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The Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair is returning to the Metro for its 19th year! The Upper Ground Floor, Carousel Court and East Hall, Festival Mall Alabang, Muntinlupa City, will host this annual display of the finest of the greatest in the Cagayan Valley from September 19–25, 2025. A vast, eye-catching display of goods showcasing the best of tradition, culture, and inventiveness in the center of the city awaits visitors to the trade expo.

The products of over 100 MSMEs from Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya will be on display. These include processed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, fisheries and aquatic products, native specialties (kakanin), rice and corn-based products, plants, furniture, and furnishings, as well as creative new products.

Aside from promoting products, the trade fair will also offer unique opportunities and experiences highlighting tourism and investment opportunities in the region. Featuring the Provincial Pavilions of Batanes and Isabela, mall-goers can explore the one-of-a-kind culture of Batanes, and the abundance of agricultural products of Isabela. Buyers from Manila can also look forward to a special pavilion by the City of Ilagan, showcasing the heart and pride of Isabela’s capital city.

Padday na Lima will bring fresh energy this year with their festival passport where buyers can collect stamps after every purchase or booth interaction to unlock access to games, activities, and a chance to win exciting prizes. Fun activities will also include food and wine tasting, a captivating fashion show, and a creative crafts demonstration.

But the fun won’t stop at the fair! Buyers from the Metro can now easily get their hands on the finest products of Cagayan Valley with just a few clicks through PaddayNaLima.ph. In partnership with Shopee and Mayani.ph, these sought-after good are now made accessible to the buyers more than ever!

Products at the Padday na Lima Trade Fair will also be available at the PaddayNaLima.ph and Mayani.ph

The largest market in the area and a venue for showcasing Region 2’s excellent goods is Padday na Lima, which translates to “made by hands” in Ybanag. Through business matching initiatives and engaging partnerships with the public and private sectors, it has served as a fertile environment for expansion and advancement, assisting Region 2’s MSMEs in realizing their full potential for social and economic development.

Enjoy the breathtaking wealth of the Cagayan Valley’s distinctive customs and heritage this September at the Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair. Padday na Lima is waiting for you, so come and take in everything that is in store!

See you there!

Limited number of copies have been printed in support of SM Prime’s sustainability efforts. A digital copy of the manual will be made available for download.

Manila. Making segregation straightforward, quick, and actionable is the goal of the SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) campaign for a Waste-Free Future and its Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable, or RDC model.

The SM Waste Free Future Manual, a playbook that helps people and communities to learn about RDC and develop better segregation behaviors, was introduced by SM Prime at the most recent Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025).

Small steps, big impact

In the Philippines, the country generates up to 61,000 tons of waste daily and an annual 2.7 million tons of plastic waste. A figure that will rise with urbanization and poor waste disposal practices.

Inspired by the SM Green Movement’s strong call to action to make sustainability part of everyday life, SM Waste Free Future invites everyone to become part of the solution.

The three categories, RDC, make sorting waste an empowering exercise by focusing on the word “able” meaning having the power, skill, or the opportunity “to do”.  The manual’s easy, practical, and inspiring read hopes to encourage readers to do just that –championing segregation systems and proper waste disposal.

It also features innovative reuse programs of SM Prime’s business units that keep materials in circulation and out of landfills. When done at scale, each contribution can inspire others to follow, creating a ripple effect.

Learn, practice, champion

Done with great reflection during its incubation stages, SM Waste Free Future presented a rethink of waste segregation habits and systems built over time.

“We have to be open to new ways of doing things and of putting into action every little step that’s crucial for advancing waste management solutions,” said SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, during the 2024 World Environment Day program launch.

Today, the campaign is deeply encouraged by institutions and agencies that strongly advocate developmental goals.

In his message of support, Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), lauded the RDC bin labeling system. “Proper waste segregation is an entry point toward a circular economy – one that goes beyond waste management to design out waste, keep materials in circulation, and regenerate natural systems.”

Together for a waste-free future, SM Prime sustainability champions at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025.

All together now

Together, we are stronger than we realize. “This project is not specific to one organization, but one that belongs to an entire society. We welcome everyone to practice this in their everyday lives,” Sy said.

In order to overcome a mounting problem, everyone must work together. SM Prime is adamant that we can build a waste-free, sustainable future by working together.

“A waste-free future requires shared action from government, business, and communities. May this manual be a catalyst for deeper collaboration, innovation, and circular solutions that support national priorities and the global Sustainable Development Agenda – building systems across sectors that prevent waste, recover valuable resources, and protect our environment for generations to come,” said Dr. Ramachandran.  

In photo (L-R): Marwin Galvez, BPI Central Metro Manila Division Head; Joy Ureta, BPI Ortigas Area Business Director; Richard Santos, Rizal High School Principal IV; Hon. Simon Romulo Tantoco, Pasig City 1st District Councilor; Carmina Marquez, BPI Foundation (BPIF) Executive Director; Rina Lopez, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) President & Executive Director; Hon. Robert “Dodot” Jaworski, Jr., Pasig City Vice Mayor; Asec. Jerome Buenviaje, Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary for Learning Systems Strand; Dir. Ebenezer Beloy, DepEd Director for Bureau of Curriculum Development Learning Systems Strand; Ma. Lotuslie Dimagiba, DOST-STII Supervising Science Research Specialist; Sheryll Gayola, Pasig City Schools Division Superintendent; Manolo Nava, BPIF Senior Program Manager; and Edric Calma, KCFI Vice President.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands’ (BPI) social development arm, the BPI Foundation, is promoting financial education by releasing two new episodes of Estudyantipid, an entertaining instructional series that aims to teach young Filipinos the fundamentals of money management.

At Pasig City’s Rizal High School, hundreds of junior and senior high school students attended an interactive financial literacy program for the on-ground debut. In addition to engaging in interactive exercises and lively conversations, attendees received an advance preview of the upcoming episodes, which address current issues including scam and fraud awareness and the distinction between gross and net profit in the corporate world.

Carmina Marquez, Executive Director of BPI Foundation, highlighted the organization’s ongoing mission to make financial education more accessible and relevant: “At BPI Foundation, we believe that financial education is a cornerstone of empowerment. By equipping young people with practical money skills early on, we’re building a generation that is responsible, resilient, and ready to face the future. Estudyantipid reflects our commitment to making learning both relevant and transformative for Filipino students.”

Educators also praised the initiative, recognizing the value of integrating financial literacy into the school curriculum—a subject often overlooked in traditional education. Through the Knowledge Channel’s Portable Media Library, schools now have access not only to the new Estudyantipid episodes but also to a broad range of educational content designed to enrich student learning.

Hundreds of Rizal High School students in Pasig City took part in an interactive financial literacy session.

The latest episodes of Estudyantipid address topics that resonate strongly with today’s youth. One episode demystifies the concepts of gross profit versus net profit, while the other provides practical tips to help students identify and avoid scams. Presented through relatable storytelling, the series bridges classroom concepts with real-life financial decision-making.

This launch is a component of the larger FinEd Unboxed program by the BPI Foundation, which intends to provide financial education to businesses, communities, and schools nationwide. Estudyantipid airs on the Kapamilya Channel every Sunday at 8:15 AM, on Kapamilya Online Live every Saturday at 7:40 AM, and on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 1:40 PM during the Araling Panlipunan timeslot.

Visit www.bpifoundation.org to find out more about BPIF’s financial education initiatives, or follow the BPI Foundation on Instagram (@bpifoundationinc) and Facebook (@BPIFoundation).

Strengthening Cybersecurity Awareness
The partnership between SM Supermalls and the PNP-ACG highlights their shared mission to raise public awareness on cybercrime prevention. L-R: Karen C. Zabaljauregui, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Lifestyle, Inc., Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Operations Vice President for SM Supermalls, PBGen. Matthew P. Baccay, PNP Acting Director for Investigation and Detention Management, PBGen. Bernard R. Yang, PNP Acting Director for Anti-Cybercrime Group.

Through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today at the SM Supermalls Headquarters Boardroom in MOA Square, Pasay City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) and SM Supermalls have formally established their collaboration.

The agreement demonstrates SM Supermalls’ dedication to promoting security and public safety by aiding the PNP-ACG in its endeavors to increase awareness regarding the prevention of cybercrime. PNP’s educational and awareness programs will receive free airtime from SM Supermalls and SM Cinemas under the deal, with their video ads being shown on cinema and LED screens in shopping centers across the country. These programs aim to raise awareness of the dangers of cybercrime, encourage responsible online conduct, and motivate proactive community participation in maintaining online safety.

Cinema Screens for Cyber Safety
Attendees watch as the PNP-ACG unveils its new video, set to be aired across SM Cinema screens nationwide. The campaign seeks to educate millions of mallgoers on the risks of cybercrime, promote responsible digital practices, and inspire proactive online safety.

The PNP-ACG, the national law enforcement unit mandated to prevent and combat cybercrime, emphasized the importance of public engagement in maintaining peace, order, and security in both digital and physical spaces. The MOA signing marks a strengthened collaboration between government and the private sector to safeguard Filipinos against online threats.

Championing Cyber Safety | PBGen. Matthew P. Baccay, PNP Acting Director for Investigation and Detention Management, delivers his message of support for the nationwide advocacy campaign against cybercrime, reinforcing the call for safer and more responsible digital communities.

Sealed with a Signature | PBGen. Bernard R. Yang, Philippine National Police Acting Director for Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signing at the SM Supermalls Headquarters Boardroom, MOA Square, Pasay City.

Safety Beyond Shopping | Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Operations of SM Supermalls, affirms the company’s commitment to providing safe spaces both offline and online during the MOA signing with the PNP-ACG.

“SM Supermalls is more than just a hub for shopping, leisure, and community gatherings. We are also a partner in ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of Filipinos who visit our malls and live their lives online. This partnership with the PNP-ACG is an extension of our mission to provide a secure environment both offline and online,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Operations of SM Supermalls.

A United Front Against Cybercrime | SM Supermalls executives and PNP-ACG officials come together to champion online safety through nationwide awareness campaigns.

This program is a component of SM’s larger campaigns to uphold public welfare, support government services, and create a community that is safer and more informed.

“I am happy that they came up with a job fair for government agencies. Many still want to serve and work for our government,” said Ken Gonzaga, who applied for several positions during the Job Fair event held at SM North EDSA.

This September, SM Supermalls will launch a statewide series of Job Fairs in collaboration with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), continuing to promote career prospects for Filipinos.

Every September, the program is a part of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), which honors the long history of public service. State universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled businesses, local government entities, and national government organizations will all offer employment chances to job seekers. Job seekers have the rare chance to discover their calling in public service at these job fairs.

Opening the doors to public service | The Civil Service Commission (CSC) together with SM Supermalls officially opened the Civil Service Anniversary Job Fair at SM City North EDSA in celebration of CSC’s 125th year.

Beyond Employment: Building a Nation of Servants

These job fairs go beyond recruitment. They highlight the critical role of civil service in nation-building, inspiring Filipinos to pursue careers that directly impact communities and transform lives.

Accessible and inclusive | Jobseekers of all ages line up for opportunities at the Job Fair of the Civil Service Commission in partnership with SM Supermalls at SM North EDSA.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan emphasized the importance of the collaboration: “SM is honored to celebrate 125 years of Philippine Civil Service by opening our malls as venues where Filipinos can discover not just jobs, but meaningful careers in public service. By working hand-in-hand with CSC and our government partners, we continue to support an empowered citizenry and sustainable nation-building.”

A Legacy of Service, A Future of Opportunities

The Civil Service Anniversary Job Fairs reaffirmed SM Supermalls’ role as a trusted partner of the government—helping agencies source their talents, empowering jobseekers to find stable and impactful careers, and bringing essential services closer to communities.

For many participants, these job fairs also meant finding purpose in serving the nation. Joanne Moriel, a fresh graduate has her eye on government employment: “Especially with what’s happening now in the country, I want to be part of the public sector to be able to help make a difference.”

In collaboration with the Civil Service Commission, SM Supermalls organized a number of job fairs across the country as part of the unique commemoration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. SM City Tuguegarao hosted these on September 3, SM CDO Downtown Premier and SM City Butuan hosted them on September 3–4, SM City North EDSA hosted them on September 4, SM City Iloilo hosted them on September 4–5, and SM City Legazpi hosted them on September 5. The last stage of the festival will take place in SM City Baguio on September 9.

“Our partnership with SM Supermalls make it easier for Filipinos to explore careers in public service—opportunities that go beyond personal growth and contribute to the progress of our communities and the nation, the place is well-organized, convenient and very accessible for jobseekers” said Mary Grace Dugay, Director III, Civil Service Commission.

By converting malls into entry points where regular Filipinos may create remarkable futures, SM Supermalls is reaffirming its commitment to making opportunities in the public and private sectors accessible, convenient, and inclusive through its #SMJobFair campaign.

With a 3.785-Megawatt peak (MWp) solar power capacity, the SM City Fairview solar photovoltaic (PV) system has 6,882 solar modules over a total area of 4.3 hectares, currently making it the largest rooftop solar PV system on a commercial building in the country.

The path to a brighter future, according to SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is based on the thoughtful decisions we make every day and the stronger communities we create when we work together, especially as environmental issues continue to escalate.

At SM City Baguio, water is given a second life. Its water treatment facility helps conserve this vital resource while supporting a greener, more resilient future.

This is at the core of SM Prime’s environmental project, the SM Green Movement, and a call to action for communities across. The Green Movement started as a result of employee anecdotes about their decision to utilize energy wisely, reduce trash, and conserve water during the pandemic’s peak. In pursuit of shared prosperity and a more climate-resilient future, these little actions laid the groundwork for a larger movement that unites the nation, communities, and the company.

Focusing on waste, water, and energy, the SM Green Movement translates ambitious sustainability goals into everyday practices.

At the Mall of Asia Complex, water trucks carrying 100% recycled water help keep the property’s greenery thriving while promoting responsible water use.

It inspires suppliers, partner-tenants, residents, guests, and mallgoers alike to play their part in shaping greener, more livable cities. Each initiative is anchored on SM Prime’s mission: to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, advance water stewardship, and work towards a waste-free future.

“The SM Green Movement is our way of showing care—care for our planet, and care for the people who live in it,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin. “We’re not just building malls, homes, or offices—we’re building opportunities for everyone to be part of the solution. And the best part is, it starts with what we do every day.”

Collaboration That Drives Real Change

At the core of the Green Movement is a belief in the power of partnership. Lasting change is not a solo endeavor—it thrives through collaboration.

Bin it right! SM Cares promotes proper waste segregation with clearly marked bins for recyclables, disposables, and compostables—helping communities take part in building a waste-free

SM Prime continues to work hand-in-hand with local government units, NGOs, schools, community groups, and individuals to co-create solutions that meet both environmental needs and everyday realities.

“Our strength as a company comes from our ability to mobilize people around a common cause,” said San Agustin. “The SM Green Movement is all about collective impact. Every bottle recycled, every drop of water saved, every watt conserved adds up.”

A Movement for Generations to Come

The SM Green Movement is now a burgeoning advocacy and action platform. SM Prime is contributing to the reinterpretation of sustainability as something that every Filipino can achieve with each new story, new backer, and green initiative.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainability Meets Innovation

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

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

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

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

SM’s Strong Commitment to MSMEs

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

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

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

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