Lifestyle

Solar rooftop at SM City North EDSA

One of the most serious and defining global challenges today is climate change. It is now more important than ever for the public and private sectors to work together to protect people’s welfare and improve the nation’s resilience.

When it comes to climate change vulnerability, the Philippines currently ranks third in the world. It is more vulnerable to changing intensities of climate change displayed through irregular weather systems and natural calamities due to its geographical location. More than ever, the commercial sector must align with sustainable development concepts and adopt the same hard stance on environmentally sound practices in its activities.

Mr. Hans T. Sy

“I constantly encourage the private sector to work closely with the government. This way, we can be more cohesive in our efforts to make more meaningful progress towards a better and sustainable future. As a private enterprise, SM Prime will continue to do its share in addressing climate change for the benefit of communities,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Water conservation

Sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime has spearheaded sustainable practices as well as set records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments.

For one, the property conglomerate embarked on a campaign to substantially reduce its water consumption. It pioneered the installation of sewage treatment plants even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004.

Today, its sewage treatment plants recycle 8.7 million cubic meters of water, lessening its dependence on fresh water sources for air conditioning operations, gardening, water closet flushing and other non-potable uses. SM Prime’s water catchment basins across 20 SM malls can also catch and store almost 79 million liters of water in total every time it rains, or as much as 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

By controlling the flow of flood water, surrounding communities have been provided more protection against the devastating effects of floods, alleviating what communities would normally fear when the rains come.

Renewable energy

SM Prime continues to explore ways to promote environmental consciousness in its operations and developments to minimize environmental impact.

In 2014, SM Prime achieved an important milestone in the country with SM City North EDSA becoming then the world’s largest solar-powered mall. Today, SM Prime is adding eleven more malls with solar roof decks.

Showing its firm resolve to advance its sustainability agenda, the company is committed to increase the use of renewable energy by 50% in 2022 across its various business segments, ahead of the national goals to be 35% renewable by 2030.

Through these efforts, SM Prime is committed to provide affordable and clean energy to its tenant-partners, minimizing the carbon footprint emission in its operations.

Collaboration toward resilience

As a key figure in the private sector, Mr. Sy and his dedication to environmental protection continues to serve as a testament to how Philippine businesses can usher positive change toward disaster resilience and risk reduction management in the country.

Mr. Sy became a member of the UN Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) on Disaster Reduction in 2012. In 2015, he was also inducted into the UNDRR ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) International Board as the first and only Filipino member. He currently represents the business sector as co-chair of the ARISE-Philippines network and the National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines. He continues to assist in the development of multi-sectoral partnerships in the country in order to increase the ability of organizations, including MSMEs, to plan for and respond to natural disasters such as earthquakes.

“Our Mother Earth is under threat from climate change. I believe we will have an impact if we can all participate, no matter how small, and if I can make everyone aware of it. In a video interview for the 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders project, Mr. Sy observed, “It’s never too late.”

The Philippines’ Independence Day is approaching, and there is so much to celebrate! June 12 is a celebration of the Filipino people’s tenacity, bravery, and unwavering passion for freedom. In honor of the 124th anniversary of Philippine independence, SM Supermalls explains why this day is so significant in our history.

It’s a celebration of our Filipino identity. Independence Day symbolizes the foundation of our beliefs and identity as Filipinos — a brave and strong people eager to battle for freedom. After over 400 years of colonization, flying our flag and singing our national anthem is more than a duty; it honors the valor of every Filipino who fought for our independence. Come dressed in Philippine flag colors to the SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony on June 12, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. to show our love for our country and pay our respects.

It is a celebration of our identity as Filipinos. Independence Day represents the core of our beliefs and our identity as Filipinos – a strong and courageous race willing to fight for freedom’s sake. After almost 400 years of colonization, the raising of our flag and the singing of our anthem serves as more than an obligation; it commemorates the heroism embodied by every Filipino who fought for our freedom. This June 12, 2022 at 8:30 am, come in colors of the Philippine flag and head to the SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony as we show love of our country and pay our respects to those who fought to protect it.

It is a celebration of our rich and diverse culture. Each year, the month of June encourages us to exhibit our country’s rich culture in many different ways. Whether it be through food, fashion, or art, all 18 regions across the Philippines have so much to offer! At an SM mall near you, enjoy a taste of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s diverse cultures through Pinoy Eats and Pinoy Buys until June 12, 2022.

It is a celebration of our love for the country. Putting the country above one’s self is a great honor and responsibility. As Filipinos, it is our duty to keep the flame of patriotism alive by learning Philippine culture and history, to cultivate in us a sense of community and accountability towards our Filipino brothers and sisters. Visit SM City Cebu’s HeroiSM phygital exhibit until June 15, 2022 to explore Philippine history in an #AweSM way!

Celebrate #PinoyFreedom at SM Supermalls!

While we each exude patriotism in our own way, one cannot ignore the pride and enjoyment that comes with Philippine Independence Day celebrations! Commemorate Independence Day in a truly Pinoy way— sumptuous food, the company of loved ones, and great deals on all things local!

Activities are planned at SM Supermalls to keep #PinoyFreedom alive across the country! So come to an SM mall near you to celebrate the #AweSM and historic Philippine Independence Day. Visit www.smsupermalls.com for additional information, or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media channels.

“He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never arrive to his destination,” our national hero Jose Rizal famously stated. As you climb higher, it’s critical to maintain your feet on the ground. The same is true for all Filipinos: we can’t completely appreciate the freedom we have now unless we understand what our forefathers went through to achieve it.

SM Supermalls will host big events to commemorate Philippine Independence Day and encourage Pinoys to embrace Filipino culture more fully.

Join SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony 

Show your love of country and value the sacrifices of the Filipinos who died protecting and defending it. Come in colors of the Philippine flag and head to SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony on June 12, 2022 – assembly time is at 8:30am. Give it the utmost importance, as this is the thread that knits Filipinos together from one generation to the next.

Indulge yourself with the best Pinoy Eats

As a champion of local MSMEs, SM Supermalls will spoil you with Filipino cuisine options and other local products from June 1-12. Savor the diverse and rich Filipino food offerings and have a taste of the best Pinoy dishes and treats from every region of the country. Enjoy special promotions during this period when you order your favorite Pinoy Eats on-ground or when ordering online.

Buy Local, Buy Pinoy

Support local businesses, buy fresh local produce and other specialty items from SM’s affiliates and tenants through the Buy Pinoy pop-up stores. Shop the best locally-made clothes, souvenirs, décor, and food brought to you by only the best Filipino businesses from June 1 to June 12, 2022.

“SM Supermalls have always celebrated Pinoy pride through various events where we get to appreciate our culture and express our gratitude to the heroes of past and present. Our Philippine Independence Day should never be taken for granted, because holding our national pride and heritage in high regard is what makes us true-blooded Filipinos through and through. We encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate freedom at SM Supermalls” Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, said.

Follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter  for #SafeMallingAtSM updates, or check out the mall entry guidelines and updates on mall hours here. You can also look through the entire SM Directory here.

“The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys,” someone once said. Men tend to spend more money on technology, cars, and even toys as they become older. Domesticated guys are more likely to spend more money on household appliances and other such devices that make being at home more enjoyable.

With COVID-19 still on the loose, dads might want to consider investing in a toy that can not only clean but also sterilize the house. The Gruenheim vacuum cleaner is a new gadget that will bring a lot of joy to dads.

The Gruenheim Vacuum Cleaning System (GHV1) employs environmentally friendly water filtering technology. The multi-functional health cleaning machine functions as an air purifier, disinfectant, sanitizer, aromatizer, and pharmaceutical all in one.

It can also dry vacuum the floor, ceiling, wall, curtains or blinds and window screens. The vacuum cleaner can also be used to shampoo carpets, sofas, mattresses and even chairs. It has the capacity to remove 99.9 percent of harmful fine dust from the air. It is not only user friendly; it is also energy consumption friendly.

Perfectly complementing the GHV1 is the Gruenheim Steam cleaning system makes use of dry steam at 170 degrees Celsius to sterilize all types of surfaces, bed materials, upholstery, carpets, kitchens, toilets, and bathrooms even areas that are difficult to reach without using any harmful chemicals. The extreme heat and pressure generated by the machine can visibly remove dirt, kill dust mites and bed bugs, and can do away with germs and molds, leaving the target area 99.99% free of sickness causing bacteria.

This state-of -the-art vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner are products of Gruenheim GmbH & Co. KG. The company was founded in 2014, is based in Stuttgart, Germany and is a subsidiary of Luckner & Lahusen Group GmbH & Co. KG. German made products are synonymous with quality because of the well-paid and highly trained workers who focus on quality.

It is a trademark of high-end ecological, innovative and premium home appliances. It stands for products that combine functional, timeless and puristic design with impressive technical innovations. Gruenheim products are sold worldwide exclusively by authorized Gruenheim wholesalers.

Its direct distributor in the Philippines is Gruenheim Philippines Inc.. Gruenheim is now available at 1^st Megasaver in Tarlac City; Cabanatuan City and in San Fernando, Pampanga.

So, what do you have to miss? Purchase a new gadget for your father! Get him a Gruenheim vacuum cleaner, or both! Call 09175984968 or email [email protected] for more information about Gruenheim Vacuum Cleaner and their other items.

According to a recent Mastercard study, despite the COVID-19 pandemic having a disproportionate impact on women entrepreneurs around the world – particularly in emerging nations – women are displaying the fortitude to succeed against the odds. Despite considerable social-cultural and infrastructure constraints that threaten to stifle their growth, women in the Philippines have done particularly well in entrepreneurship. Women’s entrepreneurship in the Philippines and Asia’s lower-middle-income economies is hampered by a lack of government SME assistance, limited access to entrepreneurial capital, and a severe lack of educational possibilities.

The fifth edition of Mastercard’s Index for Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), which covered 65 economies and 82.4 percent of the worldwide female labor force, looked at women’s development in the global entrepreneurship scene over the last two years. Despite global efforts to reduce the pandemic’s effects, women have suffered significant economic and societal consequences, according to the research. As a result, the time frame for closing the global gender gap could be stretched by another 36 years.

Women’s entrepreneurship is on the rise in Southeast Asian economies such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, according to MIWE’s recent research. Women were identified in these nations participating in significant levels of entrepreneurship, often on par with males, despite the fact that the environment in which they operate remains challenging. Despite women’s lesser engagement in the workforce, the Philippines remains a global leader in women’s advancement outcomes for the third year in a row, and are just as motivated by opportunity as women in very business-friendly environments.

The Ranking: top economies for women’s advancement outcomes (Component A)

The graph above shows the latest overall ranking of the 65 economies in relation to women’s advancement outcomes (Component A) where the Philippines takes the top spot for the third consecutive year.

“Women entrepreneurs in the Philippines are a critical part of the country’s economic recovery. Hence, there is a need to ensure that women entrepreneurs, especially owners of smaller businesses, have access to the knowledge, resources, and tools they need to thrive and scale. Across the world, Mastercard is working with key partners in the public and private sectors to provide 25 million women entrepreneurs with payments technologies and access to initiatives like the company’s Digital Acceleration program, to help them participate in the digital economy and become more resilient,” said Simon Calasanz, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard.

Asia Pacific leads the world on all key indicators that determine the success of women’s entrepreneurship

Six economies from the Asia Pacific region have found their place on MIWE 2021’s global leaderboard for being the best places in the world for women entrepreneurs. New Zealand, Australia, and Taiwan have emerged as the regional leaders, propelled by strong scores across all three components that constitute MIWE: women’s advancement outcomes, knowledge assets, and financial access. These economies continue to furnish the conditions required to facilitate women’s access to financial support and services and their ability to start, operate, thrive, and adapt to the market circumstances. In these economies where the entrepreneurial ecosystem is enabling, women were driven by the pursuit of new opportunities emerging from the pandemic, demonstrating a proactive and upbeat entrepreneurial attitude that will be vital in supporting economic recovery and long-term growth.

The Ranking: top economies for women entrepreneurs (Asia Pacific economies are in bold)

In Singapore and Taiwan, access to finance ranked higher than anywhere else in the world, while New Zealand topped global rankings for having the most supportive entrepreneurial conditions. On average, high-income economies in Asia Pacific scored higher in providing a dynamic landscape for women entrepreneurs, unhindered by access to finances and opportunities. However, in certain high-income economies, such as Japan, women continue to be underrepresented economically and have a limited presence in the business scene.

Gender-focused policies and financial inclusion remain key to unlocking women’s entrepreneurial potential

Although MIWE points to the pandemic being particularly taxing on women, fewer than 10% of COVID-19 recovery measures implemented worldwide include gender-sensitive strategies. In economies such as Canada and Argentina, women’s progress has been positively influenced by gender-focused policies implemented to address women’s economic security during the pandemic.

Likewise, in Asia, women entrepreneurs in Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan have benefited from initiatives aimed at supporting not them directly but small enterprises where they are highly represented. Such correlation proves that government policies that intentionally influence women’s entrepreneurship can meaningfully contribute to a swifter recovery.

Mastercard made a global commitment to link 25 million women entrepreneurs to the digital economy by 2025 as part of its commitment to building a world where women entrepreneurs are equally represented and encouraged. Women’s entrepreneurship will not only work as a stimulus for growth and innovation, but it will also enhance the communities that surround successful women, leading to a more equitable and long-term global recovery. The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs report for 2021 may be downloaded here.

Methodology

The 2021 Mastercard Index Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE) uses 12 indicators and 27 sub-indicators to create three “Components”: women’s advancement outcomes; knowledge assets and financial access; entrepreneurial supporting conditions. These allow us to track factors and conditions that support and drive the female share of business owners in an economy across 65 economies, representing about 82% of the world’s female labor force.  

The updated MIWE ranks and scores each economy according to its performance over the past year. Aggregating these scores, the index provides an overall assessment of how women are faring in the business, financial, education, and workplace settings compared to their male counterparts at the national level as well as their peers on a global level. In this 5th edition, the number of economies analyzed has been expanded from 58 to 65 (with the addition of Qatar, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, and Madagascar). 

To accommodate the addition of new indicators and sub-indicators in the analysis and maintain the historical series and allow for comparisons, we have also re-published the index, component, and benchmark scores for the previous two years as well.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

www.mastercard.com

Hands on training of SM tech-voc scholars

The scholarship program is one of the cornerstone programs of the SM Foundation, the SM group’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm. Aside from college education, the program also gives opportunities for individuals interested in working in the skilled labor field. The progressive reopening of the economy, not just in the Philippines but around the world, gives optimism to Filipinos who have lost their employment due to the health crisis. Individuals aspiring to work in the professional business want assistance now more than ever.

In this context, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), in collaboration with the SM Foundation (SMFI), launched Don Bosco One TVET Phils. Inc. and the city administration of Pasay collaborated to provide educational support to 20 deserving Pasay kids. SMFI has already graduated over 4,500 tech-voc graduates, all of whom are now employed.

A dream to be fulfilled

SM-Pasay tech-voc scholar Stephen Parina

One of the current SM tech-voc scholars from Pasay is Stephen Parina. His dream is to put up his own automotive shop since aside from his interest in cars and motorcycles, he intends to uplift the economic status of his family. Both of his parents are temporary employees at the Pasay City Hall.

“Nakita ko sa Facebook post ng SM Foundation na nandun ang aking gustong course kaya dali-dali akong pumunta sa city hall ng Pasay para alamin ang mga detalye nito at kinabukasan ay nagpasa na ako agad ng mga requirements,” said Stephen, who is now studying Automotive Mechanic course at the Don Bosco Makati.

“Gusto kong matuto kung paano mag ayos ng mga sasakyan at makatapos ng pag-aaral dahil hirap kami sa aming pamumuhay. Alam ko na makakatulong ang edukasyon, kagaya ng techvoc upang matupad ang aking pangarap na makapagpatayo ng sarili kong automotive shop. Magiging susi ito upang mai-angat ko ang antas ng pamumuhay ng aking pamilya” he added.

“Taos pusong pasasalamat sa SM at sa Sy family dahil nabigyan nyo ako ng pagkakataon na makabalik muli sa pag aaral. Hinding hindi ko ito malilimutan. Dadalhin ko ito hanggang sa aking pag tanda,” Stephen said.

Ticket to success

SM-Pasay tech-voc scholar Jeorge Angelo Madrid

Another current tech-voc scholar is Jeorge Angelo Madrid. He is also studying Automotive Mechanic course at the Don Bosco Makati. His father works as a painter of houses and buildings while his mother works at the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Jeorge is the youngest and most of his five siblings already have their own families.

According to Jeorge, he sees this opportunity of going back to school as his ticket towards achieving his dreams: “Nag-apply ako sa SM Foundation kasi wla po akong kakayahan na makapag aral at makapagtapos. Wala po akong pagkukuhanan ng pang tuition para maipang bayad sa eskwelahan.”

Jeorge is adamant to find a gainful employment right after he finish his studies. “Salamat po sa SM Foundation. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi madaragdagan ang kaalaman ko tungkol sa automotive. Magagamit ko ito sa aking paghahanap ng trabaho at kinalaunan, masuportahan ang aking sarili, mga pamangkin at ang aking mga magulang,” Jeorge further shared.

Reaping the fruits of his efforts

SM tech-voc scholar alumnus Anthony Andales

Anthony Andales, an SM tech-voc scholar alumnus, also took the time to share his inspiring story. He graduated from the Dualtech Training Center in 2019 and is now employed as a staff technician in a known company which manufactures various electronic products for home and office use.

“Bago ako mag-training sa Dualtech, nagtrabaho muna ako bilang isang helper sa isang refilling station. Ang aking arawang sweldo ay P220 lamang. Akala ko dati, wala na akong mararating sa buhay at hindi na makapagtatapos ng pag-aaral,” Anthony recalled.

“But God gave me the privilege to be chosen as one of the SM Foundation scholars para makapag-aral ako nang walang binayaran kahit piso. Ang tanging puhunan ko lang ay ang aking lakas ng loob at ang aking mga pangarap sa buhay na balang araw, makatutulong ako sa aking pamilya upang kahit papano ay makaahon sa buhay,” he further added.

Right after his on-the-job training, he was absorbed by the program’s OJT- partner company and was given a job as a staff technician because of his skills and work ethics.

“Napagawa na namin ang bahay kahit papaano, hindi man bato pero at least maayos at safe kapag may bagyo. Hindi po kagaya dati na pag umuulan ay may pa-shower kami kasi butas-butas na ang bubong at tagpi-tagpi ang dingding ng aming tahanan. Walang imposible kapag ikaw ay may pangarap at determinasyon upang maabot ito sapagkat maraming tao at institusyon na handang tumulong. Kaya sobrang thankful po talaga ako sa mga taong tumulong sa akin para magkaroon ng maliwanag na kinabukasan.” Anthony concluded.

Since 1993, the SM Foundation has provided worthy and eligible students with access to college education and technical-vocational training through its Scholarship program.