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As an active participant in the global movement for cleaner seas, SM Prime is committed to protecting the environment and inspiring Filipinos to live sustainably.

The pursuit of healthier oceans and seas necessitates steadfast dedication, steady effort, and sincere concern for our planet. As a prominent supporter of this worldwide movement in the Philippines, SM Prime has made environmental stewardship a fundamental part of its corporate identity in addition to being a duty.

SM City Tanza volunteers join a Philippine Coast Guard coastal cleanup, demonstrating SM Prime’s environmental commitment.

Beyond just preserving coastal ecosystems, SM’s unwavering commitment, in keeping with its Net Zero 2040 strategy to reduce emissions, encourages Filipinos in all communities to lead sustainable lives, turning awareness into tangible change.

And this dedication continues to translate into tangible, meaningful results. In 2024 alone, SM’s mall cleanup initiatives successfully collected and diverted a total of 157,425 kilograms of trash from ending up in our seas, oceans, and other bodies of water, significantly reducing its impact on marine biodiversity and helping preserve our planet’s marine ecosystems.

Understanding the intricate relationship between waste and climate change, SM has been helping to address the solid waste crisis not only because it pollutes our waters but also because it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Landfills filled with organic and plastic waste emit methane, a potent GHG far more destructive than carbon dioxide in accelerating climate change. Through proactive cleanup activities and robust waste management initiatives, SM addresses this issue head-on, significantly reducing environmental harm while mitigating its impact on the global climate.

SM’s continued success in its advocacy stems from the collective strength and cooperation of its diverse business units. This synergy allows the organization to extend its cleanup initiatives from coastal areas to smaller but equally vital water channels like rivers and esteros. By mobilizing hundreds of dedicated employees and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, SM ensures that its efforts are extensive, impactful, and enduring.

Part of SM Prime’s success in its cleanup initiative can be attributed to its employees and countless volunteers, who help ensure that all of its efforts are comprehensive and long-lasting.

Collaboration lies at the heart of SM’s environmental initiatives. Recognizing that achieving cleaner oceans requires collective action, SM consistently partners with government agencies, local governments, and international organizations. Frequent collaborators include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), various local government units (LGUs), and global groups such as Ocean Conservancy, particularly for the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

ICC 2024 represented a significant milestone for SM’s participation in the initiative, celebrating its 10th consecutive year of engagement while also being its largest to date, activating 15 SM malls nationwide and drawing an extraordinary turnout of 23,320 passionate volunteers. This record-breaking participation highlights SM’s growing influence and underscores the expanding public enthusiasm for protecting our oceans.

Dedicated to keeping up this momentum, SM keeps up its cleanup efforts by being actively involved. Since January 2025, SM By the Bay has conducted monthly cleanups, showcasing the company’s dedication to long-term environmental care.

Looking ahead, SM extends an invitation to the community to join its major cleanup efforts on June 7, which will be a celebration of Philippine Environment Month and World Oceans Day; September 20, which is International Coastal Cleanup Day; and November 24, which will empower youth participation in the National Day for Youth in Climate Action.

“Everyone has a role to play in achieving a cleaner, healthier planet. For us at SM, we always encourage Filipinos to be active participants in environmental preservation by joining our cleanup activities, segregating waste responsibly at home, and supporting the SM Waste Free Future campaign through our Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) bins found in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Volunteers from SM Supermalls—including employees, customer relations staff, and janitorial personnel—come together after a successful coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay, united by a shared commitment to protecting our oceans and building a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

As part of its weekly coastal cleanup operations, SM By the Bay rallied 272 staff members and volunteers to gather 1,147 kg of trash throughout the month of April, demonstrating its dedication to environmental care.

The company’s appeal for community-driven, communal action was reinforced by the weekly cleanliness drives along the Manila Bay shoreline, which were conducted by SM employees, customer relations staff, and custodial staff. In addition to bringing back the natural beauty of the shoreline, the project promoted environmental responsibility and ocean protection.

The campaign continues to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water, which emphasizes the protection of marine life and coastal ecosystems from pollution and degradation. As plastic and debris continue to threaten ocean biodiversity, efforts like these demonstrate that consistent community engagement can create long-term impact.

SM volunteers in action during the April coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay, working together to remove marine debris and protect our shoreline—one bag at a time.

Over a ton of trash collected by SM volunteers during the April 2025 coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay—each bag a step closer to a cleaner, healthier marine environment.

Through a spirit of volunteerism and purpose, the initiative also promoted camaraderie among SM stakeholders, who worked together toward a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Participants from SM Supermalls take part in the April cleanup at SM By the Bay, showing that teamwork and purpose go a long way in protecting coastal communities.

Step by step, bag by bag—SM employees move with purposealong the SM By the Bay, turning their mornings into a meaningful mission for the environment.

To sustain this momentum, SM Cares is inviting the public to join the upcoming Coastal Cleanup in celebration of World Oceans Day on June 7, 2025.

Participating malls include: SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta., SM By the Bay. Mesa, SM City CDO Downtown, SM City Tanza, SM City Lucena, SM City Lipa, SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM City Rosario, SM City Batangas, and SM Center Dagupan.

Because taking care of the Earth starts on our shores, let’s keep making every bag of trash collected matter.

Seniors and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are vulnerable during emergencies and disasters because of anxiety, health, and mobility limitations.

Months after the events, the aftershocks in Thailand and the 7.7-magnitude earthquakes in Myanmar are still having an impact. The most important query is posed: Are we ready for “The Big One”?

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), the top integrated property developer in Southeast Asia and one of the most catastrophe and climate risk-vulnerable nations, keeps reaffirming its dedication to disaster resilience and increased climate action.

The role of education

To increase the capacity of readiness within the institution and its communities, SM Prime continues to advocate for emergency preparedness and the general public’s continued education.

SM Cares, SM Prime’s foundation arm, facilitates the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum to help mallgoers learn about emergency procedures, putting importance on staying calm to reduce panic and anxiety, basic first aid, life-saving techniques, and preparing senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in an actual emergency.

As the largest and fastest-growing residential sector developer, SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s disaster preparedness training, Ready to Rescue, covers essential topics from fire and earthquake drills to water safety and first aid training programs to help residents face an emergency should it arise.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s first aid and water safety training help residents respond effectively until first responders arrive.

Through SM Prime’s role within the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies Philippines (ARISE-Philippines), training and education opportunities on disaster risk reduction and resilience are made more accessible within the local network.

Together with ARISE Japan and India, two of the largest in the global community, knowledge sharing on the latest technologies in disaster risk reduction helps toward understanding large-scale disaster prevention and identifies opportunities for further improvement and response.

ARISE India, Japan, and the Philippines during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR).

Collaborations for the climate

In a Climate Fresk Workshop with The Transmutation Principle, SM Prime, together with host SM Hotels, gathered friends from the corporate and non-profit sustainability space to learn more about the science behind climate change–its drivers, mechanisms, and consequences–including mitigation, adaptation, and circular economy principles.

Sustainability champions from corporate and non-government agencies together for a Climate Fresk Workshop at the SMX Convention Center Aura.

“It was an exciting and valuable experience for us, given our advocacy for climate change resilience. The workshop succeeded in making it more accessible and relatable, particularly for individuals who are already aware of its effects on their respective industries,” says Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center participant Charmaine Vitan.

The gamified workshop originated from a French non-profit organization and is based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. Facilitated by local Philippine Freskers, it teaches the fundamentals of climate science – mapping key interdependencies between nature, biodiversity and human activities to ‘solve’ the complex narrative of climate change. The workshop was held at the SMX Convention Center Aura.

“It invited everyone–not just one sector–to collaborate and participate in fields of knowledge that are seemingly not connected at all. To quote a groupmate, the immediate causes and effects of market actions are clear, but the bigger picture is clear when we collaborate with one another,” says World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines participant Joaquin Campos.

Building a resilient tomorrow

Constantly ahead of the curve, SM Prime proactively considers what might lower risk and increase long-term value rather than just what the industry need right now.

An Environmental, Social, Governance, and Resilience (ESG + R) plan for SM Prime guarantees that the business is constructing for the safety of coming generations. In order to establish institutional preparedness and aid in educating and influencing public opinion, SM Prime is still concentrating its efforts on catastrophe risk management techniques, infrastructure resilience, preparedness and quick reaction, and capacity building.

SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy addresses members of ARISE Philippines during the first annual general meeting for 2025.

“Resilience is a way of life. It is a commitment to ensure that we act on our responsibility to care for others so that no one is left behind,” said Mr. Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman.

With the MOA Sky walkway, SM Mall of Asia harnesses solar energy to deliver a combined 3MW of power —enough to run 1,000 escalators a day or power 1,800 homes for a month.

Sustainability is not just a claim for SM Prime; rather, it is a strategic necessity that permeates every aspect of the business’s operations. This is exemplified by tangible results that show the organization’s creativity and leadership in environmental initiatives, consistently producing quantifiable advancements in sustainability throughout its advances.

Through the extensive installation of renewable energy systems on its properties, integrating solar energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels from the grid, and aligning its operations with global climate goals, SM is further solidifying its commitment to environmental sustainability, which is anchored in its Net Zero 2040 goals.

As of early 2025, a total of 47 SM Supermalls nationwide are now outfitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, generating a combined peak capacity of 63 Megawatts. These systems comprise 118,313 solar panels installed across mall rooftops, contributing to a measurable reduction in carbon emissions and representing a significant benchmark in the advancement of renewable energy adoption within the Philippine commercial real estate sector.

SM Mall of Asia’s MOA Sky showcases a multi-use rooftop with a solar-covered walkway, contributing to their significant renewable energy capacity.

SM Mall of Asia’s MOA Sky showcases a multi-use rooftop with a solar-covered walkway, contributing to their significant renewable energy capacity.

SM Mall of Asia (MOA), one of the company’s flagship developments, exemplifies this commitment through its multi-use rooftop, MOA Sky. Among its features is a solar-covered walkway integrating 555 PV panels, contributing an additional 0.3-Megawatt peak capacity while offering shade to pedestrians. With a total of 11,355 panels now installed, SM MOA’s cumulative solar PV system delivers 3 Megawatts of peak power—enough to operate approximately 1,000 escalators for a day or provide electricity to 1,800 average households for a month.

SM’s renewable energy projects were prominently featured during the 2025 Energy Efficiency Day conference, where SM Engineering, Design, and Development Corporation Vice President Engr. Teodoro Bautista presented the group’s performance and ongoing efforts in operational energy efficiency. The initiative was also a key factor in SM MOA’s recognition as the recipient of the first Sustainable Energy Award for a Private Institution, organized by the Department of Energy, affirming the commercial viability and environmental value of large-scale solar adoption.

Solar-powered parasols at SM City Bicutan’s Sky Garden provide 4–5 hours of nighttime lighting after just 3 hours of daytime charging.

Integrating sustainability, SM City Bicutan offers solar-powered parasols with nighttime illumination in its Sky Garden.

Meanwhile, another SM mall, SM City Bicutan, recently introduced solar-powered parasols within its Sky Garden. These structures, designed with both function and form in mind, utilize solar energy to provide 4 to 5 hours of nighttime lighting after a 3-hour daytime charge. Beyond their energy efficiency, these installations reinforce the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the customer experience.

“Through these initiatives, we are able to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and create long-term operational savings for our malls, while simultaneously introducing innovative solutions towards a greener and brighter future for everyone,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Under the Net Zero 2040 vision, SM Prime’s shift to renewable energy is a crucial part of its climate action plan. In addition to providing quantifiable sustainability results that have a long-lasting positive environmental impact, the company continues to play a leading role in supporting national and international climate targets through the systematic decarbonization of its whole portfolio.

[From L to R:] Eastern Communications’ (EC) Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Jed Estanislao, EC Co-Coordinator Atty. Aileen Regio, EC Co-Coordinator Jaeson Evangelista, Unconnected.org Country General Manager Benjz Sevilla, and Technology and Operations Manager Jessieca Baris.

Eastern will offer free internet access to students, instructors, and the local community in ten isolated locations as part of its mission to promote digital literacy and empower underserved communities. The first eight target areas will be in Dipolog, General Santos, Tuguegarao, Naga, Kalibo, Bais, Davao, and Zamboanga.

“We believe that access to the internet is no longer a privilege, but a basic need, especially for education and access to vital information,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer of Eastern Communications. “Through this partnership with unconnected.org, not only can we help bridge the digital divide but also drive digital literacy, especially in far-flung areas.”

Eastern Communications inks partnership with unconnected.org through an official contract signing event.

The project officially commenced with a signing ceremony and joint planning session involving representatives from Eastern Communications and unconnected.org.

Providing internet access to remote areas is key for unconnected citizens to participate in the digital economy – this is especially significant for key educational institutions in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

With reliable connectivity, students from the remote schools can supplement their classroom education with up-to-date online resources and explore more opportunities on the web.

Representatives from Eastern Communications and unconnected.org. hold an official contract signing event and joint planning session.

Beyond just connectivity, Eastern Communications and unconnected.org are committed to digital empowerment, with digital literacy programs planned for these schools.

“This initiative reflects Eastern’s continued commitment to nation-building. By providing not just connectivity but also the tools to use it responsibly and effectively, we are investing in the future of these communities,” added Estanislao.

You can visit www.eastern.com.ph or follow Eastern Communications on Facebook to find out more about their future collaborations and community projects.

AICI 2025 Board of Directors

The image consulting business is booming. According to The Image Educator on Threads, the global image consulting market, which is presently valued at $4.5 million, is expected to expand at an annual pace of 7.2% and reach $7.32 billion in 2032.

Image consultants’ ability to alter or mold how the public views people and brands is becoming recognized as a game-changer for acceptance in the business, marketing, political, and entertainment sectors.

It has been demonstrated that holistic personal branding, which includes digital presence, self-projection, and communication skills, gives image-coached clients or brands a competitive advantage.

AICI Global Conference 2025

This was the optimistic picture painted at the global conference of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) held at the Makati Shangri-La Manila from April 24-27. The event was attended by about 240 professional image consultants from 38 countries from USA, Canada, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, India, China, Mexico, Colombia and the Philippines.

Olen Juarez-Lim, founder and president of the OJL Consulting Group and a recognized image management professional and industry icon in the Philippines welcomed the delegates to the colorful event punctuated by side events that showcased Filipino culture, fashion, food, music, and the festival spirit.

Lim is the 22^nd president of the prestigious group, the first Asian and Filipina to ever be elected to the position.

Themed “Weaving the Future: Global Collaborations for Breakthrough Innovations,” it was the first time the global conference was held in Asia. The last site of the biennial conference was Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in 2023.

Besides learning new trends and honing their business expertise at the conference, participants delved into the details of their profession which besides fashion and style also includes communication skills, body language, etiquette and social skills, corporate image, digital branding, executive coaching, digital presence, online reputation and technological advancements.

Motivational Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Multi Awarded Entrepreneur & Best Selling Author Paulo Tibig

Local and foreign speakers like global entrepreneur and motivational speaker Paulo Tibig, digital entrepreneur and TV star Amber Renae, relational skills expert Kara Finney and Vogue editor Bea Valdes shared their expertise on the latest trends in business, fashion, online entrepreneurship, the finer points of image consultancy and related professions.

Themed “Weaving the Future: Global Collaborations for Breakthrough Innovations,” the conference sought to weave the future of image consulting with an intensive 40-plus sessions on the intricacies of the profession that is now in demand all over the world.

The growth of image consulting is being driven by an increasing awareness of personal branding and the need to project a strong, positive image to be noticed and preferred across various fields and sectors.

“The conference was a great exchange of knowledge, networking and good vibes across cultures. It let our local image consultants gain international recognition, promote their work and get experience for continued professional development. There were meaningful exchanges about trends, technology, and new practices in the most diverse representation of AICI chapters in our organization’s history ever. Most of all, we are proud and happy to have welcomed everyone to Manila and let everyone experience our rich culture,” said Ms. Lim, an image consultancy pioneer in the country and a globally recognized professional.

When AICI was founded in 1990, it had 38 chapters with members and was present in more than 60 nations worldwide. It is the most prestigious association in the world for image consultants.

Leading energy management and automation digital transformation company Schneider Electric said that its Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program received a 7.95 out of 10 rating in the first quarter of 2025, falling short of the 8.80/10 goal set for the year’s conclusion.

As it approaches the last year of its current SSI program, Schneider Electric, which Corporate Knights has named the world’s most sustainable firm, keeps making great progress toward its sustainability objectives. Along with its full-year financial results, the company just released information about its sustainability performance for the last quarter of 2024. The company’s 2024 SSI score exceeded the end-of-year goal of 7.40, coming in at 7.55 out of 10. Achieving the company’s objectives in all areas of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requires tracking and reporting on the 11 worldwide commitments of its SSI on a quarterly basis.

SSI is the company’s framework for measuring sustainability progress, aligned with its business strategy. Performance is tracked against a 2020 baseline, with some programs using adjusted baselines due to COVID-19. SSI scores progress on a 10-point scale, where the 2025 target equals 10/10, and the base year is 3/10. Scores are calculated per key performance indicator, averaged equally (excluding Local Commitment), and externally audited annually. In 2024, SSI #8 received “reasonable” assurance.

“In 2024, Schneider Electric was recognized by TIME and Statista as the World’s Most Sustainable Company.  Earlier this year, we were honored to receive the same recognition from Corporate Knights as part of its Global  100 ranking – marking our second time topping this list and a first for any corporation. These remarkable  achievements, alongside other key ESG recognitions inspire us to reach even greater heights in 2025,” said Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric. “As we enter the final year of our Sustainability Impact program, we are determined to continue transforming ambition into action. There’s still work ahead, but with the support of our extensive ecosystem, our people, and all our Impact Makers, we will succeed.”

In Q1 2025, Schneider Electric helped customers save and avoid nearly 700 million tonnes of CO₂ through its solutions. Since 2018, its energy-saving technologies have enabled 679 million tonnes in avoided emissions. It also achieved a 42% emissions cut from its top 1,000 suppliers through energy efficiency and renewables under the Zero Carbon Project.

Schneider Electric’s suppliers uphold decent work standards, with compliance rising from 21% in 2023 to 63% in 2024. Exceeding its SSI goal ahead of schedule, Schneider has provided clean electricity to 53.4 million people and trained 824,000+ individuals in energy management, nearing its 1 million target by 2025. Through its Youth Education & Entrepreneurship program, Schneider equips young people with skills for sustainable careers.

In addition to these accomplishments, for the 14th consecutive year, Schneider Electric has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index, achieved a place on CDP’s A list, and earned a AAA rating from MSCI ESG. Its latest score from EcoVadis also secured a Platinum medal.

“At Schneider, we believe in strong partnerships with corporations, governments, local partners, and communities to uplift livelihoods, boost incomes, and expand access to education and reliable, clean energy,” added Leong. “I’m especially proud of our people’s relentless pursuit to turn ambition into action, from innovating solutions for environmental impact to giving back to our communities. Together, we’re making progress and sustainability a reality for all.”

See the Q4 and  Q1 2025 reports Schneider Electric, which include comprehensive progress dashboards, for more information about the company’s Sustainability Impact initiative.

According to a recent Tangere survey, Rexlon Gatchalian, the secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, had the highest satisfaction rating of any cabinet secretary in the Marcos Administration, at 59.4%. The respondents who identified as belonging to socioeconomic classes D and E are the primary contributors to the positive satisfaction rating, which is consistent with the findings of the poll conducted last month. Sec. With the launch of the DSWD’s AKAP (Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program), Gatchalian’s public recognition increased.

Highest Satisfaction Rating of the Cabinet Secretaries of the Marcos Administration (Top 2-5):

• Sonny Angara (Secretary of Education) – 58.1%
• Vivencio Dizon (Secretary of Tourism) – 56.8%
• Renato Solidum, Jr (Secretary of Science and Technology) – 55.5%
• Hans Cacdac (Secretary of Migrant Workers) – 55.0%

Assessment :

• Consistent with the previous month’s survey, the data suggests that departments directly impacting social welfare, education, labor and employment, and public transport have higher public satisfaction.

The non-commissioned survey on the Trust and Satisfaction Ratings of Cabinet Secretaries of the Marcos Administration, conducted last April 21-22, 2025, was administered via a mobile-based respondent application with a sample size of 2,400 participants (+/- 1.96% 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.

Capturing Filipino feelings is the goal of Tangere, an award-winning technology application and innovation-driven market research and public opinion polling firm. One of the first survey firms to register with the Commission on Election (COMELEC) in accordance with Resolution 11117 was Tangere (Acquisition Apps, Inc.). Tangere is a proud member of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), and the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES).

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