First in the country, SM Sensory Lab launch marks a new chapter in inclusive spaces built for people on the Autism spectrum

This year’s National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW) saw the inauguration of groundbreaking milestones that mark the beginning of SM Supermalls’ new era as a fully inclusive Mall for All.

In an effort to improve the mall experience for Filipinos on the autism spectrum by creating welcoming environments that are meant to be loved, SM celebrated acceptance and gratitude through its Corporate Social Responsibility division, SM Cares.

“This year’s celebration of the NACW is a great step forward for SM Supermalls as we hosted ‘Lights Up, Sounds Down’ (LUSD) and opened the very first ‘SM Sensory Lab’–the country’s only dedicated mall space for people with sensory processing challenges,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President. “On top of our year-long programs to uphold inclusivity across all malls, these milestones echo our ultimate desire of ensuring every single customer finds their most loved space at SM.”

SM Sensory Lab: An innovation in accommodating mall spaces

Crowning the celebration was SM’s launch of a ground-breaking innovative space designed to serve children and adults experiencing sensory processing challenges. In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and with the support of the Autism Society Philippines, the SM Sensory Lab was officially opened in SM Mall of Asia as the country’s first-ever calming corner.

“Opening the SM Sensory Lab was a natural next step in our relentless pursuit of making our malls truly inclusive. We collaborated closely with the DSWD, NCDA and Autism Society Philippines to ensure we were making all the right considerations for something that’s never been done before,” said Tan.

With soft lighting, calming seating, and sensory-friendly features, the SM Sensory Lab brought accessibility into everyday mall life — showing that inclusion goes beyond awareness and is rooted in thoughtful design and lived experience. The space was built to accommodate a total of 10 people to give persons with sensory processing challenges and their guardian enough space to feel at ease.

Enhanced through the SM Malls Online App, customers who may need the space simply have to scan a QR code through the app to use the space completely free of charge.

Lights up, Sounds Down: Specialized events bringing families together

At the heart of the week’s activities was also Lights Up, Sounds Down — sensory-friendly movie screenings designed to remove common barriers that make traditional cinema settings overwhelming.

In partnership with SM Cinema, the series of screenings was tailored specifically for the ease and comfort of customers on the autism spectrum. Across selected malls, families were welcomed into theatres with adjusted lighting and reduced sound levels, creating an environment that fostered comfort, joy, and shared experience.

“Something as simple as going to the cinema can be a stressful experience not just for people on the spectrum but for their families as well. Through this effort SM intentionally enhanced an accommodating movie-going experience through SM Cinemas so people with autism and their families can finally watch a film in a movie house together,” said Tan.

LUSD was a one-mall event when it was originally held at SM Supermalls. The initiative has already expanded to include screenings in other malls throughout the Philippines for over 5,000 participants and their families. By joining the network of SM Supermalls and holding its own screenings, SM City BF Paranaque and SM City Butuan broadened the event’s audience this year.

Additionally, SM Cares continuously implements inclusion initiatives across the country. Informational campaigns encourage compassion and a broader understanding of people with autism. Additionally, mall front-line staff, including security officers, tenants, and operations, receive training and refresher courses on how to assist patrons on the spectrum.

“Being an inclusive mall isn’t just a one-week observance,” said Tan. “Our efforts for this celebration are reinforced by our strengthened resolve to continually ensure every SM Supermall in the country empowers its people and surrounding communities to be accepting, appreciative and accommodating to our customers regardless of their needs.”

Nationwide malls drive MSME upskilling, growth, and sustainable enterprise

Under the SM for MSMEs program, MSME Hub owners Alamanga and Rainbow Scoops bring locally made flavors and proudly Filipino products closer to the community—proof that when small businesses are given the right platform, they grow and thrive.

Utilizing its nationwide mall network to generate real growth prospects for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), SM Supermalls is entering 2026 with a renewed and sharpened focus on empowering Filipino entrepreneurs, building on the strong momentum of MSME in 2025.

In 2025, SM Supermalls enabled 920 new MSMEs and start-ups through its SM for MSMEs initiative; of them, about 10% successfully converted into normal mall tenants through kiosks, counters, or in-line stores around the country. With 2,288 distinct MSMEs assisted since its expanded rollout in March 2024, the initiative offers entrepreneurs practical venues to test, improve, and grow their enterprises.

In 2025 alone, 28,761 MSME booth activations were mounted nationwide, driven by a growing consumer demand for locally made, experience-led products across food and beverage, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle categories.

Honoring MSME Excellence

The annual SM for MSMEs Wall of Champions recognized outstanding MSME awardees and finalists whose businesses demonstrated exemplified resilience, innovation, and community impact—serving as a tribute to Filipino entrepreneurship and its vital role in nation-building.

“The private sector has a role to play in enabling the future growth of the MSME sector,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Supporting the grassroots economy is a long-term commitment we intend to uphold.”

2025 MSME awardees and finalists gathered at the SM for MSMEs Wall of Champions with executives from SM Supermalls and the Department of Trade and Industry, celebrating excellence, resilience, and community impact.

“SM is like a big brother to smaller businesses like us,” said Euclid S. Cezar, President and CEO of Famous Belgian Waffle and a 2025 Medium Enterprise finalist. “Being recognized motivates us to expand, innovate, and bring our products to more communities.”

Nation-Building Through Partnerships

From learning summits and curated markets to large scale trade fairs, SM Supermalls worked closely with key partners including the Department of Trade and Industry, Go Negosyo, media organizations, trade fair organizers, and MSME exhibitors to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for entrepreneurs nationwide.

DTI and SM Supermalls spotlight the Philippine coconut industry as MSMEs take centerstage—local entrepreneurs proudly showcasing coconut-based products crafted by Filipino hands.

LEFT PHOTO: (L–R) Cong TV, Viy Cortez, Ivy Cortez, and Rolly Cortez joined MSMEs and mallgoers during the VIYLine MSME Caravan at SM City Santa Rosa. MID PHOTO: During the VIYLine MSME Caravan opening at SM City Santa Rosa, Cong TV surprised the crowd by revealing himself onstage after posing as a cameraman. RIGHT PHOTO: Influencers and entrepreneur-creators met fans and shoppers during the VIYLine MSME Caravan at SM City Santa Rosa, bringing digital communities into real-world marketplaces.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, MSMEs account for 99.63% of businesses and 66.58% of total employment in the Philippines, underscoring their critical role as the backbone of the national economy.

Major 2025 highlights included the DTI National Food Fair, Negros Trade Fair, Women Strong Trade Fair by WomenBizPH, VIYLine MSME Caravan, and the Go Negosyo MSME Summit 2025, which energized the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall with mentorship sessions and business insights, highlighted by Francis Kong’s talk, “Now and Next: The Trends in Business for MSMEs.”

The Go Negosyo MSME Summit 2025 energized the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last July 19, bringing together entrepreneurs and mentors for inspiring talks, mentorship, and growth opportunities—highlighted by Francis Kong’s session, “Now and Next: The Trends in Business for MSMEs.”

Expanding Opportunities Beyond Metro Manila

Leveraging its nationwide footprint, SM Supermalls expanded regional trade fairs and themed marketplaces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, bringing high-visibility platforms closer to local communities and advancing more inclusive, region-led growth.

The Negros Trade Fair opening day at SMX Aura drew crowds eager to experience Negrense delicacies, craftsmanship, and heritage products.

Women-led enterprises showcased proudly Filipino products at the Women Strong Trade Fair at SM Megamall, championing collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Kicking Off 2026 With Strong MSME Partnerships

To start 2026, SM Supermalls—together with government agencies, media partners, and trade fair organizers, will host and support a new slate of MSM focused events.

DTI Region IV-A Coco Festival Food Fair January 14–20, 2026 | SM City San Pablo Featuring coconut-based products and local delicacies from MSMEs in Region IV-A.

Philstar Nakakalokal Bazaar January 16–18| SM Seaside City Cebu Showcasing homegrown food, fashion, crafts, and lifestyle brands from the Visayas and the Cordillera region, highlighting locally made MSME products.

The Silk Events Bazaar (upcoming)

SM La Union, January 28–February 10, 2026 MSMEs are given more exposure in a place that is primarily driven by tourism thanks to a carefully planned lifestyle and artisan market.

As SM Supermalls enters 2026, SM for MSMEs keeps developing as a platform for scalable growth, turning participation into opportunity and opportunity into sustainable business for Filipino entrepreneurs all throughout the country.

Be part of this success story—visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email [email protected] to grow your business with SM today.

The SM Green Movement has proven from the start that deliberate, group action can effectively address environmental issues in order to accomplish a single objective: the preservation and conservation of the planet’s resources for both current and future generations.

Prior to the industry’s sustainability requirement, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) understood that sustained, community-driven activities are the only way to achieve genuine sustainability. Programs created to change with stakeholder objectives and shareholder duties were informed by this understanding.

Leveraging on the scale and reach of its nationwide network of supermalls, SM Prime embedded sustainability efforts within malls operations, actively engaging customers, tenants and communities in its environmental journey.

This “micro to macro” approach strengthened the SM Green Movement unifying efforts under a practical and scalable framework built on three core pillars of environmental action: waste management, water stewardship, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

“What began as simple actions—reducing waste, conserving water, and adopting cleaner energy—has grown into an interconnected ecosystem involving partners, tenants, employees, and millions of mallgoers nationwide,” said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. “By turning everyday habits into systemic results, the SM Green Movement extends beyond corporate spaces and into the heart of Filipino communities.”

Focusing on three core pillars: Water, Waste, and Energy

At the core of the waste pillar, SM works closely with recycling partners and SM GUUN — the circularity platform of the SM Green Movement — to divert paper, plastics, multi-layer packaging, compostables, and other materials away from landfills and back into productive use.

SM Prime’s water stewardship is anchored in long-term water management systems and conservation practices that promote a water-resilient future.  SM Supermalls pioneered water recycling in retail spaces, with early sewage treatment plants and low-flow fixtures that reduced consumption across properties.

Energy management is another cornerstone of the SM Green Movement where efficiency and renewable generation converge to reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and reliability in SM properties. The 100MWp celebrations in SM City North Edsa are a milestone of the program’s expansion of solar generation capacity across malls nationwide — a visible demonstration of how clean energy supports both climate action and everyday mall experiences.

Shared Responsibility, Lasting Impact

The idea that sustainability flourishes when communities are included in the discussion and that systems may be reshaped when scaled collaboratively is what binds these three pillars together. For SM Prime, sustainability is a shared journey that calls for awareness, involvement, and teamwork rather than only being a corporate requirement.

The SM Green Movement is creating the groundwork for long-lasting change where sustainability becomes ingrained in the daily lives of Filipinos and communities throughout the archipelago through quantifiable advancements, expanding collaborations, and evident outcomes in the waste, water, and energy portfolios.

“The SM Green Movement reflects our vision to scale simple, everyday acts into systemic impact,” said San Agustin. “By advancing energy, water, and waste initiatives together in our malls, we safeguard communities and build a more sustainable future.” 

Accessible Good Habits with Cyberzone

We’re continuing to make ethical tech disposal simple and accessible within SM Supermalls, where people already congregate, genuinely living up to the Cyberzone #TechWeLikeZoneWeLove pledge.

Through specialized drop-off locations that will be implemented countrywide starting in June 2024 in collaboration with Smart Communications and PLDT Home, Cyberzone, in collaboration with SM Cares, assists in making the disposal of e-waste a straightforward and secure habit.

Across participating SM Supermalls, these collection bins give mallgoers a clear, accessible place to drop  off old gadgets and broken electronics that are in need of proper disposal. Instead of ending up in drawers  or landfills, e-waste can be responsibly handled through a system designed for everyday convenience and  better environmental discipline.

14,327 kg Properly Collected and Segregated

Since the partnership began, Cyberzone’s E-Waste Collection Drop Boxes have helped gather 14,327 kg  of electronic waste across 89 SM Supermalls, 69 of which are located in the Cyberzone area. This  ensures materials are properly collected and segregated for responsible handling. Serving as a reflection  on the growing community habit made easier through clear drop-off points and a consistent, accessible  mall experience.

“We take pride in being the go-to tech destination for shoppers,” said Patrick Pacla, Vice President for  Cyberzone Operations and Marketing at SM Supermalls. “But as gadgets evolve, so does the need to  dispose of old electronics responsibly. Everyone has a role to play, and Cyberzone is committed to making  it simpler and safer to do the right thing, so tech does not end up harming the planet.”

Curious about what happens to your broken and old devices after dropping them in e-waste collection bins at Cyberzone and SM Supermalls? Watch this video:
https://youtu.be/jSsJkP8rGMQ?si=6a4tu1LL2oQBFWBY

Sustainability Built to Grow Through Partnerships

Our commitment to responsible tech use is long-term in a way. As more malls open, Cyberzone, SM Cares, Smart Communications, and PLDT Home will keep adding more e-waste collecting boxes. Drop-off locations are now accessible at SM Supermalls and Cyberzone branches, bringing communities one step closer to a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Follow SM Cyberzone on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.

Additionally, Cyberzone #TechWeLikeZoneWeLove keeps you updated both online and in-store for immersive tech experiences and always fascinating discoveries.

Go to www.smcyberzone.com to learn more.

A sustainable future for all. The iconic SM Mall of Asia, the world’s 6th largest mall, has become a sustainable retail shopping destination. Its physical and economic resilience stands as a testament to SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable business strategies.

Through energy efficiency programs, on-site renewable solutions, and strategic long-term collaborations, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) continues to set the standard for sustainable real estate development, providing low-carbon office spaces and climate-smart retail environments.

From efficiency to impact

Since the 1990s, SM Prime has introduced programs like better air conditioning and ventilation systems (ACVS), upgraded lighting, and optimized building management systems. These initiatives have dramatically reduced emissions, demonstrating the positive economic and environmental effects of energy efficiency. By cutting electricity use by 38% in 2024, SM Supermalls saved ₱2.3 billion and prevented 156,736 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

In the recently concluded 5^th Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards of the Department of Energy (DOE), SM Prime’s business units, namely, SM Supermalls, SM Offices, and SM Hotels, was awarded multiple Certificates of Excellence.

This success reflects collaboration among engineering teams, service providers, tenants, and customers, driven by the company’s leadership and commitment to the SM Green Movement.

Renewable energy milestones

Guided by its goal of Net Zero by 2040, SM Prime is making decarbonization practical, reliable, and scalable. At SM City North Edsa, it recently celebrated a milestone for clean energy in the country, with 59 properties generating a combined 100 megawatts (MW) of on-site renewable energy—one of the largest solar capacities among property developers in the Philippines.

A historic 100MW milestone. At Quezon City, the SM North Edsa, the first Philippine mall to use clean energy with rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, continues to deliver SM Prime’s people-centric sustainable retail spaces.

Today, more than 50% of energy use across SM Supermalls comes from renewable sources, supported by partnerships with Aboitiz Renewables, TotalEnergies, Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation, and leading solar providers. This collaborative approach empowers communities while building a safer and more sustainable future.

Working with WWF-Philippines, SM Prime has committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is working towards its near and long-term targets.

Retail architecture working with nature

At the heart of SM Prime’s energy strategy is the creation of sustainable, resilient spaces that enrich experiences for the community. Across its malls, SM integrates passive design elements—high ceilings, large atriums, skylights, open spaces, and natural ventilation—reducing daytime energy consumption while offering brighter, breezier, and more welcoming spaces for relaxation, dining, and shopping.

Technology meets nature. In SM City East Ortigas, natural light brightens the food hall, and retrofitted lighting produces significant energy savings.

Smart solutions such as motion-sensor escalators, solar-powered outdoor spaces, and energy-conscious cooling systems make SM Supermalls a top retail destination for tenant-partners and customers alike.

Shared climate benefits for all

“Customer expectations evolve quickly. When our leaders first initiated this project, it was in the early days of learning about the impact of our consumption on the planet. Now, brands – whether big luxury labels or small and medium enterprises – are looking for partners who invest in circularity and ESG impacts,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.

As SM Prime expands its energy initiatives, its SM Green Movement develops a robust energy infrastructure to make its communities a secure, cozy, and friendly place to live.

“We are committed to making our malls as energy efficient as possible by implementing advanced technologies and best practices. SM Supermalls will keep expanding its sustainability efforts to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of life for both the planet and the communities we serve,” said Tan.

Start strong. Find what fits. Your future begins at SM.

On-the-spot hiring success at SM Job Fairs in 2025 underscores the program’s real-world impact, symbolizing thousands of lives changed through accessible employment opportunities and strong public-private collaboration.

Through its worldwide Job Fair program, SM Supermalls reinforces its dedication to Filipino job seekers as the new year begins by embracing 2026 with new vitality, greater opportunities, and a track record of impact.

Building on a historic 2025, SM Job Fairs have developed into a comprehensive career ecosystem that unites government services, businesses, job seekers, and skill training in a single, easily accessible platform.

Massive crowd of job seekers during Labor Day Job Fairs at SM City Bacolod (left photo) and SM Mall of Asia (right photo).

A Strong 2025 Performance, By the Numbers

In 2025 alone, SM Supermalls hosted 198 job fairs nationwide, connecting over 117,000 job seekers with more than 6,000 employers across industries. These efforts resulted in 15,000+ hired-on-the-spot, proving that accessible, purpose-driven platforms can deliver real employment outcomes at scale.

Senior High School students explore future career paths and digital upskilling opportunities at interactive booths during an SM Job Fair held in 2025, in partnership with government and private sector stakeholders.

Beyond hiring, SM Job Fairs expanded their impact through partnerships with key government agencies, embedding skills training, digital upskilling, and on-site services directly into job fair venues—helping future-proof Filipino workers while removing barriers to employment.

Reputable and prestigious employers from PMAP’s network like BDO Coca-Cola and SM Supermalls, open doors to job seekers during the two-day career event at SM City North EDSA.

Zamboanga City Opens the Year with an Exclusive Job Fair

Leading SM’s 2026 kickoff is SM City Zamboanga, set to host an exclusive Job Fair on January 16–17, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.

A strong turnout marks the previous exclusive Job Fair at SM City Zamboanga in 2024, with hundreds of job seekers lining up early to explore employment opportunities and submit applications—proof of the city’s strong demand for accessible jobs close to home.

Held in partnership with the Public Employment Service Office – Zamboanga City (PESO) and Department of Labor and Employment Region IX (DOLE IX), the two-day event will feature over 400 job openings from more than 20 employers in retail, food and beverage, customer service, operations, and support services.

With the empowering call to action—“Start strong. Find what fits. Your future begins at SM”—the job fair invites applicants to explore career opportunities aligned with their skills, passions, and long-term goals.

On-the-spot interviews and real conversations take center stage during the 2024 exclusive Job Fair at SM City Zamboanga, where employers and applicants connect face-to-face—setting the tone for an even bigger turnout this year

To ensure a smoother experience, online pre-registration is now open, with strong early interest already recorded. The upcoming job fair is expected to welcome over 5,000 applicants, with more than 4,000 registrants already signed up through PESO as of this week.

The SM City Zamboanga Job Fair is an essential venue for workforce development, employment creation, and public-private partnerships as Zamboanga City develops as a regional economic center, promoting inclusive growth in the area.

Job seekers excitedly flex their call back interview slips during an SM Job Fair conducted in 2025.

Additional Possibilities This Year

SM Job Fairs is poised to connect more Filipinos to meaningful work in 2026, one opportunity, one community, and one future at a time, thanks to strong momentum from 2025 and a full calendar.