Lifestyle

Through its operational division, SM Supermalls, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has continuously promoted responsible water stewardship for a more resilient water future for thirty years.

In the late 1990s, SM Prime and SM Southmall made an investment in the first Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). STPs are crucial for promoting community development and safeguarding the environment and public health. Since then, STPs have been a common feature in all 89 malls, protecting water resources and lowering pollution and water waste.

SM Supermalls embeds water conservation practices across its operations. Recycled water is used in water closets for flushing, cleaning, and watering greens. Additionally, efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies prevent unnecessary consumption at scale.

“SM had always been conscious of its environmental impact on shared social good. Our water journey is rooted in our commitment to maximize what we borrow from the environment, creating resiliency for future generations,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President and Head of Sustainability and Resilience.

Today, SM is evaluating centralized STPs that can serve multiple developments and allow for inter-building treatment systems, lowering operational costs, and enhancing process efficiency. “Part of our water resilience framework is building long-term capacity for water disruptions. Since the standardization of STPs across our malls, SM took it a step further and scaled its water sustainability efforts,” said Silerio.

A first in the industry, SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility has already processed almost 20,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable water since it was launched, providing 30% of the mall’s total monthly clean water requirement since 2023. This translates to saving the equivalent of 12.7 million, 1.5-liter mineral water bottles or almost eight Olympic-sized swimming pools of freshwater from the grid.

SM uses the mall’s national reach to further promote sustainable water use through regular engagement and awareness. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility division, SM Cares, SM develops public awareness and education programs to inspire future water stewards in the community.

The Bantayog ng Lawa Award from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the first-ever Gawad Taga-Ilog Award given to a private organization by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are just two of the industry honours that SM malls have received as a result of their proactive and effective approach.

“We’ve come a long way since the 90’s. It’s heartwarming to be recognized by our community and peers, but we continue to work harder for future generations because water is a universal human right. By implementing these sustainability measures, SM aims to move forward with greater purpose and greater possibilities,” said Silerio.

The ceremonial opening marks the launch of Vinta Market, a vibrant marketplace dedicated to showcasing proudly local products from MSMEs across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

As SM City Zamboanga welcomed shoppers on March 20, it also highlighted the rich spirit of local entrepreneurship and culture with the launch of Vinta Market—a vibrant hub dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

SM Supermalls executives and DTI Region 9 officials lead the ceremonial opening of the Vinta Market at SM City Zamboanga, celebrating a new platform for local MSMEs. (L-R: DTI Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Director, Ma. Rovie Manzanares; DTI Zamboanga City Office Provincial Director, Grace Aduca; SM Supermalls AVP for SM Communities Program, Royston Cabunag; DTI Regional Director Al-Zamir Lipae; SM Supermalls SAVP for SM Communities Marketing, Pats Dy; DTI Assistant Regional Director, Maridel Dengal; and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin)

The Vinta Market, which was started in collaboration with the SM for MSMEs program and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9, brings together 20 local MSMEs to showcase proudly regional goods, from handcrafted items and artisanal goods to local delicacies, fashion pieces, and distinctive souvenirs.

Inspired by the iconic vinta, the traditional sailboat known for its vibrant sails and deep cultural roots in Mindanao, the Vinta Market reflects the same spirit of color, movement, and community. The marketplace brings together passionate entrepreneurs and skilled artisans, offering mallgoers a lively and meaningful shopping experience rooted in local culture.

More than just a retail destination, the Vinta Market serves as a growth platform for MSMEs—and for many entrepreneurs, this opportunity translates into real business expansion and sustained livelihood.

“We are very happy for the opportunity given to us by SM City Zamboanga… because of that, I have a growing market and a lot of suki na at SM,” shared Maria Donna of Marya Soaps and Scents from Pagadian, highlighting how increased visibility at SM has helped strengthen her customer base.

For heritage artisans, the impact goes beyond business—it’s about preserving culture and passing traditions to future generations. “Maraming salamat sa mga opportunity na mga ganito na pwede kaming magbenta para makahanap lalo ng market… kayo na ‘yung kasangga namin sa pag-promote ng aming weave,” said Evelinda Otong, a 4th generation Yakan weaver, underscoring the importance of platforms like SM in sustaining local craftsmanship.

Through capacity-building programs and expanded market access, MSMEs are also able to scale their operations and reach wider audiences.

“With their trainings and seminars, we’ve learned a lot… we’re proud to say that we supply all over the Philippines—and with SM Supermalls, our products can reach around the country and are now in the mainstream market,” shared Shaun Alavar of Alavar Food Products, reflecting the broader growth opportunities enabled through the partnership.

During the launch event, SM Supermalls executives, DTI officials, and partner stakeholders joined entrepreneurs and guests in celebrating the opening of the marketplace—highlighting a shared commitment to empower local businesses and provide them with greater market opportunities.

Visitors explored booths filled with proudly local products—each representing stories of craftsmanship, passion, and perseverance. The marketplace quickly became a vibrant hub where mallgoers discovered unique regional goods while supporting local livelihoods.

Intricately crafted local products showcase the artistry and cultural heritage of Mindanao’s talented artisans.

The launch of Vinta Market stands as one of the highlights of the opening of SM City Zamboanga, the city’s newest lifestyle destination bringing together shopping, dining, entertainment, and community experiences closer to Zamboangueños.

Locally made delicacies from MSMEs offer shoppers a taste of Zamboanga’s rich culinary heritage at the Vinta Market.

Through initiatives like Vinta Market, SM Supermalls continues to support Filipino entrepreneurship by giving MSMEs accessible platforms to grow, while showcasing the rich culture and creativity of local communities.

As shoppers browse the vibrant stalls and connect with the passionate makers behind each product, Vinta Market becomes a lively symbol of Zamboanga’s flourishing entrepreneurial spirit—where tradition, creativity, and opportunity move forward together.

To learn more, visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email [email protected].

2GO proudly receives three recognitions from Unilever Philippines, underscoring its commitment to logistics excellence and strong collaboration.

Unilever Philippines awarded 2GO, the nation’s top supplier of logistics solutions, the Excellence in Integrated Transport Solutions Award and the Transport Partner of the Year Award in honor of its excellent logistics capabilities and transport assistance throughout 2025.

Partners that exhibit exceptional multimodal logistics capacity through smooth coordination across land, sea, and other modes of transportation are recognized with the Excellence in Integrated Transport Solutions Award. Unilever Philippines’ supply chain resilience and agility are strengthened by creative and integrated solutions, which are highlighted in this distinction.

Meanwhile, the Transport Partner of the Year Award is given to logistics partners that deliver exceptional performance through consistent operational excellence, reliability, responsiveness, and strong collaboration in supporting Unilever’s nationwide supply chain operations.

“Our role goes beyond transportation. We ensure products move seamlessly across the country through coordinated, end-to-end logistics solutions,” said Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding. “This recognition from Unilever Philippines reflects the scale of our operations and the discipline of our teams who work every day to deliver reliably across their nationwide network.”

Supporting this integrated logistics capability is 2GO’s sea freight network, which enables reliable inter-island cargo movement across the archipelago.

“Our sea freight operations are built around reliability, scale, and coordination across ports and logistics hubs nationwide,” said Sharon Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions. “Every shipment we move supports the steady flow of goods across the country. Our teams work every day to ensure cargo moves efficiently across islands and reaches businesses and communities that depend on it.”

As one of the country’s leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, Unilever Philippines relies on a strong and dependable logistics network to move products efficiently across markets nationwide. The recognition underscores the trust placed in 2GO to support the movement of essential goods across the country.

The honors strengthen 2GO Group’s position as a reliable logistics partner for top Philippine businesses. 2GO continues to assist companies in moving goods effectively and fortifying supply chains throughout the nation by providing comprehensive solutions over land and sea.

Go to 2go.com.ph to find out more about 2GO and its integrated logistics solutions.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Chakrabarty

Sanjay Chakrabarty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pru Life UK, emphasized the need for inclusive and values-driven protection solutions to help address the country’s protection gap at the Asian Banking & Finance and Insurance Asia Summit.

Chakrabarty noted that financial protection has evolved beyond being just a product, becoming a critical foundation for resilience. He added that insurers have both the opportunity and responsibility to make protection solutions accessible, relevant, and aligned with the needs and values of the communities they serve.

Speaking at the summit themed Financial Inclusion 2.0: Building Resilient and Intelligent Banking and Insurance Models, Chakrabarty highlighted how insurers can expand financial protection through innovative products, digital distribution, and data-driven insights. He also discussed how solutions such as Takaful and microinsurance can help extend protection to underserved communities.

The summit brought together senior leaders from across the banking and insurance sectors in Asia to exchange insights on strengthening financial resilience and expanding access to financial services.

Chakrabarty emphasised that in an environment marked by economic uncertainty and rising healthcare costs, accessible and relevant protection solutions play an increasingly important role in helping families manage financial risks and build long-term resilience.

He also highlighted the potential of Takaful, a Shari’ah compliant form of insurance based on mutual assistance and shared responsibility, in expanding protection access for Muslim Filipinos. Through initiatives such as PRUTerm Lindungi, Pru Life UK aims to provide culturally relevant protection solutions that resonate with the needs and values of diverse communities.

Connecting with industry stakeholders at the Asian Banking & Finance and Insurance Asia Summit, Pru Life UK showcased its protection and income solutions as the event’s sole life insurance company sponsor.

Pru Life UK joined the summit as the only life insurance company sponsor, setting up an on-site booth to present its protection and income solutions while connecting with industry stakeholders and attendees.

Through its range of protection offerings, financial literacy programs, and strategic partnerships, the company continues to advance financial inclusion and empower more Filipinos to achieve greater financial security and resilience.

Notes:

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year 

Please use “Pru Life UK” when referring to the company.

Leading the activity were Rogelio Bilugan, President of the Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers (SLPP), 5th from right, and Mercy Grace Dionisio, AVP for Sustainability Compliance at 2GO Group, Inc., 6th from right.

2GO, the Philippines’ leading shipping and logistics solutions provider, continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental stewardship by supporting a sea turtle hatchling release activity in Naic, Cavite.

The initiative, organized with the local conservation group Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers, highlights the importance of protecting marine biodiversity and supporting community-led conservation efforts.

As part of its sustainability efforts, 2GO provided operational support to the organization through the donation of reinforced egg hatchery nets, a printer, and an office productivity software subscription. These resources help strengthen the group’s day-to-day monitoring, documentation, and protection of sea turtle nesting sites along the coast.

Mercy Grace Dionisio, AVP for Sustainability Compliance at 2GO Group, Inc., shared, “As a shipping company moving goods across the Philippines, we understand that our operations come with an environmental footprint. That is why we continue to find ways to operate more sustainably and take part in conservation efforts that protect marine life and biodiversity on which many communities rely. Through these efforts, we aim to safeguard these ecosystems as part of our service to the communities we serve and help preserve them for future generations.”

The activity culminated in the release of 70 sea turtle hatchlings into their natural habitat, a promising outcome that reflects the continued conservation efforts in the area. Each successful hatchling release helps strengthen sea turtle populations and contributes to the protection of marine biodiversity.

Beyond the hatchling release, the event also created opportunities for community engagement. Employees and volunteers participated in coastal clean-up efforts to help maintain a safe and healthy shoreline for marine life. The activity also included the formal turnover of the donated materials to support the patrollers’ ongoing conservation work.

Through partnerships with grassroots organizations such as the Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers, 2GO reinforces its role not only as a logistics solutions provider but also as a partner in initiatives that protect the environment and support local communities.

In recent years, 2GO has continued to strengthen its environmental sustainability efforts across its operations. The company has introduced packaging solutions that are almost entirely recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable, helping reduce waste across its logistics network. It has also deployed 48 electric forklifts in its warehouse operations and utilizes renewable energy in several of its logistics hubs. More recently, 2GO added two electric trucks to support its forwarding operations.

To learn more about 2GO’s sustainability efforts, visit 2go.com.ph.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO) hereby respectfully submits this statement of concern in light of the prevailing national energy emergency and its significant impact on the telecommunications sector.

The PCTO acknowledges the importance of the Konektadong Pinoy Act and its objectives of expanding digital connectivity for all Filipinos. However, in consideration of the extraordinary circumstances currently facing the nation, the PCTO respectfully urges all relevant government agencies and regulators to give immediate and serious attention to the following:

1.⁠ ⁠EXTENDED AND SPACED POLICY CONSULTATIONS

Given the magnitude and urgency of the national energy emergency, the PCTO requests that policy consultations pertaining to the various issues such as the access list, dig once policy, SMPF, infrastructure sharing  & cybersecurity and others related to the implementing rules under the Konektadong Pinoy Act be extended and appropriately spaced. Compressed timelines and simultaneous consultation processes place an undue burden on stakeholders whose operational capacities are presently strained. Adequate spacing of consultations will ensure that inputs are substantive, well-considered, and genuinely reflective of the entire industry stakeholders’ position.

2.⁠ ⁠DUE CONSIDERATION FOR INTERNAL OPERATIONAL AND COST PRESSURES

The ongoing national energy emergency has given rise to significant internal challenges for telecom operators, including increased operational costs, supply chain disruptions, workforce constraints, and heightened demand for essential connectivity services. The PCTO respectfully requests that regulators give due consideration to these compounding pressures when crafting and enforcing policy timelines, compliance requirements, and related obligations under the law.

3.⁠ ⁠FULL UTILIZATION OF THE ONE-YEAR SMPF PROMULGATION PERIOD

The Konektadong Pinoy Act provides a period of one (1) year for the promulgation of the Spectrum Management and Policy Framework (SMPF). The PCTO strongly appeals for the full and meaningful use of this statutory period to allow for comprehensive consultation, collaborative drafting, and thorough review among all spectrum stakeholders. Rushing the SMPF process risks producing a framework that is inadequately aligned with technical realities, market conditions, and the long-term interests of both industry and the public.

4.⁠ ⁠MORATORIUM ON POLICY ISSUANCES DURING THE CRISIS PERIOD

Considering the foregoing, the PCTO respectfully appeals that, for the duration of the ongoing national energy emergency, the Government refrain from unduly rushing the release of any circular, directive, or policy that would materially affect the telecommunications industry. A moratorium and proper extension of time for stakeholder consultations is not merely a procedural accommodation,  it is a practical necessity.

The overriding urgency at this time is to ensure that the telecommunications industry remains operational, financially viable, and fully capable of keeping critical telecom infrastructure functional and resilient. Stability in the sector is not an industry interest alone, it is a public interest, as connectivity has proven indispensable in times of national crisis.

The PCTO remains committed to working constructively with all government agencies toward the shared goal of advancing digital connectivity for every Filipino.