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Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland.

Hans Sy, the chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), emphasized the importance of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s (UNDRR) 2025 Global Platform in Geneva, Switzerland.

Sy emphasized how companies may support the development of scalable, science-based resilience solutions while speaking on behalf of the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience.”

Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR

“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.”

Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025.

He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks.

Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships.

Embedding resilience into core business strategy

In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime’s approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster.

“Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be,” he said. “We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt.”

The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding.

Call to scale resilience investment

Sy advocated for enabling mechanisms that include targeted incentives, institutional collaboration, and legislative assistance in order to increase DRR finance. “Financial, non-financial, and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience from the private sector’s perspective,” he said.

His comments emphasized how crucial teamwork, creativity, and long-term planning are to creating resilient communities. The standard for sustainable development in areas vulnerable to disasters is still being set by SM Prime’s leadership in DRR.

“Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,” he concluded.

Your IT-BPO career starts at SM Center Muntinlupa.

A job seeker reviews a list of job vacancies while a uniformed professional helps them with information at the SM Job Fair.

Working with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Muntinlupa, the Muntinlupa Local Government Unit (LGU), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), SM Center Muntinlupa will host the Jobs and Skills Matching Fair’s pilot on June 19, 2025. Jobseekers, especially those interested in the IT-Business Process Management (BPM) sector, can take advantage of this one-day event, which provides a simplified route from employment screening to skill development and reemployment.

The fair begins with an on-site job matching session, where walk-in and registered applicants can undergo interviews with participating companies. Qualified candidates may be hired on the spot, while “near-hires” will be referred to the Skills Hub for personalized consultations facilitated by DTI-PTTC.

Applicants can meet future employers at the first-ever Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in SM Center Muntinlupa on June 19.

At the Skills Hub, jobseekers will undergo a one-on-one evaluation using the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF). This identifies any skills gaps and recommends tailored training programs and career pathways. TESDA will then match these near-hires with accredited training institutions and available scholarship opportunities.

After completing their upskilling journey, participants will be reconnected with partner employers—ensuring a full-circle career pipeline from application to employment readiness.

While this launch is a low-key pilot, it signifies a major step forward in creating more responsive, skills-based employment solutions.

The Jobs and Skills Matching Fair represents a next-gen approach to job fairs—one that goes beyond resumes and job vacancies to focus on real-time skills-building and industry needs.

SM Job Fairs open real employment opportunities, with jobseekers like this landing roles on the spot.

Join the movement. Start something life-changing.

This isn’t just another job fair—it’s a one-stop opportunity hub. Aside from hundreds of job openings and on-the-spot hiring, attendees can access skills training, career guidance, and essential government services such as the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—all in one convenient, accessible, and air-conditioned SM mall.

From interview to hired—SM Supermalls empowers jobseekers to land their dream roles.

Present yourself as your best professional self, update your CV, carry additional copies, and dress to impress. The beginning of your next great opportunity.

For complete schedules and updates, go to www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls on Facebook.

Micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) tenants and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-supported entrepreneurs gear up for resilience through SM Supermalls’ nationwide Business Continuity Plan workshops.

SM Supermalls champions resilience as a shared responsibility, empowering communities and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) tenants nationwide.

Resilience continues to be a crucial component of SM Supermalls’ quest for sustainability. It becomes challenging to realize the goal of sustainable development in the absence of communities that are safe, secure, and prepared. For this reason, the corporation feels that fostering resilience is a duty to the enterprises and communities that make up the foundation of the economy as well as a matter of operational readiness.

Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) are at the center of this effort. These companies are frequently the most susceptible to interruptions from both man-made and natural dangers. However, they are a vital component of the national economy, creating jobs, promoting regional trade, and maintaining livelihoods. Understanding their significance, SM Supermalls has made it a top goal to support the development of a robust MSME sector.

Across its network, close to 70 percent of SM Supermalls’ tenants are currently MSMEs. These businesses operate under unique lessee contracts that acknowledge their specific needs and challenges. To support them, SM not only provides space but also promotes an environment that values preparedness and long-term continuity.

Beyond providing retail spaces, SM Supermalls promotes micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) resilience through emergency drills and dedicated Business Continuity Planning (BCP) initiatives.

SM Supermalls’ most notable resilience initiative for its MSME tenants is a dedicated Business Continuity Planning (BCP) program launched in 2024. This capacity-building initiative enables businesses to develop tailored Business Continuity Plans and implement adaptive measures to reduce the impact of disruptions.

SM’s tenants are each provided with free access to 5GB of remote digital storage where they can securely store critical business documents such as their BCPs, permits, registrations, and insurance policies, among others. In the event of a disaster, access to these documents becomes seamless, allowing faster processing of insurance claims and a quicker return to operations.

To further scale its impact, SM Supermalls established a public-private partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement in 2024. Together with ARISE Philippines, a United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)-affiliated private sector alliance for disaster resilience, the partnership aims to ensure that 6,000 MSMEs have robust BCPs by the end of 2027.

Business continuity subject matter experts guide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in crafting their own Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) for their company.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise Development and SM Supermalls representatives join together in disaster risk resilience awareness and business continuity for micro, small and medium enterprises.

This collaboration is led by DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) Director Emma Asusano, alongside SM Supermalls’ Corporate Resilience Department. The shared goal is clear: to safeguard MSMEs nationwide through proactive preparedness.

One key feature of the initiative is the SM-DTI Calamity Recovery (CARE) Booth, activated during times of calamity. Located in malls with communities impacted by disasters, the booth serves as an accessible touchpoint for MSMEs needing post-disaster support—providing a practical and timely response mechanism that bridges the gap between public resources and private needs.

Additionally, in partnership with DTI, SM Supermalls frequently offers BCP workshops for MSMEs. Both SM tenants and DTI-assisted MSMEs are welcome to attend these sessions, which are held in centralized SM locations throughout different regions. The hazards posed by various disaster types are explained to business owners during these workshops, and they receive step-by-step guidance on creating their own business continuity plans. The sessions include the BCP testing and validation phase to guarantee practical application and efficacy, and these plans are customized to the particulars of their activities, including their location and nature.

Participants have one month to complete their BCPs, which need to be submitted to DTI after being approved by their company management. More than 1,500 MSMEs have received training since the program’s September 2024 inception, and more are planned for the upcoming months.

“Resilience is not built overnight, and requires education, commitment, and collaboration across different sectors. Knowing this, SM Supermalls continues to invest in long-term resilience not just for its business, but for the broader ecosystem of MSMEs it supports,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “In doing so, we are reinforcing the fundamental truth that sustainable progress is only possible when communities and businesses are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.”

Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting financial literacy among Filipino youth by expanding the Cha-Ching program throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) and fully integrating it into the Bicol Region (Region V) DepEd curriculum in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines.

A significant milestone in the growth of financial literacy education through Cha-Ching has been reached when the Bicol area (Region V) became the first area in the Philippines to institutionalize and completely incorporate Cha-Ching into the Department of Education’s school curriculum. Additionally, the program is still growing throughout the NCR. In the Philippines, more than 47,000 teachers have received training and retraining in Cha-Ching, and more than 1.5 million students have been taught the art to date.

Over 100 people attended an event on June 25th at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City with the theme “Cha-Ching: Creating a Financially Literate Future Together.” The event brought together representatives from Pru Life UK, Prudence Foundation, program partners, and the Insurance Commission of the Philippines to commemorate these milestones, fortify collaborations, and highlight the program’s long-term goals.

Attending the Cha-Ching event was truly inspiring. It made me realize how important financial literacy is, especially for the younger generation. Seeing how the program has grown—especially its full integration into the Bicol Region’s curriculum—shows the impact of long-term commitment to education. I’m hopeful for a future where more Filipino youth are empowered to make smart financial decisions early in life.

Paul Mandal, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer of Pru Life UK, highlighted the company’s strong commitment to financial education and its partnership with DepEd in driving sustainable impact and building a resilient future.

“When we teach children the value of money early on, we are empowering a generation to make smarter choices and build a financially secure future,” Mandal said.

Created by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, Pru Life UK’s parent company, Cha-Ching is an award-winning global financial literacy programme that empowers the next generation with the financial knowledge and skills to make informed decisions that build financial wellbeing and a resilient future. In collaboration with JA Asia Pacific, a school curriculum programme was developed for children aged seven to 12 to instill money smart values, knowledge, and behaviour. Over 3 million children have been taught the curriculum across 16 markets in Asia and Africa with over 87,000 teachers trained so far.

At the event, a panel discussion covering best practices in financial education was held in support of ongoing efforts in advancing financial literacy in the Philippines. The panel included Dr. Gilbert T. Sadsad, Regional Director of DepEd-Region V; Dr. Miguel Mac Aposin, Assistant Regional Director, DepEd Region VI, and Mr. Jed Velarde, President of the JA Philippines Board of Trustees.

The Prudence Foundation also gave a presentation to wrap up the evening, discussing the future of the Cha-Ching program and the value of teamwork in closing the worldwide financial literacy gap.

Through these collaborations, Cha-Ching keeps inspiring change that starts in the classroom and spreads to households and larger communities, while also empowering the next generation.

Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ and https://www.cha-ching.com/en/.

Experience the thrill of new rides and new possibilities with Home Credit’s fast approval and easy-to-manage installment plans, available at KServico stores in Metro Manila and Luzon

How much can you get out of ₱108? In the modern world, that sum might just buy you a quick snack or a fast ride, but with Home Credit Philippines, ₱108 every day can get you a lot more. Imagine having a motorcycle that allows you to travel farther, avoid traffic, and even make additional money by using ride-hailing or delivery services.

Many Filipinos find that riding a motorcycle gives them access to new opportunities. However, affordability is a problem, particularly for people with little money or no good credit history. The nation’s top consumer credit provider, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), can help with that.

If you’re in Metro Manila or Luzon, your dream motorcycle is now within reach. In collaboration with KServico, the widest retail network for motorcycles, three-wheelers, e-bikes, appliances, laptops, mobile phones, and furniture, Home Credit offers fast and easy financing for motorcycle purchases at any of the almost 180 KServico stores across the Metro Manila and Luzon.

Easily take home a motorcycle today for as low as ₱108 per day

With Home Credit, getting a top-of-the-line motorcycle from trusted brands has never been more accessible. Thanks to flexible installment plans of up to 36 months—with only a 10% down payment and a low interest rate of 3.3%—you can now choose from leading names like Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, Suzuki, and Yamaha, available at KServico stores, and pay as low as ₱108 per day or ₱3,232 per month, depending on the model.

Applying for motorcycle financing is also made fast and easy. Simply visit the KServico page on Shoppingmall.ph to find the nearest branch, check the availability of motorcycle models, and explore your financing options. Once ready, head to your chosen KServico store, explore a wide selection of motorcycles, and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Best of all, you only need one valid ID to apply, and you can get approved in as fast as one minute. Home Credit sales representatives are available on-site to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring everything goes smoothly. Once approved, you can ride your new motorcycle home the same day.

With a wide range of motorcycles available at KServico stores, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and needs. Whether it’s for everyday travel or a way to earn extra income, there’s a motorcycle waiting for you, paired with Home Credit’s fast and easy financing.

Here are some of the top picks you can take home today for a new ride that unlocks new possibilities:

Navigate the city streets with the Yamaha Mio Gear Motorcycle

The Yamaha Mio Gear Motorcycle is designed for urban mobility, making it an ideal choice for daily commutes and errands around the Metro. Equipped with a 125cc Blue Core engine and Smart Motor Generator (SMG) technology, it offers a smooth and reliable riding experience, with seamless engine start-ups. The Mio Gear also features an LED headlight with hazard lamps, an answer-back system for easy location, an electric power socket for charging your phone, tubeless tires for enhanced comfort, and a rider-side back step for easy passenger access, even with large luggage. Additionally, its stop-and-start system boosts fuel efficiency, while the 4.2L fuel tank provides a greater range for longer rides. With a 125cc displacement, this stylish yet tough motorcycle offers a perfect balance of performance and reliability. The Yamaha Mio Gear Motorcycle is available for as low as ₱114 per day or ₱3,422 per month for 36 months through Home Credit, with a price of ₱79,400.

Go the extra mile with Honda The New CLICK160 Motorcycle

The New CLICK160 Motorcycle is built for riders who want power, comfort, and style. It runs on a 157cc liquid-cooled engine with eSP+ technology for strong performance and better fuel efficiency. It also comes with an Idling Stop System that helps save fuel when stopped in traffic, and a Combined Braking System for smoother and safer stops. This model has a 5.5L fuel tank for longer rides, a smart key system with an anti-theft alarm and answer-back function, a USB charger to keep devices powered, and a digital meter panel for easy viewing of speed and fuel level. It also features a park brake lock for added safety, full LED lights for better visibility, a large under-seat storage box, and wide tires for a stable ride. With its sporty design and practical features, The New CLICK160 is a great choice for everyday travel. You can get this model for as low as ₱168 per day or ₱5,038 per month for 36 months through Home Credit, with a price of ₱116,900.

Elevate daily travel with the Kawasaki Brusky 125 YM25 Motorcycle

The Kawasaki Brusky 125 YM25 Motorcycle is a solid choice for riders who need a reliable ride for daily travel or side jobs. Built with durability in mind, it features a 125cc fuel-injected SOHC engine that delivers dependable power while helping save on fuel. This model also includes a bright LED headlight for safer night rides, a USB charging socket for powering devices on the go, and a sporty meter panel with a digital fuel indicator. For added convenience, it comes with a seat opening switch for easy access to the under-seat compartment. Whether for personal use or earning extra income, this motorcycle delivers performance and practicality you can trust. You can take home the Kawasaki Brusky 125 YM25 for as low as ₱108 per day or ₱3,232 per month for 36 months, with a price of ₱75,000.

Ride smart with the Kymco Sky Town 150 Motorcycle

The Kymco Sky Town 150 Motorcycle is a smart and eco-friendly choice for riders who want both performance and efficiency. Powered by a 150cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-stroke single-cylinder engine, it features Kymco’s Green Power technology that helps minimize carbon emissions and lower fuel consumption without compromising power. Built for comfort and safety, it comes equipped with a sporty windscreen, front and rear LED lights, a high-visibility dashboard, an ABS Bosch 10.3 braking system, and a traction control system. Practical features such as a double shock with a swing arm, alloy cast wheels, a 7L fuel tank, charging ports (Type A and C), and a spacious 28L under-seat compartment make this motorcycle ideal for both city rides and longer commutes. It also has a two-way seat design and wider footrests for enhanced passenger comfort. The Kymco Sky Town 150 is available through Home Credit for as low as ₱170 per day or ₱5,107 per month for 36 months, with a price of ₱118,500.

Conquer the road with the Suzuki Burgman Std Motorcycle

For a premium riding experience without breaking the bank, the Suzuki Burgman Std Motorcycle is a well-designed maxi-scooter that blends elegant styling with everyday performance. It features a 125cc fuel-injected engine with Suzuki Eco Performance technology, making it a reliable choice for both city commutes and longer rides. Designed with rider convenience in mind, it comes equipped with a bright LED headlight for improved visibility, a side stand safety switch for added protection, and a spacious 21-liter under-seat compartment for storing personal items. This model can be yours through Home Credit for as low as ₱120 per day or ₱3,594 per month for 36 months, with a price of ₱83,400.

Now is the perfect time to own a motorcycle. Visit the nearest KServico store and ride home a motorcycle today with Home Credit’s fast and easy motorcycle financing. Experience the thrill of new rides and new possibilities!

For quick pre-approval on installment plans and to check eligibility, download the Home Credit App via Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery.

Visit Home Credit Philippines official website at www.homecredit.ph to learn more about the most recent developments from the organization. Additionally, you may follow its official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).have granted Home Credit Philippines a license and are overseeing the financing company.

More information on HCPH is available at www.homecredit.ph. 

Manila Water, an East Zone water concessionaire, has secured a place on the esteemed Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list for the second year in a row, but this time it has an even higher ranking.

Manila Water improved significantly from its 435th position in 2024 to 384th place in the 2025 edition, demonstrating the company’s ongoing expansion and operational excellence.

The Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranks top-performing companies from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, each meeting a minimum revenue threshold of $349.4 million. Collectively, the companies on the 2025 list generated $1.82 trillion in revenue in 2024, up from $1.79 trillion the previous year.

According to Fortune, currently, the Southeast Asia 500 companies are playing an increasingly important role in global supply chains—capturing manufacturing capacity shifting from China, which is drawing significant capital flows and reshaping global trade dynamics. The second annual Fortune Southeast Asia 500 also offers a compelling snapshot of a region poised to lead in fast-growing sectors such as mining, electric vehicles (EVs), and artificial intelligence (AI)—highlighting Southeast Asia’s readiness to embrace the industries of the future.

“Fortune’s interest in the region reflects Southeast Asia’s growing importance as an engine of global growth,” says Clay Chandler, Executive Editor, Fortune Asia. “The region has become a crucial manufacturing and export hub, which is drawing significant capital flows.”

“Being recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s Top 500 companies is a proud moment for all of us. This achievement reflects the trust of our customers, the hard work and dedication of our team, and the bold vision that drives us forward. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to creating lasting value for our stakeholders and contributing meaningfully to the region’s dynamic economic landscape.” says Jocot De Dios, Manila Water President and CEO.

To determine the Top 500 Southeast Asian companies, Fortune ranked companies based on revenue from their most recently available fiscal year ending on or before December 31, 2024, unless otherwise specified. Revenue figures include contributions from consolidated subsidiaries and any reported income from discontinued operations.

In-depth business insights, research, reporting, and information on American and foreign companies and industries, economics, and technology are all provided by Fortune, an independently owned worldwide business journal. Fortune uses strict criteria in different parts of the world to measure corporate performance both online and in print. Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Most Powerful Women, and World’s Most Admired Companies are some of its well-known rankings.

Visit https://fortune.com/asia/ranking/southeast-asia-500/2025/ to check the ranks and list.

According to the most recent Tangere public opinion survey, which was taken between June 16–17, 2025, 57% of Filipinos disagreed with the Senate’s decision to send the Articles of Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives. The NCR, Southern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Northern Luzon are residence to the majority of respondents who disagreed. Just 20% of respondents support the Senate’s move, while 23% are unsure. The agreement is driven by respondents from Northern Mindanao and the Davao Region.

Unprecedented move by the Senate

The unprecedented move by the Senate to not immediately proceed with the impeachment trial was deemed against the standard process of impeachment defined by the Constitution by 23% of the respondents. In comparison, 22% of those who disagreed mentioned that the decision is a ‘delaying tactic’ by the Senate.

Innocent until proven guilty

25% of respondents who disagreed with the return of the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives believe that Vice President Sara Duterte is not guilty of the items mentioned in the Articles of Impeachment which include betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption, and that she should use the Impeachment Trial to defend herself against the accusations against her.

The non-commissioned survey, conducted last June 16-17, 2025, was administered via a mobile-based respondent application with a sample size of 1,200 participants (+/- 2.77% Margin of Error at a 95% Confidence Level) using a Stratified Random Sampling method (Quota Based Sampling). The proportion was spread throughout the Philippines, with 12 percent from NCR, 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 22 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from Visayas, and 23 percent from Mindanao.

The goal of Tangere, an innovative market research firm with an award-winning technological application, is to understand Filipino opinions. Tangere is a proud member of the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR), and the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES).

Email Tangere at [email protected] to obtain the topline report and analytics for this non-commissioned study.