Pursuit of a more biker-inclusive SM yields Record-breaking 36 wins from DOTr, Mobility Awards
The absence of public transportation due to social distancing effectively limited every household's capability to commute for essentials, and many relied on biking as their lifeline.
Recognizing the urgency in supporting its customers and surrounding communities during the challenges of the pandemic, SM Supermalls strengthened the drive for Active Mobility across all of its malls nationwide. Since then, the mall leader has become a home and advocate for Active Mobility, remaining consistent in forging spaces that not only accommodate, but protect bikers.
Because of this effort, SM has won the trust and confidence of its stakeholders in advocating for sustainable travel, culminating in a record-breaking 34-win citation at the 2025 Mobility awards.
Active Mobility Advances Through Coaction
Through a collaboration between its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, its mall operations, and biking communities, SM continues to refine itself as a bike-friendly space championing maxed-out Active Mobility, cycling, and inclusive transport.
For the mall leader, this meant improving transport access through sustainable means it could easily replicate across its properties nationwide. This involved carving out dedicated spaces equipped with essential tools to safeguard and repair bikes, protecting bikes from scratches with upcycled tires cushioning racks, the introduction of intuitive bike lanes for biker safety, and the promotion of the culture of cycling.
This in turn earned SM a total of 34 accolades at the recent Mobility Awards: One Gold, 11 Silver and 22 bronze for nationwide mall efforts in promoting and protecting cycling as a culture across its properties.
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About SM Supermalls
Celebrating 40 Super Years: A New Era of SM Supermalls, Evolving With You. SM Supermalls, one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 89 malls in the Philippines, marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and serving as a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect. As it enters a new era, SM Supermalls continues evolving with you, redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive, meaningful experiences for all.
About SM Cares
As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.
Over 8,500 volunteers collect more than 70,000 kilograms of trash in the first half of 2025
As the country prepares for the height of the rainy season, SM Cares is taking urgent steps to help protect vulnerable communities by ramping up its coastal cleanup efforts across the Philippines.
From January to June 2025 alone, SM Cares mobilized 8,571 volunteers across multiple SM malls and coastal…
Empowering Change: SM Cares Unites Communities for the Environment
In celebration of Philippine Environment Month 2025
As a long-standing advocate for sustainability, SM Cares—the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls—once again mobilized thousands of Filipinos in celebration of Philippine Environment Month, reinforcing its commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future through its movement for an…
SM strengthens pivot to solar PVs in support of DOE’s renewable energy goals
SM City Bataan and its 4,060-piece solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have a peak capacity of 2,376,000 kW.
As the world continues to grapple with depleting resources, the need for renewable energy has never been more urgent. Malls, as significant energy consumers, have a unique opportunity to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future by adopting renewable energy solutions that can significantly reduce their environmental impact.
Understanding this, SM has been continuously ramping up its renewable energy initiatives by adopting solutions that lower its carbon footprint. One such solution is the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which provide clean and renewable energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. This allows SM to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and contribute to a greener environment.
Expanding solar power across SM malls
As of February 2025, SM is nearing full operations for the solar PV systems installed in 45 of its properties across the country, with more slated for retrofitting soon.
SM’s use of solar PV systems is just one of the many ways the company has been taking a more sustainable approach to energy use while supporting the country in achieving its sustainability goals. Its efforts continue to be recognized by reputable institutions both locally and internationally.
Industry recognition for SM's sustainability efforts
For instance, SM’s flagship mall, SM Mall of Asia, was recognized at the 2024 Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards and Sustainable Energy Awards organized by the Department of Energy (DOE). It won the Sustainable Energy Award for a Private Institution for its solar PV system, which is capable of generating 2.7-megawatts (MW) of peak energy---enough to power 1,790 households for an entire year.
Meanwhile, SM City Butuan was recognized under the New and Existing Building category at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Energy Awards 2024 Best Practices Competition for Energy-Efficient Buildings. Endorsed by the DOE to represent the Philippines, the mall was honored for advancing energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) innovations in its design and operations.
Supporting the DOE's Renewable Energy Roadmap
Alongside its efforts to integrate renewable energy sources into its operations, SM is also committed to supporting the DOE in achieving its targets under the Renewable Energy Roadmap 2017-2040, particularly its goal to increase the country's renewable energy installed capacity to at least 20,000 MW by 2040.
SM City Tanza is one of the 45 SM malls with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, numbering 2,286 units, which will produce 1,257.30 kW peak solar power.
Public-Private Partnerships for a sustainable future
SM collaborates with partner solar PV system providers under the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Distributed Energy Resources program. These service contracts define the conditions of the partnership, project timelines, and the assigned malls for each provider, aligning with SM's adoption of renewable energy.
"At SM, sustainability is a commitment. Our growing solar portfolio demonstrates our dedication to a greener future for the Philippines, in partnership with the DOE and our valued partners," shared SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Engr. Liza Silerio.
“Together, we’re not just generating cost savings – we’re shaping a more sustainable future by supporting long-term environmental goals of our partners while contributing to the Philippines’ green transition,” said Green Heat Corporation Director Glenn Tong. Green Heat is one of SM’s solar PV system providers.
SM City Butuan with its solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
A model for sustainable development
Beyond its environmental and economic benefits, SM’s implementation of solar PV systems serves as a progressive model for public-private partnerships (PPPs). By collaborating with the DOE, SM gains access to technical expertise and financial incentives while helping the country meet its sustainability goals. This approach promotes innovation, creates jobs, and sets a precedent for other commercial establishments to follow.
DOE's support for sustainable energy development
“The DOE has implemented sustainable energy development strategies and institutionalized national and local capabilities, and we are heartened by the strong support we have received from both the private and public sectors,” said DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara in her opening address at the Sustainable Energy Awards.
To learn more about SM’s various sustainability initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
SM Book Nook Reading Festival brings Filipino stories to life at SM Aura
The SM Book Nook Reading Festival, held on January 31, 2025, at the Book Nook in SM Aura, drew 500 book lovers of all ages for a dynamic celebration of Filipino literature and creativity. From engaging author meet-and-greets to lively performances and informative workshops, the festival offered a rich array of literary experiences.
(L-R): SM Cares Assistant Vice President Richard A. Caluyo, SM Book Nook Reading Festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura Regional Operations Head Stephanie Co
Interactive storytelling and inspiration
One of the festival's highlights was the launch of SM Book Nook's innovative "Pass the Plot" board. This interactive activity encouraged participants to co-create a story, sentence by sentence, showcasing their collective creativity.
The "Pass the Plot" board at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival ignites collaborative storytelling, inviting participants to build a narrative sentence by sentence.
A major highlight of the event was the presence of renowned literary personalities such as National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo. Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with these esteemed authors, get their books signed, and engage in insightful conversations. The festival also showcased emerging talent, with popular independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit connecting with readers and sharing their work.
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma) inspires readers and shares his literary journey at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival at SM Aura.
A celebration of community and shared passion
A heartwarming moment unfolded when publishers and authors united for a meaningful cause—donating books to the SM Book Nook. This symbolic gesture underscored the collective mission of promoting a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing.
Authors and publishers, with SM Book Nook pioneer Shereen Sy (8th from right), unite to donate books at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival, promoting a love of reading.
Engaging activities for all ages
The festival buzzed with activity throughout the day. Attendees participated in fun quiz games, delved into historical fiction readings, and engaged in thought-provoking book club discussions. Spoken word poetry performances by teens and young adults added a contemporary flair, while a session on zines with BBZ offered a glimpse into the world of independent publishing. Publishers like Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest titles, and a special session on copyright law provided valuable information for aspiring authors.
The audience is enthralled as author Bambi Rodriguez reads from her latest work.
The SM Book Nook Reading Festival proved to be more than just a book event. It was a lively community gathering, a celebration of Filipino storytelling, and a source of inspiration for both established and aspiring writers.
For more information about SM's community programs and how you can get involved, visit: https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/.
Bringing Light and Hope: SM Cares Partners with Global Peace Foundation to Empower Sustainable Communities
A united commitment for brighter communities! Jocelyn Remigio, Program Director for Community Development of Global Peace Foundation, Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, together with Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing and Engr. Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, join hands to formalize the partnership for the All Lights Village project. This collaboration brings sustainable energy solutions and community empowerment to underserved areas, illuminating lives one village at a time.
SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, has joined hands with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines to support the transformative All Lights Village project. This partnership was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 14, 2025, at the SM Prime Headquarters, marking another significant step forward in promoting sustainable development and empowering underprivileged communities in off-grid areas.
The All Lights Village project, spearheaded by GPF Philippines, is an innovative initiative designed to improve the quality of life for families living in rural areas without access to electricity. By providing solar lighting, educational resources, and livelihood opportunities, the program is creating brighter futures for these communities while championing clean energy solutions and sustainable growth.
A Shared Commitment to Uplifting Communities
Through this partnership, SM Cares will provide spaces in SM Aura, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia for fundraising booths dedicated to the All Lights Village project. Funds raised through these booths will directly support the initiative, enabling more families to benefit from solar lighting, better education, and sustainable livelihoods.
During the MOA signing, Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “SM Cares is proud to support the All Lights Village project and its mission of empowering communities through sustainable development. By providing these families with clean energy and opportunities, we are not just lighting homes but also paving the way for brighter, more hopeful futures.”
Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of GPF Philippines, shared similar sentiments. “This partnership with SM Cares reflects a shared vision of creating lasting change in communities that need it the most. Together, we are proving that even the smallest actions, like providing light, can spark transformative impact.”
Impacting Lives Through Clean Energy and Sustainability
The All Lights Village initiative has already made a significant difference in rural areas by reducing reliance on harmful kerosene lamps and offering children a safe and well-lit environment for studying. This partnership will enable even more families to access these benefits, creating ripple effects of progress across communities.
The fundraising booths at SM malls will serve as a platform for shoppers to participate in this cause, ensuring that the public becomes an integral part of this life-changing initiative. More details about the booth locations and schedules will be announced soon, inviting everyone to contribute to a brighter tomorrow.
Looking Forward: Building a Better Future Together
This partnership underscores SM Cares’ continued commitment to empowering communities and supporting impactful initiatives that improve lives. The All Lights Village project is not just about providing light—it’s about illuminating opportunities and fostering a sense of hope and unity among the most underserved populations.
For more information about the fundraising activities or how to support the All Lights Village project, follow SM Cares’ social media channels.
About SM Cares
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, focusing on initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and community development. From environmental programs to projects that uplift marginalized groups, SM Cares strives to create meaningful and lasting impacts across the Philippines.
About Global Peace Foundation Philippines
The Global Peace Foundation Philippines is dedicated to promoting innovative solutions for community development, education, and peacebuilding. Through initiatives like the All Lights Village project, the foundation empowers communities to thrive sustainably and collaboratively.
SM and Eye-Able® Pioneers Digital Accessibility in the Philippines
SM Cares is taking a significant step towards digital inclusivity by launching Eye-Able® on the SM Supermalls website. Starting October 21, users will experience a more accessible, user-friendly interface designed to enhance browsing for individuals with visual impairments or those requiring digital assistance. This initiative underscores SM’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all,…
SM mobilize relief efforts, benefiting 3,200 families
Following the recent flooding caused by Typhoon Carina, SM Supermalls and SM Foundation Inc. have conducted simultaneous Operations Tulong Express to provide immediate assistance to affected communities.
A mother expresses her gratitude as she receives kalinga pack from SM City Grand Central and SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express
Relief operations were in full swing in Caloocan City, as…
