An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities are easily within reach.
Fifteen minutes is a long time in the eyes of the modern metropolitan resident.
In just fifteen minutes, you may accomplish a lot of worthwhile tasks, like meditate, clear your inbox, jog a 1.5-kilometer route, perform high-intensity interval training (HITT), read the news, and make a smoothie.
However, 15 minutes is hardly enough time for a commuter in Metro Manila to get from point A to point B. You have probably not moved an inch in this time, especially during rush hour.
Do you know about the 15-minute city? It’s a contemporary idea for urban development that prioritizes both people and the environment. The phrase was first used by urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno of Paris. He stated that the perfect neighborhood or city is one in which jobs, dining, housing, entertainment, and educational opportunities are all conveniently located within a 15-minute walk or by bike.
Pasay City, in its forward-looking 360-hectare smart city development, aims to create an innovative tropical 15-minute city for over 300,000 residents.
Situated at the edge of a densely-packed and overpopulated metropolis perpetually in a traffic gridlock, this city will provide respite to its residents and visitors with sustainable, inclusive, safe, and healthy living where all their needs can be accessed within reach.
Among its intended features, the project is envisioned to have low carbon and safe mobility networks with multimodal public transport services and enhanced infrastructure that prioritizes active mobility like walking and biking. There will be parking lots equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, dedicated bike lanes, easily accessible public transport hubs, and unimpeded pedestrian walkways.
An artist’s rendition of a soon-to-rise 15-minute city in Pasay
This assures lower transportation costs, less carbon emissions, and most importantly, healthier and happier people. No more long and tiring queues at the EDSA bus carousel or sitting hours on end in the middle of EDSA traffic.
The project has been thoughtfully planned and designed for many years, and finally it has received the green light by government to proceed. In fact, no less than Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda highlighted how the Pasay-led project is expected to earn billions in real estate assets for the government.
The project’s revenues are expected to provide an enormous multiplier effect on our GDP and around 300,000 additional jobs between 2027 and 2040. It is anticipated to employ 4% of all workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) by 2035.
It is anticipated that the Pasay 360 Project will reinvigorate the economy, foster livelihoods, and develop the next wave of Filipino leaders. Filipinos may take pleasure in it as we advance toward the twenty-second century.
Better, larger, and more competitive concert venues have benefited economies, particularly in light of the enormous and noteworthy impact that well-known worldwide artists like Coldplay’s World Tour and pop sensation Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour have had on consumer spending and behavior.
The success of these concerts, which attracted tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concertgoers, served as an economic booster for nations all over the world, especially Southeast Asian nations like Singapore and Japan. admirers from the Philippines had to put out a lot of money and travel far to see the superstar Swift perform exclusively in Singapore’s National Stadium; other admirers traveled to Sydney, Australia’s Accor Stadium, and Tokyo, Japan’s Tokyo Dome. The enormous concert performances greatly benefited the retail, transportation, hotel, and entertainment sectors while also boosting the economy of the corresponding nations.
While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.
1. Location is key
The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.
Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.
2. Concert Experience
Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof and comfort cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts from all over the world. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate.
3. World-class concert amenities and facilities
Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website
Accessing the venue’s amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.
Take for example the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – that has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances.
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held in SM Mall of Asia Arena – Photo from SM MOA Arena official website
Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.
4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams
One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features, comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.
An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project. https://www.pexels.com/photo/band-playing-on-stage-2747446/
Entertainment shows are undoubtedly the lifeblood of Filipinos. Given how enthusiastic we are about concerts, Visa, a digital payments corporation, reports that Filipinos spend the fourth most on concerts in Asia-Pacific. Filipino concert goers will be able to continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the ease, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve if investments are made in the creation of contemporary, intelligent, and accessible concert venues. Beyond only providing entertainment, carefully planned, astute, and creative music venues may boost the national and local economies of the Philippines by stimulating ancillary local spending in the retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community.
In response to the mounting waste crisis worldwide, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the top integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is starting a unified trash management and segregation program. SM Prime wants to move all of its stakeholders and property groupings toward a #SMWasteFreeFuture.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that every year, people produce over 2 billion tons of municipal solid trash, of which 45 percent is improperly managed. In 2050, municipal solid trash will quadruple to about 4 billion tons annually if nothing drastic is done. The International Day of Zero Waste was declared on March 30, 2022, by the United Nations General Assembly.
With its announcement of its #SMWasteFreeFuture vision, SM Prime has demonstrated its strong commitment to sustainability stewardship. By inviting its stakeholders to participate in events that will promote zero-waste awareness and push for an environmentally sound and sustainable approach to waste management, the company is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Strong foundations
SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “business growth and social development must go hand in hand.” The company follows this guiding principle and has formed a sustainability policy that commits to the following: Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Disaster Resilience, Climate Advocacy, Social Integration, and Transparent Reporting.
Anchored on these sustainability commitments are the SM Supermalls’ Environmental Programs on Waste Management. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM Supermalls has pioneered longstanding programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, and provided support to the annual International Coastal Clean Up, among other national events.
Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
In the hotel and tourism sector, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has taken the lead in mitigating global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its properties in the Philippines. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Sustainable Diner Program, that aims to transform and help the food service sector minimize its impact on the environment thru resource efficiency, plastic refusal and food waste management and contribute to the world’s future food security.
Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.
To support these programs, SM Prime also recently unveiled its waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.
No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource.
A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture
To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today’s waste issues,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion.
SM Prime’s announcement of its vision of an #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company’s strong commitment and sustainability stewardship, by inviting its stakeholders to engage in activities that will help spread zero-waste awareness and work for a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach on waste management.
“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 Sy.
As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its position as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development.
Photo credit to Anamul Rezwan. Construction jobs are generated from new urban developments.
Despite differences in population and culture, cities all around the world strive for advancement through new urban developments. Through a variety of socioeconomic activities, such as the development of jobs, these projects not only improve convenience in the midst of urban congestion but also invigorate local economies and communities.
A single new development, whether it takes the shape of state-of-the-art business districts, public transportation, or tall residential communities, necessitates a wide range of employment from planning to completion. These include suppliers, builders, and real estate developers and planners; all of them need close cooperation to ensure the successful development of projects.
Hudson Yards: Direct and indirect employment opportunities
Photo credit to Following NYC. Featuring ‘Vessel’, a honeycomb-like structure and visitor attraction in the Hudson Yards Development in Manhattan, New York City.
The cycle of job creation doesn’t stop after completion. A new development also drives indirect employment opportunities generated from industries attracted or related to the development.
Such is the case for Hudson Yards, New York City’s 28-acre mixed-use development and considerably the United States’ biggest megadevelopment in history. It had created thousands of construction jobs that resulted in transforming Manhattan’s iconic skyline and becoming home to diverse shops, offices, cultural institutions, and hotels and residences. Ongoing operations and management of these facilities are expected to contribute to its large-scale economy, such as hosting over 55,752 workers daily and about $19 billion annually to the city’s GDP.
Dubai and Songdo IBD: Creating economic opportunities afresh
Meanwhile, cities like Dubai and Songdo International Business District (IBD) generate jobs by creating economic opportunities from the ground up. They used land reclamation as an urban development strategy to address land scarcity and high population density challenges.
Photo credit to Kadir Avşar. A closer aerial view of the Palm Islands.
Dubai’s ambitious projects, including the Palm Islands, the World Islands, and Burj Al Arab, have turned it into an ultramodern metropolis for commerce and tourism. In 2023, it drew over 30,000 new businesses, driving demand for talent in finance, legal, and digital technology sectors.
The Songdo IBD is an ongoing smart city built on reclaimed land in Incheon, South Korea. It’s designed to be an international business and residential hub with sustainable features. As of 2020, the 1,500-acre development hosts about 30,000 residents, 33,000 jobs, and 70% fewer emissions than any other development.
SM’s Integrated City Developments: Empowering local communities and residents
SM Prime contributed photo. An aerial view of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) featuring its iconic Globamaze and thriving network of retail, business, residential, and hotel developments.
The SM Group, a leading conglomerate in the Philippines, has an ecosystem of interests spanning retail, banking, property, and mall developments across the country, making it the largest employer with over 140,000 employees.
For every SM mall development by SM Prime Holdings, the integrated property developer of the Group, the local economy is invigorated because of the opportunities created by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that comprise about 68% of its mall tenants. For instance, SM City Bataan, SM Supermalls’ 83rd mall, employs about 96% of its mall administration staff who are residents called Bataeños, including two in leadership roles. It also proudly showcases local industries by partnering with homegrown businesses like family-owned brands and locally managed franchises.
The local workforce’s quality of life is influenced by tax revenues, steady employment, and job security. SM Prime makes sure that these advancements are reflected in all of its developments, particularly in its plans for future smart city initiatives in the Philippines, which will be led by its ongoing 360-hectare development in Pasay City.
New urban projects shape local economies through the production of jobs and better living conditions. They are also sources of innovation, growth, and opportunities for enhanced affluence. A network of opportunities is necessary for these city centers to succeed, from their pre-construction supply chain to enabling enterprises so that people can prosper and give back to their communities.
Celebrating women in agriculture. Women represent more than 30% of farmers under the Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), which enables smallholder farmers to enhance their technical and business skills so they can improve their harvest and their livelihood.
Women have made major contributions to agriculture, a field generally associated with men, yet these achievements are sometimes overlooked. According to official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, from 2007 to 2016, roughly 25% of workers in the agricultural sector are women. However, a report from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) suggests that this figure may not accurately reflect real participation on the ground.
A significant portion of women may be underreported in the agricultural industry since, according to the PCW’s website, “women’s work in agriculture is normally considered to be extensions of their household tasks and therefore not reported as work.”
The Jollibee Group highlights the stories of three female farmers in this article as evidence that women may prosper in the agricultural industry.
Celebrating women farmers
Maricel Sevilleja of San Jose, Nueva Ecija; Noralyn Lopez of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; and Bernadeth Carandang of Magallanes, Cavite are among the women farmers under the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) of the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of the Jollibee Group.
The FEP was started in 2008 to help smallholder farmers become entrepreneurs—they learn technical and business skills so they can improve not only their produce, but also their source of livelihood. JGF partners with various organizations to provide the training and interventions, such as helping famers form clusters, so they can collectively meet the volume and quality requirements of buyers like the Jollibee Group.
Sevilleja, now 41 years old and a mother of two, started farming in 2006 when her parents became too old to farm. “Farming is not only for men. We can do what men can,” she said. “Farming may be hard but when you think about it, no work in this world is easy. We only need to learn how to love and enjoy our work.”
“To my fellow women farmers, don’t be afraid to grow and learn more about modern farming. For those who would like to become farmers, welcome! Let’s show the world that women can be great farmers too.”
Like Sevilleja, Noralyn Lopez is also a farmer’s daughter. But farming wasn’t her first choice for work. “Six years akong nagtrabaho as office staff. Tumigil ako last year at nagsimulang tumulong sa tatay ko sa pag-supply ng onion sa Jollibee Group,” she shared.” (I worked as an office staff for six years. I stopped working last year to help my father in farming onions to supply to the Jollibee Group.)
Lopez also shared her encouraging experience: “Wala naman ng gender issue. May gender equality naman na po. Ang mga kasama naman namin sa farming, itinuturing naman na akong kapatid.” (There’s a sense of gender equality. My colleagues see me as their sibling.)
Thriving in agriculture work. Bernadeth Carandang (middle in sky blue) and other women farmers proudly show their harvested onions. Aside from being a farmer, Bernadeth is also a teacher and a leader of the Mag-Samakame farmers’ cooperative in Cavite.
Bernadette Carandang shares the same sentiment. “Kaming mag-asawa, parehong magsasaka. Hindi limitasyon ang pagiging babae para sa ganitong larangan,” she said. (My husband and I are both farmers. Being a woman should never be a hindrance for this type of work.)
Before becoming a farmer, Carandang used to work in an electronics company. Today, she’s also a teacher and a farmer leader of Mag-Samakame cooperative in Cavite. She emphasized the need for sustained programs that help farmers improve their livelihood, such as the FEP.
Helping farmers to become entrepreneurs
“Tinuruan ako ng FEP na gawing matatag na negosyo ang pagsasaka,” Carandang shared. “Bukod sa kaalaman sa makabagong pagsasaka dahil sa mga bigay nitong teknikal na kaalaman, ang paghubog sa aking kamalayan na ang pagsasaka ay isang profession ay hindi matatawaran.” (FEP taught me to turn farming into a stable business. Apart from the technical skills in modern farming that I have learned from them, I have also developed the mindset that farming is a profession. This to me is invaluable.)
The Jollibee Group sources its veggies, including tomatoes, green bell peppers, and white onions, directly from smallholder farmers in the Philippines, including Sevilleja, Lopez, and Carandang, for use in a few of its products, including Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Mang Inasal. FEP farmers have produced sales of P370 million over the past five years.
“The Jollibee Group is one of the few institutional buyers. That’s a lot of money you’re making. Currently, we are planning to coordinate with our local government unit to make our connection with institutional buyers more transparent,” Carandang stated. (The Jollibee Group is our first institutional buyer; as a result, our income has increased.) We hope to work with our local government unit to strengthen our relationship with institutional buyers.
Capacitating women in agriculture. These women farmers from San Jose, Nueva Ecija, receive agro-entrepreneurship training from JGF and representatives of local government units.
But one of the greater challenges that must be addressed these days is how the younger generation perceives farming. “Sabi ko nga sa mga estudyante ko, ‘Ano ang gusto niyo maging pag dating ng araw?’ Walang may gusto mag farming. Ngayon, tinuturuan ko sila na angagriculture ay hindi pang mahirap. Ito ay business. Kung may farmer, may pag-asa,” Carandang said. (I asked my students, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ No one wants to become a farmer. Now I’m teaching them that farming is not a poor man’s job. It is a business. When we have more farmers, we have more hope for the future.)
A dedicated teacher from PSD provides a hands-on lecture inside their newly rehabilitated school building.
Navigating a world where spoken words play a major role in communication can be difficult for someone with hearing loss.
This issue further widens the gap in the Philippines, where there are few options for the deaf, especially in the areas of work and education. Their quest for knowledge and skills is made more difficult by the fact that there are so few secondary educational institutions that can meet their particular demands. In addition, the cost and state of the facilities further impede their efforts.
A personal advocacy
Shery Funcion, the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City, is no stranger to these challenges.
Her dedication to the cause began with her college thesis, focusing on job opportunities for deaf learners. Since then, she has immersed herself in various organizations and volunteer activities, gaining firsthand insights into the limited opportunities available to deaf learners.
She eventually became a SPED teacher, before taking on the role of principal in PSD.
“The immersive experience really showed me how important these projects are for our students—kung gaano kahalaga ang pagbibigay ng mga pasilidad sa mga mag aaral lalo na sa mga bingi,” she underscored the importance of providing facilities for students with hearing impairment.
A facility that produces opportunities
The collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office of Pasay City equips students with in-demand skills that will prepare them for employment upon graduation.
In the century-old PSD, their senior high school laboratory building serves as the training ground for students. Its classrooms and halls, no matter how old, have always played their role in honing and preparing deaf students to have solid career prospects after PSD.
Amidst the competing priorities within the school and the broader Philippine educational system, the facility barely had enough funds for the rehabilitation and major repairs it needed. For years, students and teachers worked around issues ranging from dim lighting and leaking roofs to uneven floors. These not only presented structural concerns but also hindered the overall learning experience of students.
“Our deaf learners need special accommodation to fulfill their special educational needs. They need to have a conducive learning environment so we can optimize the activities and learning programs,” Funcion stressed.
Funcion further shared that the 2023 collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the social good arm of the SM Group, and the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office of Pasay City could not have come at a better time.
“The rehabilitation of the Home Economics (HE) laboratories is crucial because students need to fulfill their performance tasks. These are vital components of our senior high school program to ensure that they acquire essential skills and competencies for employment post-graduation from PSD.”
Through the collaboration, PSD has been provided with the much-needed facilities in dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance.
The partnership has given PSD access to much-needed resources in the areas of dressmaking, hair care, cooking, electrical work, bartending, food and beverage preparation, ICT, and dancing.
For Henry Sy, their Funcion. The Senior Building is a fantastic starting point that will help create equitable opportunities and a future in which the ability of deaf students will be recognized both within and outside the classroom walls.
Northtown Center is an integrated town center with retail, commercial, and institutional components.
This summer, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev)’s Northtown Center in Cabantian, Davao City, promises exciting events and activities.
Spreading areas for sports, play, and outdoor fitness, play and sports
Participating in outdoor activities enhances vitality overall, mental and physical health, and social connection. Two hectares of open space at Northtown Center are currently used as public spaces for strolling, bicycling, running, and organized sports.
Over 50 kids and teens participated in the Dayaw OCR Junior held at Northtown Center.
Just recently, Alsons Dev partnered with a local sports event organizer, Team Kwago, to hold two obstacle course races or OCR events in Northtown Center. The first race held on March 17 was the Dayaw OCR Junior, a 800-meter race for kids and teens with 15 obstacles to invigorate the young athletes. The following Sunday, the main event was held for seasoned adult athletes and sports enthusiasts. Dayaw OCR highlighted a four-kilometer course with 20 obstacles designed to challenge participants of various skill levels. The race attracted over a hundred attendees, including athletes from General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila, competing in the team, elite, and open divisions.
The Dayaw OCR is a qualifier event recognized by the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF), with the top contenders from the race being considered for the National Team for Obstacle Sports.
Pop-up park for events
Nothing brings people better than food. Festive food bazaars are slated on April 24 to 30 and May 23 to 31 in Northtown Center to encourage community interaction and provide more recreational opportunities.
Davao Kalsada’s Summer Bazaar is expected to gather several budding foodpreneurs who will showcase their culinary creations for everyone to enjoy. The bazaar will also feature family-friendly activities and attractions like a giant inflatable playground, live bands, and open mic events.
Davao City’s first CityMall branch at Northtown offers shopping, dining and leisure options to residents of Cabantian and neighboring communities.
A community mall for convenience and leisure
Skip the traffic! Neighborhood shopping centers like CityMall Northtown offer nearby residents a walkable haven for essentials, local finds, and neighborly connections.
Embrace everyday pleasures like a fast lunch at FoodWorld or a grocery buy at MerryMart. You can mix & combine your favorite fast food items from Greenwich, Mang Inasal, and Jollibee in this one-stop food court. Now that they’re open, kid-friendly businesses like Fun Nation and Playville provide a fun and safe space for kids to play and socialize.
Northtown Center is a part of Northtown, a 150-hectare township project developed by Alsons Dev, Davao’s leading domestic real estate developer. While CityMall Northtown is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the Northtown Center grounds are available to the public from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Visit Northtown’s Office Facebook Page Northtown Davao for more information on the latest lifestyle hub in Davao.
Future sustainability leaders. Strengthening its commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship, SM Prime welcomes ten scholars from UPLB, who are taking up degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
Led by their dedication to sustainability and inspired by the late Henry Sy Sr.’s faith in the value of education, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a prominent integrated real estate developer, has teamed up with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to offer scholarships.
The program, appropriately named the “SM Sustainability Scholarship,” demonstrates SM Prime’s dedication to sustainability stewardship as well as educational access.
Ten worthy students will receive full assistance from the program for their UPLB undergraduate studies, giving them the chance to major in either forestry or human ecology and earn bachelor’s degrees. These areas complement SM Prime’s emphasis on creating sustainable futures and resilient communities.
At a meet-and-greet at UPLB, the scholarship recipients—who were carefully selected for their superior academic standing and commitment to sustainability—were formally named SM Sustainability Scholars.
SM Sustainability Scholarship. In the photo are the SM sustainability scholars with the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ Office of Scholarships and Grants Director Assoc. Prof. Ariel L. Babierra, Ph.D., College of Forestry and Natural Resources’s Prof. Marilyn Combalicer, College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr, Janette Malata-Silva, Scholarship Affairs Officer Ivy Salarde and SM Prime AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo with the rest of the SM team.
Each scholar will receive a full scholarship covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and a book allowance, ensuring they can focus on their studies without financial worries.
During the gathering, College of Human Ecology (CHE) Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo expressed that the pursuit of sustainability is most effectively undertaken collaboratively.
“CHE is one of the colleges that puts a premium on interdisciplinarity and trans-disciplinarity because we believe that in sustainability, you don’t work in silos. We need to work together and build each other’s skills, know-how, and also our programs together to ensure sustainability,” she said.
“I would also like to thank SM Prime for putting emphasis on this scholarship. SM Prime did not just provide the finances or scholarship. They invested the time to really meet our scholars and provided other support mechanisms to ensure that our scholars thrive in their academic lives. This is also a manifestation of SM’s commitment to sustainability by really developing our future sustainability leaders,” she added.
College of Forestry and Natural Resources’ Prof. Marilyn Combalicer also extended the college’s support to the scholars on behalf of the college’s dean, Dr. Marlo Mendoza: “We hope to continue nurturing such meaningful collaboration and initiatives that enhance our educational experience and initiatives for our students. Rest assured that we will continue providing support to our students in ensuring their growth and success in both academia and beyond.”
SM Prime’s AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo meets the SM sustainability scholars.
Meanwhile, SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications, Rida Reyes-Castillo, echoed that the fundamental values of the company are intricately interwoven with both education and sustainability.
“SM Group’s founder, Mr. Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr. believed that education is a great equalizer, and he envisioned that sending one child to college would create ripples of social good not just for families but for an entire community,” she said. “The improvement of the well-being of the youth and the partner communities is something that we at SM invest in.”
The SM group has accepted the duty to support national development for many years by implementing social good initiatives in the areas of high-quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster relief. Business growth and social development work together to create a better future for everyone by enhancing the lives of those residing in these host communities.
This is a paid partnership with SM Prime Holdings.
Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) hand signs a gratitude message to Henry Sy Foundation (HSF), Department of Education, and Pasay Local Government after they collaborated for the revitalization of the 12-room laboratory building of Senior High School students.
The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons of the Philippines guarantees the self-reliance, self-development, and rehabilitation of people with impairments. From school to tertiary education, the nation offers educational aid to individuals with impairments, including vocational or technical training.
The Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City is one such institution. The school has been demonstrating for more than a century how education can empower people with a variety of disabilities and help them realize their full potential in life.
One of Southeast Asia’s oldest schools for the deaf, the school is a tribute to the Philippines’ longstanding commitment to education for people with disabilities, but its ability to carry out its goal is compromised by time and wear.
The school lacked basic facilities and accessibility features: converted classrooms, timeworn corridors, limited space for vocational training, inadequate furniture, dilapidated walls and ceilings, broken tiles and faucets, and dim lighting. It was also prone to flooding due to drainage problems, and it had only one functional toilet with a broken door infested by termites.
Revitalizing a legacy
In a transformative partnership, the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office of Pasay City joined forces to breathe new life into the Senior High School building and a four-story, 12-classroom structure. This initiative, executed under the DepEd’s adopt-a-school program, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in revitalizing educational infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
Teachers conduct lectures on electronics in a more conducive laboratory after the rehabilitation of the school building
Previously hindered by infrastructural limitations, the century-old school now features enhanced learning spaces dedicated to various subjects, including dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. A dance studio with a dressing room and a conference room were also refurbished.
Through the social good collaboration, the laboratory for baking and cookery has been equipped with new tools and furniture, helping conduct more hands-on classes.
To enhance safety and accessibility, ramps and railings were installed throughout the campus, ensuring ease of movement for all students. Aside from revitalizing 10 classrooms, the SM group also refurbished the conference rooms, and the lobby with a reception area to provide a comfortable environment.
Differently abled students from PSD focus as they attend their beauty and cosmetology class in their new building.
A handwashing station and separate male and female restrooms were renovated with clean, functional cubicles, urinals, and PWD-accessible amenities to promote excellent hygiene and healthy habits.
Restored with a roomy stage, the covered court offers an ideal setting for outdoor education and leisure.
SM Foundation school building program head Juris Soliman and SMFI Project Supervisor Ar. Caren Lopez (fourth and fifth from left) with PSD Principal Shery Funcion and SDO Pasay City SGOD Sylwyn Tenorio (sixth and seventh from left) with the team behind the school’s refurbishment.
In addition to addressing the physical issues, the PSD’s facilities were rehabilitated to create an atmosphere in which each student may succeed. The project is evidence of the SM and Henry Sy Foundations’ unwavering dedication to empowering people with disabilities via education and their ongoing pursuit of inclusivity.
SM scholars recall the beginning of their SM scholar journey
A family legacy, SM scholar Amanda Hora becomes the first in her family to earn a degree.
While some instances pass away with time, others create an enduring impression that shapes not just our paths but also our identities. Regarding Attorney. The SM scholarship application, for Amanda Hora and Marmie Deniega, wasn’t merely a means of gaining access to higher education; it was also the turning point in their lives.
The first to obtain a degree in the family
When Amanda happened upon a Facebook post regarding the SM scholarship application, her incredible journey as an SM scholar got underway.
“It has always been my dream to pursue a quality education without the burden of tuition expenses. I enrolled in a university in Senior High School because of a scholarship, and I know that the only way to continue my college years at the same university is to obtain another full scholarship. That is why I never hesitated to apply for the SM scholarship, hoping to be accepted,” she said.
In the quiet hours of the night several years back, an email from the SM Foundation lit up her phone’s screen, informing her that she had been selected for their scholarship program.
The acceptance was a mark that she was a few steps away from fulfilling another goal: “I pursued college because I wanted to become the first in our family to get a college degree.”
Amanda snaps a photo with her family as she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023.
“My parents did not finish their studies due to financial difficulties, but they’ve always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations. Also, I believe in the importance of quality education. It is something that nobody can take away,” she added.
The scholarship opened doors throughout her college years. Beyond the academic realm, she had the opportunities to join competitions, intern at prestigious firms, and build a network that extended far beyond the classroom.
She shared: “As a scholar, the foundation’s programs and webinars allowed me to hear inspiring stories from other scholars, mentoring and motivating us to pursue our goals. When COVID-19 affected the country and whenever there were calamities, the SM Foundation looked after us. They provided us with tools that are essential for remote learning. It made me feel that I am part of a bigger family and that I am not alone in this journey.”
These experiences paved academic and personal growth. As she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023, she aims to contribute to the community by creating a ripple effect of kindness.
“I would use my knowledge to find ways to provide livelihood programs, especially in areas or communities where it is much needed. I would also advocate for financial literacy to help people effectively manage their finances and build resilience, especially during unpredictable life events.
I would also use my story to inspire the youth, especially the current and future scholars, and remind them to never give up on their dreams,” she shared.
Scholar makes an impact on the community
Atty. Marmie Deniega (fifth from left) with her colleagues from IBP-Cebu Chapter.
Much like Amanda is CPA-lawyer Marmie Dyan Deniega.
Raised by a single mother amid financial struggles, the pursuit of a college degree seemed like an unattainable dream until she chanced upon a TV commercial that introduced her to the SM College Scholarship.
Recalling vividly the moment, she shares: “My mother and I were watching the television. The commercial for SM Foundation came in, and the application deadline was flashed through the screen. Coincidentally, it was on that day itself, so I rushed and submitted my application at the nearest SM Mall.”
The scholarship became the cornerstone of Marmie’s academic success. She graduated with cum laude honors in Accountancy from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, crediting the scholarship for providing not only financial support but also the freedom to focus on her studies.
The scholarship not only shaped her academic journey but also fueled a sense of responsibility, which proved valuable when she pursued a law degree with the help of her aunt and part-time jobs.
Now successful in her field, Atty. Marmie travels and enjoys various leisure activities. Beyond this, she is thankful to have the capability to support her family.
Now, she proudly serves as an Attorney III at the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Mandaue City, actively contributing to her community’s development. She is one of the people who played a pivotal role in streamlining business permit processing in their city, making it more accessible to constituents.
As a firm believer in spreading social good, she finances the education of her siblings while actively engaging in community-based projects. She also stands as a resource speaker in schools for several crucial topics, such as the Anti-Bullying Law.
Apart from legal aid work in far-flung areas in Cebu, through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, she also volunteers with Law Inc., an organization helping victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). She conducts seminars across various locations in Cebu, shedding light on the intricacies of VAWC.
In the confines of her office, clients naturally turn to her for legal advice, seeking guidance on various matters: “It cannot be helped that clients will also seek legal advice from me, hence I also make it a point to help them, to the best of my ability, and within the boundaries set by law.”
The success stories of Amanda and Marmie demonstrate the value of education in addition to being examples of personal growth. Through the SM College Scholarship Program, numerous dreamers just like them are given the courage to follow their academic goals and forge successful careers each year.
Numerous more lives could be impacted as the SM College Scholarship Program application period opens on February 1 and ends on March 31, 2024.
