Contemporary News and Events

  The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21 st -anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive CommitteeHans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father. CHILD Haus founder ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution’s 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries. Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky, and several individuals and companies who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The media was present as well, recogni

Marikina City – Gilren Bajado, a lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Almus J. Alabe and Regional CRS Manager Harold James E. Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony. LG Bajado’s outstanding accomplishment stems from her remarkable act of honesty and integrity on August 3, 2023, at SM Cinema, SM City Marikina. During her clearing duties, she discovered a lost black pouch containing 64,800 pesos, along with ATM cards and assorted ID cards belonging to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old staff member of Palarong Pambansa. L-R: SM City Marikina Customer Relations Services Manager Mr. Edward S. Masangcay, Regional CRS Manager Mr. Harold E. Herrera, Lady Guard G

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) held the topping off ceremony of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall last October 7, 2023. The ceremony is a builder’s tradition that highlights the placement of the final beam on top of the structure. The artist’s rendition of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, which will rise near Gate 10 (Dapitan St.) The seven-storey building is a tribute of the Sy family, the SM Group, and UST to the SM founder for his life-long education advocacy. It is equally a manifestation of the ever-growing desire of the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI) and the 152-year old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) to further level up in the field of medicine. Heads of the UST and HSFI, led by Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang,O.P. FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao, and Debbie Sy, at the topping off ceremony last October 7, 2023 The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will serve as a hub for simulation in medical education, interactive student centered-learning, collabor

Recognizing today’s youth’s key role as tomorrow’s guardians of the environment, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) have teamed up to launch YOUth is the Future, a leadership program aimed to equip young student leaders on environmental conservation, climate change, and sustainability issues. “There is no better time than now to educate the youth. As stewards of the planet, it is important that they have an opportunity to learn about environmental conservation, encourage them to voice out their fresh ideas, and share new perspectives,”  said WWF-Philippines Education for Sustainable Development Project Head Dino Calderon. “When we provide our young student leaders with learning opportunities and expose them to practical  solutions,  we have a  chance to help them design a sustainable future. We are committed to making  sure that things change for the better,”  says Hans “Chico” Sy, President of SM Engineering Design and Devel

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy. Health workers in San Fernando, Cebu Primary Healthcare Facility water the locally sourced plants using the water from the rainwater harvesting system SM group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), for one, has embraced this by installing rainwater harvesting systems in two of the local health centers it recently refurbished–Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility. SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment. Ready in times of emergency Dr. A

  IN PHOTO (Left to right): SM Supermalls Vice President Liza Silerio, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy, GUUN  Chief Executive Officer Shinji Fujieda, GUUN Philippine Branch Senior Managing Director and General Manager Takeshi Konishi Leading real estate developer in Southeast Asia, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s GUUN Co. Ltd. to explore a potential partnership to implement waste management solutions by recycling waste paper and plastics as an alternative source of energy called ‘fluff fuel’. Fluff Fuels are one type of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) that are produced from shredded and compressed plastics, papers, and fibers. These are used as fuels in cement manufacturing, paper mill companies, or power companies in Japan. SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy is positive that a partnership with GUUN will contribute to the waste reduction goals of the country. “Today, Japan’s waste manag

The ripple effect of the water crisis has reached every part of the globe. According to the World Wildlife Fund, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Worst, two-thirds of the global population may face water shortages by 2025 and ecosystems will suffer. As the gravity of these issues becomes increasingly apparent, several countries have taken significant steps to forge a more sustainable future for the Earth. Noteworthy examples include Singapore’s water management plan and The Netherlands’ intricate conservation practices. Singapore’s Desalination Plant         Source:  https://www.pub.gov.sg/watersupply/fournationaltaps/desalinatedwater The  Delta Works in The Netherlands  was built by Rijkswaterstaat to protect the country against flooding from the North Sea. Source:  https://www.water-technology.net/projects/delta-works-flood-netherlands/   Inspiration for the Philippines In the Phil

  New SM scholars recently joined the contract signing event in Pasay. “I desire to become an educator not just to fulfill a dream but also to be a blessing to the next generation.” These inspiring words come from 18-year-old Princess Eunice Motel, an SM scholar currently pursuing her education at the Philippine Normal University. She is one of two children of Hildajane, an on-call factory re-packer, and Richard, a set man, hailing from Caloocan City. Princess’ dream of becoming a teacher has been a lifelong aspiration, deeply rooted in her heart and mind since her childhood. This calling became even more pronounced when she embraced her Christian faith. SM Scholar and aspiring educator Princess Eunice Motel “My unwavering commitment to becoming a teacher is directly inspired by the Kidz Life Ministry, a cherished initiative of our church dedicated to teaching children about God’s word. I aspire to be a vessel for sharing knowledge, instilling hope, and nurturing a brighter future for

  SM scholars from Roxas City volunteer to clean the new school building ahead of its turnover. In time for the school year opening, SM Prime through SM Foundation turned over a fully furnished two-storey building to the President Manuel Roxas Memorial Integrated School-South in Roxas City, Western Visayas. The 104th school building made through the collaboration is built in accordance with specifications set by the Department of Education (DepEd). It holds four classrooms, each furnished with desks, chairs for left-handed students, and toilets per classroom, including a special toilet for PWDs on the ground floor. It also includes concave blackboards, electric fans, and LED lighting. Emergency lights were installed in the stairways for emergency preparedness. Supporting DepEd’s commitment to ensure that learners have access to water for hygiene and sanitation, SM Foundation installed a handwashing facility along with liquid soap for the community’s use. To further assist, the SM group