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.

Designed as an evening of insightful discussion and curated wine tasting, Legacy Uncorked brought together an intimate circle of the country’s most respected business leaders, wealth advisors, and high-net-worth families in a sophisticated setting at the Grand Hyatt.
In photo: (Left-right) Rozanne Magararu, Pru Life UK Chief Customer & Marketing Officer; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer; Michael Ferrer, ATRAM Group Chief Executive Officer; Rex Mendoza, Rampver Financials Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Princess Charm Balingit, Pru Life UK Chief Investment Officer; and Julien Fey, Pru Life UK Chief Strategy Officer

A growing number of Filipino families are facing a quiet financial risk as family-owned businesses and property values rise in the country: delays in wealth transfers and estate settlement problems that may result in frozen assets, court challenges, or forced liquidation.

During Pru Life UK’s special Legacy Uncorked event at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Rex Mendoza, Chairman and CEO of Rampver Financials, stated that many families earn money but neglect to preserve it for future generations. Estate planning is a commitment to continuity and a duty to one’s heirs, not just a financial undertaking.

To address this widening gap, Pru Life UK organised Legacy Uncorked as a platform for intergenerational wealth preservation and responsible succession planning. Headlined by Mendoza, one of the country’s leading voices in financial stewardship and legacy building, the event gathered high-net-worth families, business owners, and wealth advisors to discuss estate preparedness strategies.

Mendoza delivered a compelling message on why Filipino families must prepare not just for wealth accumulation but also for wealth transfer and continuity. He mentioned that legacy is not just what one leaves behind; it’s how one prepares others to carry it forward.

Citing recent global and economic disruptions, he emphasised that unpredictability has become a permanent part of financial strategy. He added that uncertainty is now a constant—with health crises, market disruptions, and policy changes. Families who do not build emergency liquidity and succession strategies expose their heirs to unnecessary financial risk.

He also stressed that the failure of legacy is often rooted not in financial loss but in lack of generational preparation. He noted that heirs do not fail because they lack inheritance; they fail because they lack guidance. Wealth must be transferred with wisdom, purpose, and financial literacy. Mendoza also highlighted the importance of disciplined investment strategies for generational wealth, explaining that asset diversification, risk management, and sustainability must guide long-term decisions.

Legacy Planning

Pru Life UK President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty reinforced the importance of legacy planning in the Philippine context, where estate settlement remains a major barrier to preserving family wealth.

He said that many families are forced to sell land, businesses, or long-held assets simply to settle estate obligations. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it is for every family that wants continuity, stability, and dignity in how their assets are passed on.

At the event, Pru Life UK introduced PRUWealth 10, its flagship single-pay life insurance solution designed to support estate planning. The product enables clients to generate estate liquidity, protect assets from forced sale, and ensure seamless inheritance transfer.

PRUWealth 10 provides immediate liquidity at the moment families need it most. It prevents the loss of family legacy due to emergency property sales or loan dependency. We continue to see growing interest among discerning families and business leaders who recognise the value of structured protection.

Chakrabarty added that structured wealth transition is now a growing financial priority in the country. He said that these discussions about legacy are no longer taboo. Today’s leaders want to protect both their life’s work and their family relationships. Pru Life UK is here to support that mission with structured, future-ready financial strategies.

Chie Gatchalian, co-founder of The Sip Studio, also developed a wine appreciation journey for heritage Uncorked, signifying how legacies are purposefully created and carefully preserved—reiterating the event’s central theme: heritage must be safeguarded, not left to chance.

The event was a component of Pru Life UK’s continued dedication to estate planning advocacy and financial education in the Philippines, providing families with professional advice, solutions, and assistance to protect multigenerational wealth.