador, His Excellency Agus Widjojo who at 77 years old is the epitome of a successful leader and who is not tired yet to help his nation. 

For this year, The country’s top leaders, diplomatic corps and innovators attended once again for the exclusive “Asia Leaders Awards” with an objective to highlight the success of these leaders who in spite of challenges still have time to help the marginalized and rising not just in the Philippines but also beyond. 

Men and Women of Power and Purpose honorees are a combination of local and foreign awardees selected by the Asia Leaders Awards board, endorsed and presented last June 20, 2024. 

Here are the list:

Women 

1. H.E. Marcela Ordóñez - Ambassador of Colombia to the Philippines

2. Cory Navarro – Founder, Kings Group of Company 

3. Pia Marie Ortaliz-Yanson – Philanthropist and Entrepreneur

4. H.E. Megawati Manan – Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines 

5. Nikki Tang - CEO, DMark Beauty and DermAsia

6. Glenda Dela Cruz – CEO, Brilliant Skin Essentials Inc.

Men

  1. H.E. Agus Widjojo- Ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines

2. Rex Wallen Tan- Chief Technology Officer, Southville Global Education Network 

3. Sherwin Yap- Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc & President at Kaizen Robotics International

4. Nicki Agcaoili- Chief Country Executive, Carelon Global Solutions Philippines

5. Robert Gerard L. Nazal, Jr. – Chairman of PERRC Construction and Development Corp. and HealthWellnessLifestyle Inc. 

6. Sanjiv Gupta - President & Country Head at IBM Solutions Delivery, Inc. & IBM Business Services, Inc.

7. H. E. Karel Hejč - Ambassador of Czech Republic to the Philippines

8. H.E. Luc Serge Gustave Eugène Véron - Ambassador of European Union to the Philippines

9. Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia – Chairperson, Commission on Elections

10. H.E. Niyazi Evren Akyol - Ambassador of Turkiye to the Philippines

Company: Philippine Airlines - Airline of the Year

According to Consul Enunina Mangio during his speech, the event, graced by the presence of top leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and innovators, reflects the shared commitment to uplift the lives of the people. She extended also her heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and honorees selected by the Asia Leaders Awards Board. 

“Your achievements are indeed nothing short of inspiring. In a world filled with challenges, you have demonstrated resilience and determination.”- Consul Enunina Mangio

Men and Women of Power and Purpose: Asia Leaders Awards 2024 and 75th Philippines - Indonesia Diplomatic Relations 

10:21 PM Men and Women of Power and Purpose: Asia Leaders Awards 2024 and 75th Philippines - Indonesia Diplomatic Relations

3rd Profiles of Excellence Coffee Table Book by Grace Bondad Nicolas and Rising Tigers Magazine signing at National Book Store of SM Megamall

“To those who are not yet multi millionaire, grab a copy of the Coffee table book, I input there all Informations based on our Interviews of these ultra successful leaders on how they did it. Also the secret of success. You need to unlock your own process and I shared everything from My thoughts and in how being a champion.”- Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas 

Profiles of Excellence Coffee Table Book by Grace Bondad Nicolas and Rising Tigers Magazine signing, a huge success for the 3rd time this year and the organizers are humbled with the support of the featured leaders partners and readers. 

Headed by the Editor in chief of Rising Tigers (RT) Magazine, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas who over see all the time that all activities must be the first and if not, at par with the leading magazines abroad, the 3rd signing at National Book Store at SM Megamall was attended by some of the featured leaders that includes Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco Group, Jade Riccio of RMA Academy, Sarah Deloraya Mateo of SPD Jobs, Atty. Arnel Mateo of PCCI Quezon City and ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting Inc, Malou Prado of MPQ Travels, Actress & Entrepreneur Ara Mina and RT CMO Andria Terese Nicolas. Also attended by Dr. Elton See Tan (Board of RT). 

“Everyone here are exceptional, all inspiring and doing what is best not just for themselves but also for the Nation.”- Sarah Deloraya Mateo 

“We are grateful for all the support since we launched the magazine two years ago. To all the featured leaders and readers, we are thankful.”- Andria Terese Nicolas 

The activity is just one of so many planned event to be launched under Tag Media Group, publisher of the magazine and the coffee table book with the objective to promote the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia through the stories of these leaders and Information dissemination. 

To order: 09778978877 or call National Book Store.

3rd Profiles of Excellence Coffee Table Book by Grace Bondad Nicolas and Rising Tigers Magazine signing at National Book Store of SM Megamall

12:12 AM

The International Council for Small Business Philippines is caling all MSMEs to be part of the 3-Day Sulong Negosyante Fiesta at Resorts World Manila from June 27-29, 2022.

The International Council for Small Business Philippines is caling all MSMEs to be part of the 3-Day Sulong Negosyante Fiesta at Resorts World Manila from June 27-29, 2022.

The event will gather MSMEs, service providers, suppliers, and digital enablers. What's more, there's will be a FREE mentoring sessions from successful entrepreneurs. It will be a venue not just for learning but networking as well. This is also the perfect time to rekindle relationships with business partners in a face-to-face event. There will be coaches, mentors who will also grace the event and every one is welcome to mingle and ask questions. 

ICSB PH is also marking another milestone as it play host to UN International MSMEs Day 2022 on June 27, 2022, from 8:00AM-12NN at the Sheraton Ballroom. This is the first time that the Philippines will host the said event. This year's theme: Unlocking the potentials of MSMEs will be attended by Philippine stakeholders and virtual representatives from the UN, WB, ILO, OECD, and ICSB Global Community. 

“What’s in it for the MSMEs? We could say we can do these things online, but then again, it’s better for them to see new partners face-to-face and learn new ideas from experts,” said ICSB Founder Eric Caeg during a recent press conference with partners such as UnionBank, Resorts World Manila at other sponsors. 

During the Sulong Negosyant Fiesta, several participating brands will be raffling away a number of exciting prizes to make the event even more exciting. SunLife Philippines will be giving away P50,000 worth of insurance policies to 300 lucky attendees; Mr. Freeze Purified Tube Ice will be giving away Yelo Negosyo packages; and other surprise prizes.

To make travel to the event site easier, Grab Philippines will be offering a voucher for its users, where they can enjoy P100 off on their fare with promo code UBMSME2022. 

Those traveling to the event via their own vehicles will also get the chance to take home gas vouchers. 

Just go to this link to register for FREE: bit.ly/sulongnegosyante.

The International Council for Small Business Philippines is caling all MSMEs to be part of the 3-Day Sulong Negosyante Fiesta at Resorts World Manila from June 27-29, 2022.

9:01 PM 3-Day Sulong Negosyante, International Council for Small Business Philippines

Visa Study Says that 8 in 10 Filipinos are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services

“As more digital-based solutions and trends emerge in the market, Filipinos are more open to new innovations that make payments and banking more convenient, accessible, and seamless. There is an opportunity in the country for traditional banks and new players to launch digital banking services in the country that will better serve the needs of underserved and underpenetrated segments. We believe this will transform the banking and payments landscape in the country and at Visa, we are keen to work with all our partners to help them create better user interface and experience when they create and enhance their digital banking solutions,” said Dan Wolbert, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam.

According to Visa Study says that Eight in 10 Filipinos Are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services. Top interest drivers for Filipinos to use digital banking services include access to banking services any time of the day (68%), time saved from not having to queue at bank branches (68%), and convenience (67%).

Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, today released new findings from its Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study[1], that shows over eight in 10 Filipinos (83%) are aware and interested (81%) in using digital banking services. However, only 32 percent of respondents are currently using services offered by a digital bank.

[1] Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study was conducted between August to September 2020 on 1,014 Filipinos aged 18-65 years old through an online questionnaire by CLEAR. This is part of a regional research project conducted in Southeast Asia on over 7,500 consumers across eight markets.

Filipinos interested in banking with digital banks are keen to use services such as paying bills (84%), transferring money locally (78%), making deposits and withdrawals (76%), and making payments for purchases at local retail locations (71%). However, the preference of using digital banking for traditional bank services such as investments (52%), international transfers (48%) and loans (46%) is lower.

The study also showed that Filipinos are most keen to work with a financial services brand for digital banking services (93%) and traditional banks (92%), followed by new start-ups with digital banking services (72%).

In addition, 86 percent of Filipino respondents would switch current banking services to digital banking services if the bank provided better rewards and 85 percent would do so if they can benefit from lower costs for their banking transactions. Filipinos’ interest to use digital banking services increased to 80 percent compared to 70 percent in the previous year when the same research was conducted.

Interest in Biometric Authenticated Payments

Awareness of digital solutions such as biometric authenticated payments grew to approximately 80 percent in 2020 from 60 percent in 2019. Almost eight in 10 Filipinos express high awareness and interest in using biometric authenticated payments, especially the Gen Z and affluent segments. Biometric payment is perceived as a quick (62%) and innovative (61%) way to pay. In addition five in 10 Filipinos (55%) think it is a more secure way to pay. However, usage is low at 23 percent since its accessibility depends on market availability.

Finger scan as one of the biometric authentication methods is most popular amongst Filipinos (59%) especially for making bill payments or purchases at the convenience stores. This is followed by facial recognition (31%) and retina scan (16%).

Visa Study Says that 8 in 10 Filipinos are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services

2:32 AM banking, Digital Banking Services, feature, Featured, Visa