Lifestyle

Pru Life UK President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty delivering his talk at the Manila Tech Summit.

Savings alone won’t be sufficient to protect Filipinos in their later years, according to Sanjay Chakrabarty, president and CEO of Pru Life UK, who has encouraged the Philippines to reconsider its retirement planning system.

During his speech at the Manila Tech Summit 2025, Chakrabarty praised the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) as a “bold and necessary initiative” to assist Filipinos in saving and investing, but cautioned that without insurance coverage, financial security might quickly crumble. He stated, “If financial protection is not ring-fenced against the uncertainties of life and health, it is fragile.”

He pointed out that as Filipino families shift from extended to nuclear households, the traditional safety net of family support is weakening. “This makes it imperative that we build new forms of protection—ones that are institutional, scalable and sustainable,” he added.

Chakrabarty called on the insurance industry to design products that are simple, affordable and accessible. Beyond addressing mortality, he said, the focus must also shift to morbidity risks such as long-term illness, disability and the need for care. “PERA offers a powerful bridge where insurance can become an embedded feature of the retirement journey,” he noted.

His remarks came during the panel “Open Finance x Insurance: The Future of Financial Empowerment and of Seamless Protection,” part of Day 1 of the two-day summit. The session, moderated by FinTech Alliance.PH Trustee and Pru Life UK Director Ida Tiongson, also featured ATRAM Trust Corporation Chief Experience Officer Deanno Basas, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Director for Fintech Innovation Jovelyn Hao, and Insurance Commission Deputy Commissioner for Technical Services Arturo Trinidad II.

Basas of ATRAM echoed Chakrabarty’s views, stressing how digitalisation and open finance are making retirement planning more accessible and transparent for Filipino savers. He said technology can expand access to PERA and bring retirement planning into everyday decision-making.

(Left to right) FinTech Alliance.PH Trustee and Pru Life UK Director Ida Tiongson; Insurance Commission Deputy Commissioner for Technical Services Arturo Trinidad II; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Director for Fintech Innovation Jovelyn Hao; ATRAM Trust Corporation Chief Experience Officer Deanno Basas; and Pru Life UK President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty during the panel discussion tackling open finance and insurance

The Manila Tech Summit gathered policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to explore the intersections of technology, policy, and financial inclusion. With over 80 percent of the Philippine population now online, the event highlighted the opportunities for digital finance to close the protection gap and strengthen financial security.

Pru Life UK reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and industry partners to support sustainable retirement planning. Chakrabarty came to the conclusion that insurance is a shield rather than just a financial instrument. “It is our duty to make sure Filipinos are resilient in the face of life’s uncertainties and financially prepared for retirement.”

Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph to find out more about the top life insurance in the Philippines.

MSMEs take the spotlight | Local entrepreneurs showcase coconut-based products proudly crafted by Filipino hands

Highlighting one of the nation’s most recognizable and potent agricultural resources—the coconut—the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority triumphantly opened the 2025 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair at SM Megamall from August 28 to September 2.

The fair, which was organized in accordance with Republic Act No. 11524’s Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), went beyond simply exhibiting goods; it evolved into a movement driven by coconuts that celebrated sustainability, creativity, and farmer empowerment.

Visitors found a wide range of culinary, wellness, and lifestyle items made by MSMEs and Filipino coconut farmers, demonstrating how the common coconut still opens doors and changes communities all over the country.

Sustainability Meets Innovation

From organic health supplements to biodegradable household items, the fair highlighted eco-friendly innovations that show how coconuts are shaping a more sustainable future.

Innovation with purpose | Eco-friendly coconut products highlight sustainability and green living.

“With support from DTI and SM, we’re able to reach more Filipino consumers and let more people discover our products. Kimes Foods today holds patents in 11 countries and distributes abroad.” – Dr. Priscilla Kimes, Kimes Foods (Cebu)

“Simula pa 2011, kasali na kami rito at full support talaga ang DTI sa amin. At kapag sa SM po ang trade fair, malakas talaga ang benta,” said Randy Pineda, President of the Association of Bamboo and Coco Crafts of Tiwi (Albay).

SM’s Strong Commitment to MSMEs

As a partner, SM Supermalls reaffirmed its commitment to supporting MSMEs by providing platforms that elevate local industries, create economic opportunities, and champion proudly Filipino-made products.

“By bringing together coconut farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs under one roof, the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair not only strengthens the coconut industry but also empowers the communities behind it. SM Supermalls is proud to be part of this mission,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

Crafted with care | Artisans present creative coconut handicrafts that blend tradition and modern design.

The 2025 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, which boasts more than 220 exhibitors countrywide, is a potent example of how public-private partnerships can promote equitable growth, support Filipino farmers, and forge a brighter future for MSMEs.

VIYLine CEO Viy Cortez–Velasquez joins merchants and influencers at the caravan, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to uplifting MSMEs.

This September 17–23, the VIYLine MSME Caravan will descend at SM City Masinag, bringing its colorful display of local entrepreneurship and proudly Filipino goods to the east. SM Supermalls and VIYLine Group of Companies organized the caravan, which has grown to be a popular venue for MSMEs to exhibit their businesses in some of the busiest shopping centers in the nation. From fashion treasures, home needs, and gourmet faves to beauty and wellness necessities, consumers can expect to learn about the creativity, tenacity, and grit of Filipino business owners.

Members of the dance group Mastermind—Jepoy Pelingo, David Inere, Ericson Apelado, Cedrick Mateo, Emil Kristian, Raymund Arago, and Kristian Vienn Gonzalez—energize the crowd with a special performance during the caravan’s opening program. Mastermind is known for their viral dance covers and creative collaborations with local brands.

Toni Fowler, owner of FAB, and Vince Flores make their grand entrance at SM City Muntinlupa to show support for the VIYLine MSME Caravan.

Host Tita Krissy Achino (middle) and Even PH co-owners Venice Velasquez and Eve Castro show their support for fellow MSMEs during the caravan’s opening week.

At its previous stops around Luzon, such as SM City Dasmariñas, Bacoor, San Pablo, Santa Rosa, Calamba, Fairview, Cabanatuan, and Muntinlupa, the caravan has already created a stir, attracting excited crowds ready to meet influencer-entrepreneurs and support local brands.

“At SM, we are proud to partner with VIYLine in championing MSMEs by giving them spaces where they can thrive, connect with customers, and grow,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President, SM Supermalls. “The caravan has proven that supporting local is not just a trend, but a movement.”

Expect a lively week at SM City Masinag, complete with interactive booths, meet-and-greets with influencer-entrepreneurs, and budol-worthy deals that celebrate the best of Filipino MSMEs.

All eyes were on stage as VIYLine’s roster of influencer-entrepreneurs gathered for a special meet-and-greet at SM City Muntinlupa. Students, fans, and young shoppers filled the venue with excitement, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities while celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of the VIYLine MSME Caravan.

From September 17 to 23, you can catch the VIYLine MSME Caravan at SM City Masinag’s Upper Ground Level. Encourage local. Make purposeful purchases. Attend the VIYLine MSME Caravan to honor Filipino talent.

Bringing Innovation & Business through SUSTEX 2025

SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy and DOST Secretary Renato Solidum seal their commitment to environmental stewardship at the launch of the first-ever SM Sustainability Expo.

The first SM Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025) was formally held at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. through SM Supermalls, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies.

SM and DOST Leaders strike the Beat of Sustainability and lead the ceremonial Solidrum and angklung performance, symbolizing harmony and collective action at the inaugural Sustainability Expo 2025.

Over 50 exhibitors, representatives from government agencies, the commercial sector, the international community, and sustainability advocates gathered for the two-day event, which had as its theme “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship,” to present innovative solutions that promote a more resilient and environmentally friendly future.

Symbolic Opening: “Beat of Sustainability”

The Expo opened with the ceremonial “Beat of Sustainability,” led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy, who together struck the Solidrum—a bamboo drum shell developed by the DOST – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).

They were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, and other dignitaries, who played the angklung, a UNESCO-recognized bamboo instrument. The performance symbolized harmony and collective action in advancing sustainability.

Leadership Perspectives

In his opening remarks, Hans T. Sy emphasized that sustainability lies at the heart of SM’s business and highlighted the importance of partnerships—“Public-private partnerships such as this show how science and business can unite to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. We encourage more of this as the private sector can provide support to projects by local scientists.”

Secretary Solidum echoed this view, noting that SUSTEX demonstrates how innovation and science can strengthen national resilience and drive a circular economy, as championed by similar DOST efforts.

“Through OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All, we ensure that the science, technologies and innovations we develop are not just theories in journals or prototypes in laboratories—they are real solutions, accessible to businesses, communities, and every Filipino. This is also what we mean by Agham na Ramdam—science that is not distant; science that is felt, lived, and experienced by people in their everyday lives,” Solidum shared.

“My call is simple: enough talk. We’ve had summits, forums, declarations that fill up shelves and inboxes. What we need now is proof. Businesses must set their sights on real, tangible goals—not pretty brochures, not slogans, but numbers you can measure, promises you can check.”

Mr. Hans Sy and Ms. Jessica Sy-Bell and visit the DOST-AKO Packaging booth at SUSTEX 2025, underscoring their support for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

Engaged discussions take place at the PARMS booth during SUSTEX 2025, aboutas visitors learn collaborative solutions for recycling and materials management.

Innovation Marketplace: Over 50 Exhibitors

SUSTEX 2025 featured more than 50 exhibitors showcasing technologies, initiatives, and products that reflect Filipino ingenuity and global collaboration. Notable exhibits included SM Prime and SM GUUN’s “Waste-Free Future” campaign, which highlighted their joint initiative with Japan’s GUUN Environmental Company on advanced waste management.

ARISE Philippines showcased efforts to advance disaster resilience through private sector collaboration. The DENR’s Loop Forward Program promoted circularity and large-scale waste reduction. The DOST-FPRDI centerpiece featured sustainable Lalang Pandan furniture, essential oils from Philippine plants, and bamboo musical instruments. Meanwhile, the DOST-CHRG presented innovations in electric vehicle technology.

A panel discussion at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025 gathers experts to share actionable insights on sustainability and innovation.

DOST leaders engage in a Fireside Chat at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025, sharing perspectives on science-led development and collaboration.

A Catalyst for Action

Running from August 29 to 30, the Expo featured interactive sessions, product showcases, and knowledge exchanges. The event reinforced SM’s continuing sustainability roadmap, including its Waste-Free Future campaign and commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040.

“May this Expo be more than an event. May it be a catalyst for collaboration, a hub for practical solutions, and a reminder that business can be a force for good—when guided by purpose, discipline and partnership,” Sy concluded.

By incorporating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls in the Philippines, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—is celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving with Every You. This evolution aims to create inclusive spaces that enhance communities, support climate action, and guarantee a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.