From Bin It Right To SM Waste Free Future: How SM Minimizes Landfill Impact

 

It is not “out of sight, out of mind”; landfills are not just eyesores in remote areas, but they also pose a significant health risk to the communities around them and emit a substantial amount of greenhouse gases from decaying food waste.

The RDC, or Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable bins at SM Supermalls, are not only for show but serve as the start of the journey to achieve a net-zero landfill and beyond.

For recyclable waste, SM has initiatives like the “Trash to Cash” recycling market, which successfully gathers over 1 million kilograms annually of plastic, paper, and other materials for reuse or recycling. The program aims to reduce solid waste pollution and promote a circular economy within communities. SM understands the importance of segregating at the source, and the company does this through partnerships with various companies, such as Trust International Paper Corporation for internal bulk paper recycling. The program has avoided landfill waste equivalent to the annual waste of more than 3,000 households while ensuring recyclables are properly processed.

For disposable, non-recyclable waste, SM Prime formed a joint venture with the Japanese environmental solutions company GUUN to establish SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI). This partnership enhances its waste-to-fuel factory to convert non-recyclable waste, like single-use plastics, non-recyclable paper, and used rags, into cement fuel called “fluff fuel” to reduce coal usage. The “fluff fuel” produced is then used by eco-conscious cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement in a practice they call “co-processing,” where the ash from the fuel is also used as a cement ingredient, making it an integral part of the waste reduction ecosystem.

In 2024, SM GUUN Environmental Company converted over 6,000 metric tons of non-recyclable waste into “fluff fuel,” avoiding the annual landfill burden for 12,000 households. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently visited the facility and recognized its significance to various stakeholders, particularly in the reduction of their carbon footprints and the efficient management of solid waste. 

The National Resilience Council’s Colloquium Proves Resilience Thrives In Collaboration

 

The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the event “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations.” As a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the interconnected objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments.

Held as the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP) Colloquium, the event showcased progress and updates from participating cities and municipalities in the NRC’s Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative. This initiative enables corporations to move beyond disaster relief, investing in risk reduction through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery planning, and long-term resilience programs. By empowering local governments, AAC promotes collaborative efforts to build safer, more resilient communities.

The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners, with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network. The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.

Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted their advanced strides. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “I am very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship and resilience.”

A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines.

Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

 

This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), this year’s event will take place at SMX Convention Center – Manila with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, making it a truly nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of individuals with Down Syndrome.

More Than Just a Walk: A Movement for Inclusion

For more than two decades, Happy Walk has been more than an event—it is a powerful movement that highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day of joy, unity, and acceptance, where communities come together to celebrate not just differences, but also shared dreams and aspirations.

“Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations,” said Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI Board Member & Head, Happy Walk 2025. 

Join the Movement: How to Be Part of Happy Walk 2025

Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares’ social media pages.

SM Job Fairs: Bringing Career Opportunities Nationwide

 

SM Supermalls is making job hunting easier, faster, and more rewarding! February’s job fairs set the stage for 2025, with the SM Retail Job Fair at SM North EDSA successfully connecting more than a thousand job seekers with top employers. Now, the momentum continues with a nationwide series of job fairs this March, offering even more opportunities for Filipinos to build their careers.

The March schedule includes:

• March 21 (Friday) – SM City Trece Martires and SM City Naga
• March 25 (Tuesday) – SM City Bacoor
• March 27 (Thursday) – SM City Daet
• March 28 (Friday) – SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Trece Martires
• March 29 (Saturday) – SM Seaside City Cebu

Hassle-free job hunting with on-site government services

Finding a job is easier when everything you need is in one place! SM Job Fairs feature government agency booths to assist applicants with essential requirements, such as Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Pag-IBIG Fund—ensuring a smooth hiring process.

Driving growth, building the nation

More than just hiring events, SM Job Fairs contribute to economic recovery and uplift communities. With SM Supermalls’ commitment to employment, more Filipinos are securing brighter futures. Your next big career move starts here—don’t miss out! 

Women on Fire 2025: Empowering Women, Building Resilient Communities

 

In recognition of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, SM Cares launched Women on Fire, a celebration of the remarkable leadership, strength, courage, and resilience of women in fire prevention, disaster response, and community safety. Through collaboration with key government agencies and private organizations, Women on Fire served as a platform for education, awareness, and empowerment, reaching over 25,000 participants across all initiatives.

SM Cares, in partnership with the United Nations Philippines and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), kicked off Women’s Month on February 28 with the Purple Illumination Ceremony, lighting up the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe and mall façades nationwide. As a globally recognized symbol of justice, dignity, and women’s rights, the color purple marked the start of National Women’s Month in the Philippines, reinforcing SM’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.

Strengthening Preparedness and Safety

A key highlight of the campaign was Women on Fire, which recognized female firefighters, emergency responders, and community leaders for their role in safety, fire prevention and disaster preparedness. On March 4, 2025, SM Cares and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducted the 4th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill across SM malls nationwide, with SM Mall of Asia as the main venue. Hundreds of registered participants took part in the Fire Square Roadshow, engaging in fire safety demonstrations and interactive training sessions to strengthen preparedness.

“Women are at the forefront of resilience. Through ‘Women on Fire,’ we celebrate and honor their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to gender-inclusive safety efforts,” said Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women.

Women in Resilience: Empowering Women as Leaders in Disaster Preparedness and Community Building

On March 5, 2025, SM Cares and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) led the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration Kickoff at SM Mall of Asia. The event, centered on the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”, aimed to empower women across various sectors, particularly those from marginalized communities. Its activities included gender equality discussions on women’s rights and leadership, a trade fair showcasing products from women-led MSMEs and free services such as medical check-ups, legal consultations and livelihood support. 

Meanwhile, the Women LEAD Forum, co-hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and SM Cares, emphasized the crucial role of women at the barangay and grassroots levels in disaster resilience. The discussion underscored how women-led initiatives strengthen community preparedness and serve as models for national climate and disaster resilience programs.

The Ultimate Youniverse Bucket List—Celebrating Women’s Month At SM

 

March is all about YOU! This Women’s Month at SM, we’re celebrating empowered women with beauty, wellness, and joy-filled experiences. Treat yourself to self-care, confidence boosts, and fun outings with friends. Step into your girlboss era with glow-ups, indulgences, and unforgettable moments. Start checking off the ultimate Women’s Month bucket list—only at SM Supermalls!

Own Beauty That Empowers: A Self-Love Glow-Up

Self-care is more than a treat—it’s a celebration of you! This Women’s Month, refresh, recharge, and embrace your glow-up with a makeup refresh, wardrobe upgrade, and an indulgent beauty experience at SM Supermalls!

Start with a beauty upgrade at Look at Me in its first branch in the Philippines, SM Aura, now also available at SM Mall of Asia (MOA), where you’ll find luxury brands perfect for high-end skincare and makeup essentials. 

For timeless beauty must-haves, MAC at SM MOA, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, and SM Megamall is the go-to for professional-grade cosmetics to help you create your signature look. Meanwhile, for skin-loving makeup, Happy Skin at SM Aura, SM Megamall, SM City Fairview, SM North EDSA, and SM MOA offers skincare-infused beauty for effortless radiance. 

A power statement completes any beauty routine, and Jo Malone at SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM MOA, and SM North EDSA, lets you create a signature scent that is uniquely yours. 

Refresh your wardrobe with Patton at SM Aura—first in SM, a woman-owned brand for chic, modern fashion. Meanwhile, for timeless staples check out K&Company—first in SM at SM Podium, also available at SM Aura and S Maison.
To complete your glow-up, Atelier 818 at SM Aura, first in the Philippines, with its fine jewelry that blends sophistication with artisanal craftsmanship.

This Women’s Month, It’s Your Time to Shine—Only at SM!

At SM Supermalls, we’re all about bringing you first-class experiences, and this Women’s Month is no exception.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a well-deserved glow-up, celebrating with your best girls, or taking a much-needed me-time break, SM has everything you need to make it unforgettable!

Make this month all about you—because it’s what you deserve! Find it all at SM—the #HomeOfFirsts.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!

First Bite, Lasting Obsession: Burger & Lobster’s Philippine Debut At SM Supermalls

 

Manila’s food scene is about to get a major upgrade. Global dining sensation Burger & Lobster is finally making its Philippine debut at SM, the #HomeofFirsts, bringing its world-famous wild-caught lobsters and prime cut burgers to Manila’s most discerning foodies, ready to redefine casual dining with a premium feel in the country.

The London-based sensation started and found its success by focusing on two ingredients—perfecting them with precision and passion. By mastering the art of crafting exceptional burgers and cooking wild-caught lobsters to perfection, Burger & Lobster became a dining institution, drawing in food lovers from New York to Dubai, Singapore, and beyond. The result? Burgers toooooo good. Lobsters sooooo good. You’ll question your whole life after just one bite. Now, it’s Manila’s turn to get #OfficiallyObsessed.

Burger & Lobster will take you on an adventure with their dishes like The Burger, featuring 100% prime beef grilled to perfection in a brioche bun with their secret sauce; The Lobster, a whole Canadian lobster served grilled or steamed; and The Lobster Roll, a buttery brioche roll filled with succulent lobster meat and Japanese mayo,  crafted with their signature dedication to quality and bold flavors. Each plate promises a memorable and decadent experience, making it clear why this brand has become a global favorite.

Join the Obsession!

Manila has been hungry for something fresh, exciting, and obsessively satisfying—and Burger & Lobster is finally here to deliver. One thing is certain—once you taste Burger & Lobster, there’s no going back. Bite in, dress up, and get ready to #SERVE and be #OfficiallyObsessed.

At SM Supermalls, we take pride in bringing the best of the world to Filipino food lovers—from first-to-market brands to groundbreaking dining experiences that redefine what it means to have it all. With Burger & Lobster’s arrival at SM Aura, we continue to curate a lineup of iconic global brands, offering one-of-a-kind culinary experiences for those who crave adventure on a plate.