Lifestyle

Building resilient infrastructure and practicing environmental stewardship have long been priorities for SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), a leader in sustainability projects in the Philippines. SM Prime has continuously placed a high priority on sustainability, from its early adoption of water recycling and creative energy management initiatives to operationalizing waste management and renewable energy. The company’s strong engagement in the recent Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, which was organized by the Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, further demonstrated this dedication. Hans Sy, the Executive Committee’s chairman, highlighted at the conference the importance of resilience in urban populations and the necessity of innovation and cross-sectoral cooperation for the nation’s sustainable development.

Because of the Philippines’ extreme susceptibility to natural disasters, particularly typhoons and tropical cyclones, disaster risk management (DRM) and resilient infrastructure are essential. To assess a building’s vulnerability to flooding, SM Prime uses a hydrological survey method.

SM City Marikina, elevated on 246 concrete stilts, allows floodwaters to flow beneath, keeping occupants safe during severe weather events.

A strong example of such resilience lies in SM City Marikina, whose unique structure was lauded by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Built beside the Marikina River, an area prone to flooding during severe weather events, SM City Marikina stands on 246 concrete stilts. This innovative design allows floodwaters to flow beneath the structure, leaving the mall and its occupants safe and dry. During Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009, which devastated surrounding areas, SM City Marikina remained intact, serving as a refuge for those affected by the disaster. Similar to the stilts methodology, SM City Cabanatuan’s lower ground parking level serves as a temporary catchment basin.

SM City Cabanatuan demonstrates SM Prime’s dedication to flood mitigation through its robust design. 

SM City Cabanatuan’s lower ground parking level doubles as a temporary flood catchment basin, a crucial element of our flood mitigation strategy. 

Beyond these two malls, this promise of flood resilience is present in other properties. A key innovation employed by SM Prime is the implementation of rainwater catchment basins in its malls. These massive underground tanks, similar in size to swimming pools, collect and store rainwater from the street level, mitigating flooding in surrounding communities. Twenty-nine SM Supermalls across the country are equipped with these basins, boasting a combined capacity of 85,400 cubic meters – enough to fill over 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

Built to protect, SM City Masinag incorporates a rainwater catchment basin to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall.

SM City Masinag’s rainwater catchment basin collected 8,652.60 cubic meters of rainwater during Super Typhoon Carina.

Designed with the community in mind, SM City Masinag incorporates flood mitigation measures for safety.

These catchment basins have proven invaluable during recent typhoons. For instance, SM City Masinag’s rainwater catchment basin played a crucial role during Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) last July 2024, effectively managing the increased water volume. It collected 8,652.60 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to 264 gallons of water. As the first SM mall equipped with a rainwater catchment basin, SM City Masinag was strategically built in a historically flood-prone area, serving as a catch basin for water flowing down from upper Antipolo. In the second half of 2024, SM malls prevented an estimated total of 46,405 cubic meters of rainwater–the volume of 18 Olympic-sized swimming pools–from flooding the surrounding areas.

Mr. Gareth Aboy, a resident and former officer of Vermont Phase 1 Association near SM City Masinag, expressed his gratitude: “The residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to SM City Masinag for always being there in our times of need. Thank you for keeping your doors open for our immediate daily needs, your elevated parking spaces for our vehicles, and for keeping your water catchment basin open to help drain the water from our flood-prone village. SM City Masinag has always been and will continue to be a treasure for the residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo.”

Resilience and sustainability are key to SM Prime’s business plan. The firm makes large investments in these initiatives because it understands that the advantages—better business continuity, safer neighborhoods, and environmental protection—far exceed the disadvantages. Building a more resilient future for the communities it serves is still SM Prime’s top priority.

Suppose that the sun, the ultimate source of life, powered the entire planet. Sustainable energy options are more important than ever as the usage of fossil fuels exacerbates climate change. The Philippines is in a great position to use solar energy and fight climate change because of its plentiful sunshine. Manila had about 4,440 hours of daylight in 2024, which means there is a large potential for solar energy production.

SM North EDSA

Early on, SM Prime saw this potential. The largest installation in Southeast Asia at the time was made in 2014 when SM North EDSA became the first commercial building in the Philippines to have solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on its roof. This action marked the start of SM Prime’s dedication to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan explains, “SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility to serving people and the planet.”

Today, SM Supermalls operates 44 malls with solar PV systems, generating a combined peak energy of 51.6 megawatts (MW). The largest installation is at SM City Santa Rosa. With a total of 96,000 solar panels across malls in Luzon and Visayas, SM Prime holds the Philippines’ largest solar energy portfolio, covering around 33 hectares. These efforts are a vital part of the company’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.

This 51.6 MW capacity significantly cuts carbon emissions, providing clean energy that powers thousands of homes or removes thousands of cars from the roads. It also reduces the need for coal, offering environmental benefits for both the planet and local communities.

LED Lights

SM Escalators

The solar power generated directly fuels essential mall operations like lighting and escalators, reducing SM Supermalls’ reliance on the national grid. This, in turn, helps stabilize the power supply, reducing the risk of outages and easing the burden on electricity providers. By tapping into clean, renewable energy, SM Prime is contributing to a more sustainable future for the Philippines.

SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Square

The sustainability initiatives of SM Prime go beyond solar power. In order to reduce its negative effects on the environment, the corporation also prioritizes waste management, water conservation, and air quality programs. By taking these all-encompassing steps, SM Prime hopes to ensure responsible, creative operations while bringing about a beneficial shift.

In conclusion, SM Prime’s extensive use of solar photovoltaic systems and its wider environmental programs demonstrate its commitment to building a sustainable future for the Philippines. SM Prime is contributing to the creation of a cleaner, greener, and more promising future by setting the standard for sustainability and renewable energy.

Reference photo for the driven piles methodology, which protects against soil liquefaction and provides strength against earthquakes.

In all of its projects, SM Prime Holdings has demonstrated its dedication to using innovation and technology to improve community safety and disaster resilience through the 67-hectare SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a landmark along Manila Bay.

Originally planned as a groundbreaking mixed-use project on reclaimed land by the Philippine government, it has grown to become a symbol of security and safety, realizing the goal of its founder, Henry Sy, Sr., who wanted to build “a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions.”

Building resilient, sustainable spaces that put safety and community well-being first is crucial, according to Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), who is carrying on his father’s vision.

“We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities,” Mr. Sy states. In affirmation of this belief, he stands as the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board.

Launched in 2015, ARISE Philippines is the country’s 157-member-strong premier private sector alliance united by a shared vision of a resilient and prosperous future. The organization, the first country network established by the UNDRR, aims to minimize disaster-related loss of life, ensure investments and assets are risk-informed, and build infrastructure capable of withstanding both natural and man-made hazards.

SM Prime’s commitment to resilience is evident in the very design of the MOA Complex, which incorporates cutting-edge disaster resilience features to protect against the unique challenges posed by its coastal location.

Before construction began, SM Prime engaged the expertise of Jan de Nul, a renowned Belgian coastal development company. Their extensive research and studies ensured the viability of the project, taking into account the complex interplay of land and sea. To create a resilient structure, the company conducted risk reviews in which the following components are incorporated: Identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. This meticulous pre-engineering phase laid the groundwork for a structure, completed in 2006, that was capable of withstanding the test of time and nature.

One of the key challenges addressed was soil erosion. To combat this, the team implemented a sophisticated system of wick drains. These drains act as pathways for pore water in soft, compressible soil, effectively preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the land. This technology, while more costly than traditional methods, provides a significantly higher degree of protection, particularly against liquefaction during seismic events.

The threat of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon where soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during earthquakes, was also mitigated through innovative foundation design. Driven and bored piles, combined with precise excavation methods, provide the complex with robust resistance against liquefaction and seismic activity.

To protect against storm surges, a common threat in coastal areas, the complex boasts a robust seawall. This seawall, standing 4.5 meters higher than the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) mark, is further reinforced by a wave return feature. This inverted structure deflects high waves back towards the sea, minimizing their impact on the complex. A network of drainage channels further enhances flood prevention during storm surges.

These features were instrumental in protecting the complex during Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) in 2011, as well as in all succeeding severe weather disturbances this year, where the MOA Complex emerged largely unscathed while helping nearby areas avoid being inundated by prolonged deep flooding.

The wave return feature redirects water back into the bay, providing protection from high waves.

The Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex higher seawall and elevation prevent damage to the structure from rising sea levels. (Inset) In addition, the drainage channels along the MOA Complex are wide and deep enough to fit two buses side by side, helping prevent flooding from storm surges.

The complex’s resilience extends beyond its foundation. The main road and all structures are elevated significantly above the National Building Code requirements, further minimizing the risk of flooding. Buildings are equipped with Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI) that monitor seismic activity and provide valuable data for disaster preparedness.

The structural integrity of the buildings themselves is also paramount. The roof deck, for instance, is designed to withstand substantial loads, ensuring it can serve as a safe refuge during emergencies. The exterior façade is concrete masonry walls with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 270 kph and provide excellent insulation. This commitment to safety transforms SM Supermalls like the SM MOA into havens for the community during times of crisis.

Disaster resilience is a proactive approach that is ingrained in every aspect of SM Prime’s business operations, not just a reaction to possible threats. The business understands that investing in safety is an investment in the future, so it automatically devotes a sizable amount of its capital expenditure to disaster resilience research and development.

Its contributions to the nation’s economic development and the establishment of vibrant lifestyle destinations, as well as its steadfast dedication to safeguarding the lives and means of subsistence of the communities it serves, have contributed to SM Prime’s long standing reputation as a responsible real estate developer. The MOA Complex is a potent representation of this dedication and a ray of hope amidst the harshness of nature.

FUELING HOPE, ONE MEAL AT A TIME. SOLANE and Rise Against Hunger Philippines team up to bring warm, nutritious meals to communities in need.

SOLANE, the country’s leading LPG brand, is proud to announce its recent partnership with Rise Against Hunger Philippines (RAHP). This collaboration is part of the company’s CSR initiatives, where they aim to provide nutritious lunch meals to underserved communities across the country.

FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER. Through this partnership, SOLANE provided 500 nutritious lunch meals to individuals in need within the Barangays 101,105,106,128 & 129 Zone 8 District 1 in Tondo, Manila, demonstrating their commitment to alleviating hunger.

“Solane has been very active in CSR activities since the start of our operations in the communities where we operate. From feeding programs that cater to our less fortunate brethren to imparting our expertise by providing safety trainings on the handling of LPG to the grassroot levels said Dennis Palomar, Public Affairs Officer, Isla Group Corporation.

ALL FOR ONE. Solane, Rise Against Hunger Philippines, ERDA Foundatio, Inc. and the local government of Barangay 106 in Tondo Manila collaborated to orient residents in the proper and safe use of LPG gas.

With regards to their partnership with RAHP, Solane has been a staunch supporter since the first quarter of 2024. The company has also donated free Solane LPG refill vouchers, and last November 15, Solane sponsored a mobile kitchen project that served as an extension of RAHP’s food banking program.

“Barangay 106 is located in Tondo, Manila, a very crowded community where fire incidents occur frequently, largely due to houses built with light materials. These factors make the community highly vulnerable to fire disasters. Through Solane’s CSR initiatives, residents participated in a learning session on the proper and safe use of LPG in their homes. This education equips them with the knowledge to prevent fire incidents caused by unsafe LPG usage, ultimately fostering a safer and more responsible community” said Arlene Castro, RAHP representative.

FOR THEIR PEACE OF MIND. A total of 250 parents attended Solane’s orientation on the safety of LPG.

Solane has been actively promoting the safety use of LPG, particularly by partnering with Local Government Units (LGU), because the company believes that beyond their quality products, there has to be a peace of mind to all their customers who are patronizing Solane LPG. And this is what it sets them apart from other brands in the industry.

“All of our CSR efforts are done hand in hand with LGUs. Local collaboration is key in coming up with relevant programs that is valued by the community similar to our Bgy 106 project also in collaboration with Rise Against Hunger” said Palomar. In the past, people approached LPG safety with indifference thinking all brands are the same. Thru the collective efforts of Solane, the communities, government agencies like BFP and DOE people now have increased awareness on LPG safety thru our product knowledge seminars in the barangays. It is a continuing education effort and has made Solane synonymous with safety, reliability and peace of mind”, added Palomar.

Aside from RAHP, the company’s recent CSR event in Tondo also included beneficiaries selected by Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA), Foundation, Inc.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES. Solane will continue with their CSR efforts as they reach out to communities that will benefit from their orientation in learning the safe use of LPG.

“We are very fortunate that over 250 parents attended this worthwhile event where it teaches the members of our community on how to properly manage and use LPG gas to avoid accidents to happen” said Dolor Cardeno, Executive Director, ERDA Foundation, Inc. “Marami ang nakinabang sa ating event ngayon dahi lsa orientation na ibinigay ng Solane para sa utilization at taman gpaggamit ng LPG para sa kaligtasan ng bawat pamilya na gumagamit nito. Malaking bagay ito dahil ang mga magulang na kasama natin ngayon ay sila ang nagluluto ng pagkain. Ang mga bigay ninyongorientation ay magbibigay sa kanila ng sapat na kaalaman sa tamang paggamit ng LPG upang maiwasan ang mga aksidente tulad ng sunog”, added Cardeno

Safety, reliability and peace of mind are in our DNA and part of everything we do. We are strong advocates of safety and as such our CSRs are crafted around these principles. We do have regular CSR programs with partner communities/organizations to ensure sustainability and relevant social impact.

This partnership between SOLANE and Rise Against Hunger Philippines underscores the power of corporate social responsibility and the collective effort to address hunger and malnutrition in the country.

Rogie Royce Caradang was a college student with a dream and a global outlook prior to receiving the Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship. After graduating, he was certain that he wanted to continue his education and learn as much as he could about science.

Making an impact in the scientific community was Rogie Royce’s greatest ambition. Additionally, he was looking for guidance before joining the Ajinomoto Foundation Scholarship Program. He applied and completed his postgraduate studies in Japan after realizing he was a good fit and a great achiever seeking to expand his horizons.

His time in Japan changed his life. However, Carandang was aware that his progress would only be as great as his willingness to put in the necessary effort. However, by studying overseas and obtaining a fresh perspective on his goals, he was able to make significant breakthroughs that could potentially result in the treatment of diseases like cancer.

Carandang started his Masteral Degree in Aquatic Natural Products Chemistry at the University of Tokyo in April 2013 and finished it in March 2016. He was able to publish his research in an international journal and parlayed his success into a position as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Connecticut Health. His journey exemplifies the Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship’s potential to create global impact while shaping professional and personal growth.

“This scholarship is not just financial support—it is a transformative opportunity to broaden your horizons, advance your career, and make a lasting impact in your field.” says the now world-renowned Research Fellow. Carandang attributes his success to hard-work, finding the right focus, and then taking that leap off a springboard into more than he had ever thought he could achieve.

Carandang’s international prominence was facilitated by the Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship program. It is now his responsibility to demonstrate his abilities to the world. Those objectives now are far more ambitious than he could have ever dreamed of when he was a college student. As a scientist, all he could hope for was to see new problems, new answers, and new dreams throughout his post-graduate studies.

The Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is a program designed to fund postgraduate studies at prestigious Japanese universities through cultural immersion. Deserving Filipino students wishing to pursue master’s degrees in engineering, chemistry, human nutrition, or food science and technology are supported by this scholarship. Applications for the 2026 cycle of grants are currently being accepted by the Program. To learn more, go to https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2026-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/.