Contemporary News and Events

  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