COMELEC Commissioner Rey E. Bulay and COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, together with SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio and Assistant Vice President Royston Cabunag, formally ink the renewed partnership for Voter Registration and Mall Voting for the upcoming 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

In a Memorandum of Agreement signed on December 2 at the COMELEC Office in Intramuros, Manila, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and SM Supermalls formally extended their collaboration for the Voter Registration Program and Mall Voting implementation for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The renewal is another significant step in both organizations’ joint efforts to improve voter services for Filipinos across the country in terms of accessibility, safety, and convenience.

In his message, SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations, Mr. Junias Eusebio, highlighted the remarkable growth of the partnership over the years—from six participating malls during the 2023 BSKE, to 20 malls successfully joining the Mall Voting Program during the 2025 National and Local Elections. He also emphasized that, as of now, 23 SM malls are already scheduled to serve as voter registration sites—the most nationwide—with more locations to be added through May 2026. During the special registration in August 2025, 47 sites across the country opened their doors to voters, and over 2.8 million Filipinos have already registered in just the last 10 days.

Supermalls VP for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio spotlights how the Mall Voting Program is expanding to make voting more accessible for Filipinos nationwide.

“These numbers reflect not just steady expansion, but the public’s overwhelming preference for organized, secure, and accessible venues where they can register and exercise their right to vote,” he said. “This partnership proves that when the public and private sectors work hand in hand, we can modernize the voting experience and strengthen our democratic participation.”

SM Supermalls executives, led by VP Junias Eusebio, meet with COMELEC Chairman Mr. George Garcia to discuss expanded voter registration activities across SM Supermalls nationwide during the BSKE Mall Voting MOA Signing Ceremony at the COMELEC Office in Intramuros.

COMELEC officials expressed appreciation for SM Supermalls’ continued support, noting how mall-based voter services significantly benefit senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant voters, and first-time youth voters by offering an environment that is comfortable, well-lit, and highly accessible. The partnership comes at an opportune time where strong public participation early in the electoral cycle was evident through the 2.8 million Filipinos that have completed registration in the last 10 days alone.

COMELEC officials and SM Supermalls executives celebrate another milestone in modernizing and enhancing voter accessibility, with officials expressing their appreciation for SM Supermalls’ continued support.

Through this renewed agreement, selected SM malls across the country will continue to serve as venues for voter registration and mall voting, contributing to higher voter turnout and better overall election experience for communities.

Close-up of the MOA Signing. COMELEC and SM Supermalls officials formally sign the renewed partnership for Voter Registration and Mall Voting for the 2026 Barangay & SK Elections, marking another step in making voting more accessible nationwide.

COMELEC Chairman Mr. George Garcia, commissioners, important agency officials, and executives from SM Supermalls, represented by Vice President for Mall Operations Mr. Junias Eusebio, attended the ceremony.

Representatives from COMELEC and SM Supermalls pose for a ceremonial photo after the signing.

The collaboration highlights a common goal: enabling all Filipinos to fully engage in the nation’s democratic processes and bringing vital voter services closer to the general people.

The newly opened SM City La Union becomes the 30th SM mall to install a rainwater catchment system, supporting thousands of residents in flood-prone areas and demonstrating how business innovation protects communities.

Proactive flood protection has become essential to creating resilient communities as climate change causes heavier rainfall and more frequent floods.

Today, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has expanded its network of climate-resilient infrastructure across the country with SM City La Union, its 30th mall with a rainwater harvesting facility. Large amounts of stormwater are collected and stored in catchment facilities for SM Supermalls, avoiding runoff that may otherwise overwhelm drainage networks.

During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater, allowing gradual discharge through proper channels. Collectively, SM City La Union’s underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters.

A design for tomorrow. SM Supermalls focuses on sustainable water use by managing available resources to meet the needs of future generations.

Every drop helps make everyone’s future safer and more sustainable. Freshwater consumption is greatly reduced by treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source, as well as by mapping every possibility to accomplish Water for Tomorrow. From 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters in 2024, SM Prime’s recycled water volume increased by 26.23%.

Just as crucial as the physical infrastructure is social resilience. SM Cares empowers community action by increasing knowledge of water conservation and implementing sustainable practices in daily life.

“Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control — they help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

One of the world’s largest shopping malls, the SM Mall of Asia remains a sustainable marvel thanks to its water-saving solutions.

Rapid development and climate change put strain on the supply of water, which is a finite resource in many Philippine cities. In order to create a future that is water-resilient, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the biggest integrated real estate developers in Southeast Asia, places a high priority on water efficiency as a fundamental operational strategy.

As a result, the portfolio-wide water intensity is 0.44 m³/m²/year, already exceeding some of the top global criteria for water efficiency.

Every opportunity to gather and preserve water is investigated by SM Supermalls. Water-saving devices and basic low-flow fixtures stop wasteful use on a large scale. Recycling processed water and air conditioning condensate reduces reliance on fresh water, and creative methods that collect some floodwater for non-potable use promote sustainable water management.

Managing water through innovation. SM City Laoag achieves everyday water responsible practices by recycling non-potable water for landscaping and garden irrigation, cleaning, air conditioning systems, and toilet-flushing.

This efficiency means that for every square meter of mall space, SM Supermalls’ water use translates into millions of liters saved annually.

Beyond equipment and systems upgrades, culturally integrating sustainability values is part of the solution. Water education campaigns for tenant-partners, employees, and mallgoers promote the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement.

SM Supermalls was ahead of the Clean Water Act in 2004. SM City North Edsa lessens its dependence on freshwater sources for non-potable uses, optimizing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The mall’s Sky Garden’s 400-meter green roof development is a green space in the dense urban jungle.

Creating a sustainable mall experience like no other, SM Supermalls believes that investing in efficient and scalable water management systems also means bringing everyone together to ensure water for tomorrow.

“Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Water efficiency is nationwide for SM Supermalls. SM Seaside Cebu, the fourth-largest mall in the Philippines, uses recycled water for toilets, cleaning, and landscaping needs.

Every drop counts, and SM Cares’ expansive and distinctive community platform spreads awareness of protecting the planet’s precious resources, whether at shopping centers or on social media. The younger, tech-savvy millennial and Gen Z workforce finds the interactive and visually stimulating content particularly intriguing.

“Our work in the malls is to make sure that we give you the best experience without compromising the needs of tomorrow, but of course, we cannot do it alone. When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small these are, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future,” said Tan.

SM Supermalls and DOLE marked a major milestone as the SM–DOLE Job Fair program celebrated its 30,000th hired-on-the-spot at SM City Tuguegarao, symbolizing thousands of lives changed through accessible employment opportunities and meaningful partnerships with industry employers.

December 10, 2025. By commemorating the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) at a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao, SM Supermalls, in close collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), marks the agency’s 92nd founding anniversary.

A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao

During the anniversary employment fair, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, the 30,000th HOTS, was immediately hired by McDonald’s as a part of the service crew. “Hindi po ako makapaniwala…” she said, overwhelmed by the news. “Nag-try lang po akong mag-apply dito sa job fair dito sa SM.” She also urged other job seekers, saying, “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. I didn’t get hired right away.” “Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her experience exemplifies the core of the SM–DOLE collaboration: transforming a straightforward choice to show up into life-changing chances.

The milestone highlights the continued success of the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program, which has mounted over 370 job fairs nationwide since November 2023, supporting more than 220,000 job seekers and resulting in over 30,000 HOTS to date. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of SM Supermalls and DOLE to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift Filipino communities.

SM hosts job fairs, and together with DOLE and other government agencies, officially opens the event to employ more Filipinos

A Partnership that Connects Dreams with Possibilities

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan described the significance of the partnership in opening real pathways to livelihood and growth: “Our partnership through the SM–DOLE Job Fairs has become more than just a program. It’s a bridge — connecting dreams with possibilities. As we celebrate DOLE’s 92 years of service, we at SM reaffirm our commitment to this partnership — to continue providing platforms that empower, connect, and uplift the Filipino workforce. Congratulations, DOLE! Thank you for being our partner in progress, our partner in nation-building.”

On-the-spot hiring – happy jobseekers walk away with job offers in hand, proving that SM Job Fairs are more than events — they’re gateways to livelihood.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed this message, underscoring DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the country’s workforce. “For many years, DOLE has been at the heart of nation-building — helping Filipinos find sustainable and meaningful work. And we at SM Supermalls are truly proud to be your partner in this mission.” He further added: “Thank you, DOLE, for your leadership and partnership in empowering the Filipino workforce. Together, we will continue to open doors that lead to growth, dignity, and hope for every Filipino.”

Face-to-face with opportunity as job seekers confidently take part in interviews with top employers at the SM Job Fair.

According to Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice Present for Job Fairs and MSMEs at SM Supermalls, the SM–DOLE relationship has transformed malls into community places that transform lives by connecting businesses and talents through accessible, community-driven programs. In support of DOLE’s longstanding role in forming the country’s workforce, he reaffirmed SM’s unwavering commitment to making every job fair a doorway to a better life.

At SM Job Fairs, you don’t just apply — you get interviews, career guidance, and access to partner agencies all in one go. See you at the next one!

In order to facilitate hiring, empower job seekers, and support Filipino families, SM and DOLE collaborate to extend job fair activities in strategic areas. The alliance promotes equitable economic growth and enriches local communities by converting malls into opportunity centers where candidates may meet businesses, get advice, and frequently land jobs in a single day.