Friday, June 5, 2026

SM Supermalls Expands Nationwide Push for Cycling Through Bike-Friendly Facilities and Active Mobility Initiatives


- Since the energy crisis, many Filipinos have been exploring alternative modes of transport and rediscovering the benefits of cycling—whether for daily commutes, quick errands, or weekend leisure rides. All for cyclists across the country, SM is making it sustainable to choose two wheels over four at their most-loved SM Supermalls.


Designed with convenience in mind, many SM malls offer bike-friendly infrastructure and facilities that support riders who prefer a greener way to travel. From safe, dedicated bike lanes and accessible bike parking areas to convenient entrances and cyclist-friendly amenities, SM continues to welcome riders who want to make cycling part of their everyday routine.


Cyclists gather at SM City Olongapo Central as SM reinforces its commitment to making malls more welcoming and accessible to bike communities.

Cyclists arrive at SM Seaside City Cebu as SM continues to design mall spaces that support sustainable transport and active mobility.


“At SM Supermalls, cyclists can also easily stop by to park their bikes, enjoy a meal, run errands, or meet friends before heading back on the road. Whether it’s a quick stop during a weekday commute or a longer visit during a weekend ride, SM malls provide a convenient hub for riders looking to recharge and relax,” Mina Kahn, SM Division Head and Assistant Vice President for Transportation Management. “All SM malls are equipped with bike facilities both indoor and outdoor, with a total of 823 bike parking areas and over 6,400 slots. There is also a total of 92 bike repair stations available across all SM locations, in case of assistance needed.”


Dedicated bicycle parking at SM supports cyclists with safe, convenient facilities that encourage greener modes of transport.

Bike-friendly features at SM make cycling a more practical and convenient option for everyday mall visits.


Empowering Biking Communities  


For commuters, cycling can be both a practical and low-cost solution to navigating traffic. It promotes a healthier lifestyle while reducing carbon emissions—making it a sustainable choice for urban mobility.


That is why on top of in-mall features and facilities for cyclists, SM Supermalls also hosts biking activities that further encourage and empower cycling communities while serving as platforms for connection and engagement.


To celebrate World Bicycle Day, SM Supermalls will organize its annual Pedal Power event on June 6 across its nationwide network of most-loved Supermalls. The cycling event assembles and supports cycling communities through community bike rides and bike clinics that aim to build camaraderie and deeper appreciation for active mobility. This year, The Podium will also be hosting a special cycling learning activity through SM Cares’ Book Nook.   

As part of the SM Green Movement, SM continues to champion active mobility in support of its broader commitment to building spaces that are accessible, sustainable, empowering, and inclusive for the communities it serves.

Through SM Pedal Power, participating malls across the country are helping make everyday mobility more sustainable and community friendly. These include SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM Center Antipolo Downtown, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Clark, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Rosario, SM City Lucena, SM Seaside City Cebu, and The Podium.


Water Resilience at Scale: SM’s Conservation Efforts in a Changing Climate

 

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has advanced resource stewardship through water circularity initiatives, implementing water conservation measures across its nationwide network of SM Supermalls since the late 1990s.

Embedded in its operations, SM Malls uses innovative water management systems that save water and reduce wastage - drawing less from the national water grid and creating value in an increasingly volatile time. 

 


Macro to Micro: SM’s approach to water conservation


Against the looming possibility of an extended drought caused by El Niño, saving every drop of water finds greater importance for SM Supermalls. Designed with sustainability in mind, SM Malls use innovative water management systems that not only promote saving water from wastage but also significantly reduce consumption. This helps lessen the use of fresh water resources from national water systems and leave more water for its surrounding communities to use.


SM ensures sustainable water use through advanced recycling and rainwater harvesting systems. In 2025, sewage treatment plants in its 89 malls recycle an estimated 6.6 million cubic meters of property wastewater for non-potable use. The rainwater treatment facility in SM Baguio innovatively harvests and treats rainwater collected during the wet season and transforms it into water for kitchen and tenant use. 

 

As a key customer touchpoint in water management, faucets also regulate the outflow of water for every use.  SM’s investments in "push delay" faucets create sustainable operations to strengthen water conservation. These faucets save water by preventing it from being left running by restricting water flow through a certain window of time.

 

Technology then paved the way for enhanced conservation, and SM started using no-touch, sensor type faucets in 2015, far before the sanitary restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Sensor type faucets help save water by automatically shutting outflow of water once the sensor does not detect a user. Additionally, these types of faucets typically require less water pressure, which also reduces water waste. Significant investments in systems such as sensor faucets also reduce wear and tear on fixtures and equipment, resulting in long-term savings and improved water conservation.

 

 With its implementation, SM saw a 59% reduction in water waste, translating to saving the equivalent of a 1.5-liter bottle of water per user using the faucet over just 7 seconds.

 

By equipping its most-loved malls with water-efficient fixtures enhanced with technology, SM is protecting resources critical not just to its operations but to its surrounding communities. Under the guidance of the Water for Tomorrow pillar of the SM Green Movement, SM champions sustainable water use, reducing environmental impact and securing access to water for generations to come.

 


Where Winning Begins: Inside SM Supermalls' Largest Sports Playground

 


SM Active Hub powers the Philippines' largest sports playground across 90 malls nationwide


MANILA, Philippines, June 2026 — Across the country, a growing community of runners, pickleball players, skaters, bowlers, cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and aspiring athletes are embracing more active lifestyles at SM Supermalls. Through SM Active Hub, millions of Filipinos have found opportunities to move, compete, learn new sports, and connect with like-minded communities, turning SM malls into the country's largest network of active lifestyle destinations.


From April to June alone, SM hosted more than 3,500 sporting and sports-related events nationwide, strengthening its role as a catalyst for sports participation and community engagement. From grassroots programs and beginner clinics to tournaments and large-scale activations, SM continues to make sports more accessible while inspiring more Filipinos to stay active and engaged.


Where Winning Begins

The success of SM Supermalls' sports ecosystem is built on a simple belief: every athlete deserves a place to start. Through sports programs, tournaments, fitness activities, and community events across its malls nationwide, millions of Filipinos have discovered new passions, developed their skills, and embraced more active lifestyles, helping build one of the country's largest sports communities.

At the heart of this movement is SM Sports & Leisure Centers, which introduces aspiring athletes and enthusiasts to a wide range of sports through its seasonal training programs. Under the banner "Where Winning Begins," participants gain access to expert coaching, quality facilities, and opportunities to build confidence and sharpen their skills.

From the ice rink to the bowling lane and archery range, these programs inspire beginners to take their first steps in sport while nurturing the discipline, focus, and determination needed to grow.

"Every champion starts somewhere, and for many young Filipinos, that journey begins with access, opportunity, and the confidence to try," said Joseph Francis V. Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations of SM Sports & Leisure Centers.

He added, "Sports teach more than technique. They build discipline, resilience, teamwork, and character. Our goal is to make these experiences accessible to more Filipinos and help nurture the next generation of athletes."

A Nationwide Active Lifestyle Movement

The success of these programs reflects SM Supermalls' vision of making sports more accessible to Filipinos. By transforming its mall spaces into venues for sports, wellness, and recreation, SM continues to inspire more people to stay active and engaged.

From skating rinks and bowling centers to pickleball courts, running hubs, basketball events, and multi-sport activations, SM has become a major force in bringing sports closer to communities nationwide.

"Sports have the unique ability to bring people together, inspire healthier lifestyles, and build stronger communities," said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls. "Through SM Active Hub, we're transforming our malls into spaces where people don't just shop or dine—they move, compete, learn, and connect."

He added, "What began as individual sports initiatives has grown into the Philippines' largest sports communities. Every run, every game, every training session, and every event creates opportunities for Filipinos to pursue their passions and become part of something bigger."

Today, SM Supermalls is more than a destination for leisure and entertainment. It has now become the country's premier sports destination, where communities gather, and athletes are born.

To learn more about upcoming sports events, programs, and activities, visit SM Active Hub through the SM Malls Online app or SM Supermalls' official channels. From active lifestyle experiences to Gala to the Max and other Maxed Out Fun moments, there's always something exciting waiting at SM Supermalls. 


SM Supermalls and PMAP to expand job and upskilling opportunities nationwide




SM Supermalls and PMAP formally strengthened their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at bringing more accessible career fairs and workforce development initiatives closer to communities across the country.

SM Supermalls and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) formally strengthened their commitment to empowering Filipino job seekers through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held at the SM Supermalls Headquarters in Pasay City. This partnership reflects SM’s steadfast support for PMAP’s HumanITy mission—a vision that emphasizes a human-led, digitally enabled, and future-ready Philippines.

Steven T. Tan and Engelbert T. Camasura lead the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SM Supermalls and the People Management Association of the Philippines, strengthening their shared commitment to expanding employment and upskilling opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.

Building on the success of their previous career fair collaboration, the partnership aims to expand the reach of nationwide job fairs while introducing more upskilling opportunities designed to help Filipinos become more prepared for the evolving demands of today’s workforce.




Steven T. Tan shares SM Supermalls’ continued commitment to 

creating meaningful opportunities for Filipinos through partnerships 

that support employment, growth, and community development.






The ceremonial signing was led by SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan and PMAP President Engelbert T. Camasura, together with key executives and representatives from both organizations.


Through this collaboration, SM Supermalls and PMAP aim to create more accessible platforms that connect employers with qualified talent across different regions in the country. Beyond job matching, the initiative also highlights the importance of continuous learning and workforce readiness through career development and upskilling initiatives.

As one of the country’s largest most-loved mall networks, SM Supermalls continues to transform its spaces into venues that create meaningful community impact — from employment opportunities and government service access to programs that support growth and empowerment for Filipinos.

With PMAP’s extensive network of HR and people management professionals nationwide, the partnership is expected to further strengthen regional career fair programs and bring more opportunities closer to local communities.

Leaders from SM Supermalls and PMAP come together in a shared mission to empower Filipino job seekers through nationwide job fairs, professional development, and upskilling opportunities.

Together, SM Supermalls and PMAP reaffirm their shared mission of helping build a more inclusive, future-ready, and digitally empowered Filipino workforce through accessible employment and learning opportunities nationwide.


SM Supermalls launches Sustainability Digest


A comprehensive look at how SM Supermalls supports greener communities



A supplementary report on environmental impact: The SM Supermalls Sustainability Digest 2025: Work and Wins showcases how sustainability is deeply ingrained in SM’s mall operations for the benefit of its customers and surrounding communities

(L-R: Bel Gonzales, SM Supermalls Section Head for Sustainability; Kitchie Limoanco, SM Supermalls SVP for Corporate Marketing and Public Relations; George Cheung, SM Supermalls AVP for Waste Management & Sustainability Solutions; Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability; Engr. Junias Eusebio, SM Supermalls VP for Operations; Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing; Engr. Charles Singson, SM Supermalls AVP for Mall Operations, Mina Kahn, SM Supermalls AVP for Transport Management)  


MANILA, Philippines SM Supermalls has unveiled the “SM Supermalls Sustainability Digest 2025: Work and Wins.” The inaugural report showcases how sustainability is woven deeply into SM’s core strategies, ensuring its nationwide network of most-loved Supermalls remain safe, resilient, and environmentally responsible for the benefit of Filipinos and the communities that surround its business.




The comprehensive report spotlights SM’s environmental efforts that stem from the sustainability pillars of energy, water, and waste. Through the digest, SM Supermalls reinforces its commitment to blending environmentally responsible practices into its operations focused on creating more resilient communities and advancing environmental management. 


“What makes the sustainability approach of SM Supermalls unique is the scale in which we are able to implement our hard work. For us sustainability is not about mere compliance. It is deeply embedded in every aspect of operations across our nationwide network of most-loved Supermalls to serve our customers and communities better,” said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. 


SM Supermalls’ dedication to environmental responsibility dates back to the 90s, when Mr. Hans Sy, current Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, pioneered resource-saving initiatives, particularly by leading the installation of sewage treatment plants that recycle water for irrigation, sanitation, and air-conditioning. 

Today, SM’s environmental efforts continue to evolve through integrated solutions in renewable energy, water stewardship, and waste management across its mall operations nationwide.

On energy efficiency, SM Supermalls Vice-President for Mall Operations Junias M. Eusebio highlighted the company’s increased reliance on renewables to support its long-term sustainability goals. “Not all solar energy can power the whole supply. But rather, it complements the energy mix of the grid plus the solar energy we generate.”

SM’s environmental programs have also expanded to involve broader customer touchpoints for deeper community engagement across the Philippines. 


“Our scale gives us the unique privilege of involving our customers and communities across the country in the shared journey toward sustainability. SM not only strives to implement measures that preserve our natural resources, we also empower everyone to engage with customer touchpoints on sustainability at their most-loved SM mall,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability.



SM’s executives for sustainability and mall operations highlight its initiatives for water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste management. (L-R: Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability; Junias Eusebio, SM Supermalls VP for Operations)


Moreover, SM Supermalls enhances community resilience against natural disasters by continuously upgrading its rainwater catchment basins, automated weather stations, and earthquake-monitoring systems. SM Supermalls has carried Mr. Sy’s vision forward by making sustainability a core part of how its malls are designed, managed, and operated. 


Together with government institutions, local government units, stakeholders, and volunteers, SM Supermalls has strengthened its role in working for a cleaner, greener future for all. 


Additionally, SM Prime’s Net Zero 2040 goal envisions powering malls with renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These objectives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that integrate environmental action and resilience-building. 


SM Supermalls recognizes its vital role in building communities and protecting the environment. Join the SM Green Movement by participating in sustainability programs at your most-loved SM Supermall.


SM for MSMEs Brings Opportunities Closer Nationwide this May



This May, SM Supermalls, through its SM for MSMEs program, continues to empower entrepreneurs and communities by rolling out a series of high-impact initiatives across the country—creating spaces where local businesses grow, jobseekers find opportunities, and communities thrive.

From local bazaars to job and business programs and regional trade showcases, SM reinforces its role as a nationwide platform for inclusive growth, enabling community opportunities  by connecting MSMEs to markets, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities.

Celebrating Local Love at NakakaLocal Bazaar in Davao (May 8–10)

SM Supermalls executives Jason Penna, Asst. Mall Manager of SM Baguio, Pats Dy, Senior Asst. Vice President for SM Communities Marketing and Royce Cabunag, Asst. Vice President and Lead for SM Communities together with Lucien C. Dy Tioco, EVP of PhilSTAR Media Group; Gladys Vergara, chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council; Atty. Raymond G. Panhon, regional director, CAR Department of Trade and Industry open the NakakaLocal Bazaar at SM City Baguio, championing Filipino MSMEs and local creativity.



Kicking off the month is the PHILSTAR NakakaLocal Bazaar at SM City Davao from May 8 to 10, transforming the Annex Event Center into a vibrant celebration of Filipino creativity and entrepreneurship.

Timed with Mother’s Day, the bazaar offers a curated selection of thoughtful gifts, local crafts, and proudly Pinoy products, making it the perfect destination for families looking to celebrate with heart. Shoppers can discover unique finds, enjoy live performances from local artists, and experience the warmth of community through homegrown brands.


Proud locally made products—from handcrafted goods to curated gift items—take center stage at the NakakaLocal Bazaar, offering meaningful finds for shoppers. 

More than a retail event, NakakaLocal highlights how SM Supermalls provides MSMEs with high-visibility platforms that turn passion into progress.

Connecting Jobs and Businesses in Cebu (May 9)

On May 9, opportunities take center stage at SM Seaside City Cebu through Trabaho at Negosyo, a flagship program of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo. Happening at the Mountain Wing Atrium, the event brings together jobseekers, entrepreneurs, mentors, and employers in one accessible venue—offering free business mentorship, financial guidance, market linkages, and on-the-spot job opportunities.



Angkas CEO George Royeca, HE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., LT Group Inc. President Micheal Tan, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, Pasay Mayor Emi Rubiano, Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, PCCI Chairman George Barcelon and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, come together at Trabaho at Negosyo at SM Mall of Asia, reinforcing collaboration for livelihood and enterprise development.

Through programs like Trabaho at Negosyo, SM Supermalls strengthens its role as a community hub for opportunity, helping Filipinos build livelihoods, grow businesses, and prepare for a future-ready workforce.

A strong turnout of participants fills SM Mall of Asia, reflecting the growing demand for jobs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities.


A jobseeker at SM East Ortigas celebrates being hired on the spot at Trabaho at Negosyo—demonstrating how SM connects Filipinos to real opportunities.




MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs receive guidance from industry mentors, highlighting SM’s role as a hub for growth and learning.

Showcasing Negrense Excellence at the Bulawan Trade Fair (May 26–31)


Closing the month is the highly anticipated Bulawan Trade Fair at SM City Bacolod from May 26 to 31, in partnership with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP). The fair serves as a premier showcase of Negrense craftsmanship, innovation, and product excellence, featuring a diverse range of food, fashion, home décor, and artisanal goods. It also highlights prestigious competitions such as the Bulawan Awards, Pilak Awards, and Balik Salig Design Competition, recognizing excellence in design and product development.


Visitors explore curated exhibits of award-winning products, celebrating excellence in design and product development from Negros Island.

More than a regional showcase, the Bulawan Trade Fair serves as a gateway to national opportunities, enabling MSMEs to scale from local enterprises into competitive brands through SM’s expansive retail network.

Negrense craftsmanship takes the spotlight at the Bulawan Trade Fair in SM City Bacolod, showcasing locally made products rooted in culture and innovation.


An artisan demonstrates traditional weaving techniques, preserving heritage while creating livelihood opportunities through SM’s platform.

A Nationwide Platform for MSME Success

Across all these initiatives, one thing remains clear: SM Supermalls is more than a retail destination—it is a platform for growth, collaboration, and nation-building.

By providing:

  • High-impact marketplaces

  • Access to mentorship and market opportunities

  • Platforms for employment and entrepreneurship

  • Strong partnerships with government and private sector organizations






SM continues to champion over 17,000 MSMEs nationwide, helping them connect with customers, expand their reach, and build sustainable businesses.

From Davao to Cebu to Bacolod, SM for MSMEs brings opportunities closer to Filipinos—proving that when the right platforms are in place, local businesses don’t just grow, they thrive. Visit participating SM malls this May and be part of a movement that champions Filipino entrepreneurship and builds a more inclusive and resilient Philippine economy.

The Bulawan Trade Fair transforms SM City Bacolod into a dynamic marketplace where MSMEs connect with wider markets and new opportunities.