July 2023

On July 11, 2023, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and Citicore Renewable Energy Company (CREC) agreed to work together to promote renewable energy.

Through this collaboration, SM Prime would obtain up to 90 Megawatts (MWac) of its energy needs from CREC’s new Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Tuy, Batangas. Beginning in the first part of 2024, the long-term agreement will take effect. This is in accordance with the Department of Energy’s Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) policies.

This development reinforces CREC and SM Prime’s dedication to the Department of Energy’s aim to increase the Philippines’ share of renewable energy supply to 35% by 2030.

“This partnership marks our strong commitment to providing sustainable operations in our developments nationwide. It is aligned with SM Prime’s target of achieving net zero by the year 2040. SM Prime ensures that its risk-informed investments catalyze sustainable development and positive change in the communities where it operates,” said Mr. John Ong, SM Prime Chief Finance Officer.

The partnership with SM Prime is the latest blue-chip firm partner for CREC, demonstrating the organization’s strong performance and superior customer service.

“We are happy to partner with SM Prime in providing clean and safe renewable energy for their power requirements,” said Mr. Oliver Tan, CREC President. “We believe that their support and trust in us through this partnership reflects our commitment as a renewable energy provider, and we are glad that SM Prime shares in our vision of a sustainable future,” Mr. Tan added.

The SM Foundation, through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP), is in charge of this Urban Farming effort. It aims to enhance the farming community, promote environmental awareness, increase food security, and offer marginalized urban communities chances to earn a living. A thorough program of urban farming methods, product creation, marketing, and fundamental accounting are provided through the KSK-SAP in field schools that are strategically positioned.

Over 260 trainings on sustainable agriculture have been successfully performed by the KSK program, helping a total of 28,550 farmers. Participants in these trainings have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that encourage the development of wholesome, high-quality vegetables and fruits in both rural and urban settings.

The KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have taken place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality vegetables and fruits.

Partnering with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following government agencies; the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government. Each government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability of the program, and so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring its success

As an example, the SM Foundation has brought SM Supermalls and SM Markets into the picture so that as these urban farmers successfully harvest, they’re given an opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now being held in several malls across the nation. When the produce reaches a volume that goes beyond this Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer other alternatives.

It’s about creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is realized. After all, it can’t be about teaching them what and how to farm and then leaving them with no outlet with which to monetize this harvest. The SM Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income opportunities become part of the overall scenario.

Who would have imagined that Henry Sy, Sr.’s vision from back in 2007 would be so remarkably prescient in foretelling the growing issues and challenges we now face in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development? The SM Foundation is very happy to continue and fulfill this vision and dream.

The creation of a sustainable environment is what SM accomplishes. We continue to achieve key sustainability milestones, from being the first to incorporate renewable energy in mall buildings to putting energy-saving technology into place.

Visit smgreenmovement.com and use the hashtag #SMGreenMovement to pledge your commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle.

On June 25, 2023, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office presented SM City San Pablo guard SG Hassan Pasco with a plaque in appreciation of his self-less and brave actions in saving a life during a dire and life-threatening scenario.

During his routine rounds, SG Pasco observed a 74-year-old client having trouble breathing because of something stuck in his throat. Fortunately, the client was saved thanks to the guard’s quick application of the Heimlich procedure (Abdominal Thrusts), which he conducted as a certified first aid rescuer.

With the help of a Certified First Aid Trainer from the Philippine Red Cross, SG Pasco has received training in first aid rescue procedures and routinely attends refresher courses. Every morning before the mall opens, these training sessions are held.

His fast thinking, decisive action, compassion, and unshakable dedication to the preservation of human life, according to the CDRRMO Management Council in San Pablo, Laguna, have had a significant impact on the neighborhood. Additional P10,000 was given to SG Pasco by the local administration office.

Click to watch TV Patrol coverage:

https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/videos/978308843490631/

The largest cleft-focused organization in the world, Smile Train, is attempting to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record for the most extensive online collection of smiling faces.

“We’re passionate about smiles because we know what a serious business they are. As an organization that supports free cleft surgeries and comprehensive cleft care, including oral health care, we are embarking on a global effort to honor all smiles by setting a world record,” said Susannah Schaefer, President, and CEO of Smile Train.

The attempt by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM will begin on July 17, 2023, and the company hopes to break the record by World Smile Day® on October 6, 2023. We need to post 20,000 pictures of mouths to our online photo gallery, whether they are grinning, smiling, or otherwise.

Actress and Smile Train Ambassador, Samantha Hanratty is sharing her smile in support of the campaign. “I’m proud to partner with Smile Train on this global effort,” said Hanratty. Anyone over the age of 13 can participate and it’s simple to do.  Go to everysmile.org and click on I want to make history. The platform will guide you in taking and uploading a clear and well-lit photo of your smile. That’s it. I did it and encourage you to do the same in support of Smile Train.”

Once the record is set, Smile Train partner, Dentsply Sirona – the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, will be donating $20,000 to Smile Train on World Smile Day^® – for life-changing surgeries for children with clefts.

“We are proud to help shine a light on the important work that Smile Train does to help children and all people with clefts around the world,” said Erania Brackett, Senior Vice-President of Orthodontic Aligner Solutions & Customer Experience and Head of Sustainability at Dentsply Sirona.

The campaign launch coincides with the celebration of National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month in July 2023. Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth conditions that can make eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking difficult.

“This is another opportunity to raise awareness, support, and celebrate people born with a facial difference. We strive to give every child with a cleft the opportunity to smile and lead a full and happy life by empowering medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally,” Schaefer said.

“Let’s make history together while continuing to help children across the globe who are cleft-affected,” Schaefer concluded.

In the Philippines, Smile Train is commemorating its milestone of performing more than 75,000 free cleft surgery on underprivileged Filipinos. Support Smile Train as it pursues its goal of providing vital cleft care to more children through its different programs and initiatives.

Visit smiletrain.org to learn more about Smile Train’s global initiatives and to make a donation. Visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines to find out more about our regional initiatives in the Philippines.

According to a survey done by the Singapore-Manila Branch of the Nomura Research Institute (NRI), middle-class Gen Zs and Millennials in Metro Manila have been increasingly concerned about the effects of inflation during the second quarter of 2023. The poll, which was performed in May and June, found that an astounding 94% of participants experienced inflation during this time.

These young adults have had to reduce their non-essential spending, such as leisure and entertainment prices, due to the rising costs of vital products and services like food, transportation, fuel, and utilities. Following transportation and fuel prices at 15% and utilities like power, water, and internet bills at 14%, the respondents (60%) said that their food and beverage expenses had been the most affected by the ongoing price hikes. Additionally, a staggering 83% of participants claimed to have cut back on non-essential purchases, while 79% felt it necessary to limit spending on entertainment and leisure activities.

The survey also highlighted the financial challenges faced by this demographic. Approximately one-third of respondents (32%) reported being unable to save over the past 6 to 12 months. For those who managed to save, 44% saved a lower percentage of their income. The persistent inflationary pressures have led 38% of respondents to adjust their savings goals by either reducing the target amount or delaying their timelines. Similarly, 47% of participants had to make similar adjustments to their savings plans.

To cope with the financial strain, a significant number of respondents have turned to loans. Of the surveyed individuals, 71% reported having outstanding loans. In an attempt to augment their incomes, 43% of respondents resorted to taking out additional loans in the past year. Among those who already had loans, 58% had to cut back on other expenses to meet their loan obligations, while 19% were forced to delay payments. The survey also revealed that 41% of respondents possessed credit cards. Personal loans were the most prevalent type of loan, accounting for 30% of respondents, followed by alternative installment loans and salary loans, each representing 19% respectively.

Regarding investments, 52% of respondents had existing investment portfolios. Among these, mutual funds and stocks were the top investment products, chosen by 18% of participants each. However, due to the inflationary pressures, 12% of respondents had to partially liquidate their holdings for increased liquidity, and a minimal 1% sold off their entire investment portfolio.

Given the challenges posed by inflation, respondents have adopted a diverse array of coping strategies. A notable 94% expressed concerns that continuous price increases would persist over the next 6 to 12 months. Consequently, 91% of participants felt the need to explore additional income streams. To adjust to the current economic situation, 86% of respondents planned to continue cutting back on expenses, while 73% intended to reduce their spending on entertainment and leisure activities.

In terms of savings, 34% of participants expressed plans to increase their savings allocations to better prepare for the future, while 33% aimed to maintain their current savings pattern. However, 16% of respondents planned to reduce their monthly savings allocation due to inflationary pressures.

The survey also shed light on borrowing habits, with 46% of respondents indicating that they were less likely to take out loans, while 28% stated they were more likely to acquire additional loans.

Regarding investments, 12% expressed a desire to explore risky investments in the hopes of achieving high returns over the next 6 to 12 months. Meanwhile, 40% were considering more conservative options. Notably, 30% stated that they would choose to stay away from investing altogether, while 18% aimed to maintain liquidity.

295 persons from Metro Manila participated in the online poll run by the NRI Singapore-Manila Branch, including 203 middle-class Millennials and 92 members of the Gen Z generation. Individual participant incomes per month ranged from PHP 13,000 to PHP 41,000 and PHP 41,001 to PHP 163,000.

It is evident that middle-class Gen Zs and Millennials in Metro Manila are actively looking for solutions to handle these issues and safeguard their financial futures as inflation continues to have an influence on their everyday lives and financial well-being.