Inspira

The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) has returned for another year. ICC has been 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 Mindoro and SM City General Santos.  Together, stakeholders could make a significant impact on local and even international oceans, and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all. In 2023, SM Cares recorded more than 100,000 kilograms (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 aimed to double th...

SM Supermalls’ Little Stars 2024 Grand Finals took center stage on Saturday, September 7, as young talents dazzled audiences at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The spotlight was on the 28 grand finalists who charmed the crowd with their incredible performances. From the preliminary screenings to the regional finals and culminating in the grand finale, SM Little Stars has reaffirmed its place as the Philippines’ premier and most cherished kiddie mall talent search. This year, a record-breaking 38,651 children auditioned for SM Little Stars 2024 over six weekends, from June 8 to 9 through July 13 to 14, 2024. With 71 SM malls nationwide hosting the screenings, kids from all corners of the Philippines showcased an extraordinary range of talents, all competing for the coveted title of SM’s newest Little Star. “At SM Supermalls, we believe in the brilliance, skill, and talent of our youth. We believe in their dreams and aspirations. As the Mall for All, we want to encourage and promote an e...

SM Foundation has activated Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) in the wake of Typhoon Enteng. The SM Group’s efforts, led by SM Supermalls employee volunteers, have reached over 2,500 families across multiple hard-hit areas. In Marikina, more than 500 families received Kalinga Packs containing essential goods. The assistance was distributed among families in barangays Tumana, Nangka, and Malanday. Expanding its reach, the foundation extended support to over 600 families in San Mateo, Rizal. Families affected in Naga also received Kalinga Packs with the assistance spread across three areas, reaching 260 families in barangays Igualdad, 300 in Abella, and 725 in Sta. Cruz. OPTE, a social good program of SM Foundation in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, aims to address the needs of communities during calamities and crises.

Manila, September 16, 2024 —On September 11, the World Health Organization (WHO), European Union (EU), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated three solar panels for rural health units frequently affected by power outages in Romblon. WHO Philippines Technical Officer Engineer Bonifacio Magtibay, Cajidiocan Municipal Health Officer Dr. Patricia Denise Ancheta, Magdiwang Mayor Arthur Tansiongco, San Fernando Vice Mayor Domingo Marin, and Romblon Provincial Health Officer Dr. Winston Palasi attended the handover ceremony. “A reliable electricity supply is not just a convenience—it is essential for health security,” said USAID Philippines Health Office Director Andrea Halverson in a recorded message of support. “It’s about ensuring that vital services remain uninterrupted, especially in times of crisis.” The rural health units receiving the solar panels collectively serve up to 480 patients every month. Access to a consistent power supply will ensure ...

PASAY, Philippines, Sept. 6, 2024  – SM, through SM Retail, will install waste segregation bins in 75 stores nationwide, reaffirming SM’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. SM Retail has recently installed recycling bins in 25 branches across the National Capital Region (NCR), with 50 additional provincial branches scheduled to follow in the coming weeks. This initiative is part of the broader #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign. The initiative promotes behavioral change in waste management through a clear segregation system for waste categorized into Recyclable, Disposable and Compostable, or RDC. It further reflects SM’s commitment to reducing waste through effective segregation and innovative disposal methods, positioning the company as a major proponent in addressing the national waste crisis. “By placing recycling bins in 75 of our department stores, SM Retail is taking a practical step towards improving waste management. We aim to make it easier for our...

Quezon City, Philippines – September 7, 2024 – The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) successfully convened youth organizations for the official launch of its new project, "Youth Empowerment for Good Governance, Human Dignity, and Human Rights." The initiative aims to strengthen youth involvement in shaping policy reforms that uphold human rights across the country. The hybrid event, held both in person and online at Street Kohi Community Café in Quezon City, marks a significant step in continuing PAHRA’s efforts from last year’s Youth Emerge Initiative. With a focus on mobilizing young leaders, the project seeks to reclaim accurate human rights narratives and drive meaningful governance reforms at both local and national levels. Rommel Yamzon, PAHRA’s Secretary-General, expressed optimism about the youth’s potential to drive change. “PAHRA recognizes the transformative power of today's youth, who refuse to be deceived by false narratives of passivity a...

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.   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 ...

Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program Region 8 Holds Moving Forward Ceremony for Over 100 Beneficiaries Batches 316 to 319, comprised of 60 farmers from Brgy. Camp Downes and Brgy. Cabintan of Ormoc City and 44 farmers from Brgy. Pulangi of Calbiga, Samar, successfully completes the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture (KSK) program on August 30, 2024 and September 6, 2024, respectively. A project of SM Foundation Inc., KSK is a program aimed at equipping local farmers with the right knowledge to grow their businesses and thrive in the market. The program was made possible with contributions from the SM Supermalls, SM Markets, and D' Planners Training Center and trusted government agencies, namely the Dept. of Agriculture, the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development, Dept. of Trade and Industry, Dept. of Science and Technology, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Local Governments of Ormoc and Calbiga. During the ceremony, ...

Grannies can still party, and SM Supermalls is ensuring you and your beloved grandparents will enjoy Grannies Day. Bring your Lolos and Lolas, Inays and Itays, Mamas and Papas to celebrate Grannies Day with SM! From September 1 to 8, 2024, SM Supermalls around the country will be hosting various fun activities and events for our dear grandparents, and their apos, too! Looking for something special, local, or handmade to surprise your Grannies with? Visit GRANNY’S BAZAAR at your fave SM malls and support Grannie MSMEs by patronizing their heirloom recipes and produce! Do you have a groovy Grannie who loves singing and dancing to classic hits? They’ll surely have a blast at SM’s GROOVY GRANNIES event! Dancing Grannies can showcase their best moves at the G! GRANNY! ballroom and disco weekend, while Grannies who can belt and croon will enjoy singing to their favorite songs with GRANNY’S VIBE. Bonus points because apo can duet with them too! Make Grannies Day a family affair—the bigger the...