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Get ready to elevate your fun and dive into an action-packed experience at the newest sports destination in SM Mall of Asia (MOA)—SM Game Park!

Prepare for an exciting recreational and active lifestyle facility, launching you into a sporty era with an electrifying lineup of games and activities. SM Game Park MOA is the brand’s flagship branch, designed by the award-winning Hong Kong-based company, Alexander Wong Architects. It marks the fourth branch in the country, following SM Southmall, SM City Fairview, and SM Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Downtown.

Situated on the 3rd Level of the South Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia, SM Game Park MOA spans 1,947 sqm of everything fun, offering top-notch amusements and the best amenities for everyone of all ages.

At SM Game Park MOA, let the good times roll at its massive 16-lane regular bowling area. Plus, have an unforgettable and exclusive experience with your social circles at the new four-lane private bowling, equipped with state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology—a first in the country.

Gather the hoop crew and shoot your shots at the mini indoor basketball court, accommodating a team of 3×3 players. For those exploring other sports, test your skill with a bow and arrow at the archery zone by PANA.

Master the art of billiards at any of the six billiard tables available. Serve up intense rallies at the table tennis area, or challenge a friend to a game of basketball hoops or E-darts at the arcade games corner.

There’s no shortage of heart-pumping thrills at SM Game Park MOA. Sing, dance, and play your hearts out to your favorite songs and games inside the Game Room. You can now enjoy karaoke, and soon there will be additions like board games, dance consoles, and various other recreations, offering a multitude of options for passing the time. If you need to wind down or simply chill with the squad after a fun day, grab some delicious grub and refreshing drinks from the Sports Bar by Taters.

Exciting promos await customers, so make sure to check out the official social media accounts of SM Game Park on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more information.

 

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December 2, 2023 0 comment
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PASAY CITY, Philippines, Nov. 8, 2023 – SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments)
reported a consolidated net income of PHP55.9 billion in the January to September period,
higher by 30% from PHP42.9 billion in the same period last year.
Consolidated revenues rose 15% to PHP440.4 billion from PHP382.0 billion in the same period
last year.
“Our ongoing healthy growth reflects buoyant consumer activity in malls and sustained spending
in discretionary retail categories,” SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer
Frederic C. DyBuncio said. “We look forward to the fourth quarter, while continuing to monitor
the impact of food prices and interest rates on consumer wallets.”
Of total net earnings, retail accounted for 18%. Banking accounted for the largest share at 47%
while property contributed 26% and portfolio investments pitched in 9%.
Retail
SM Retail reported net income was at PHP13.7 billion, up 19% from PHP11.5 billion in the
previous period.
Retail revenues grew 12% to PHP290.6 billion from PHP258.4 billion in the previous period.
Same store sales for the department store and specialty retail businesses grew 18% and 9%
respectively, reflective of strong consumer spending in key categories, while store expansion
also buoyed growth.
Food retail performance remained positive, supported by volume growth and expansion.
Banking
BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) reported its net income was PHP53.9 billion compared with PHP40.0
billion in the same period last year backed by broad-based growth across its core businesses.
Net interest income increased to PHP137.4 billion with customer loans growing 7.5% year-on-
year to PHP2.7 trillion and deposits expanding 12% to PHP3.4 trillion.

Non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained stable at 1.99% despite the higher interest rate
environment, while NPL coverage improved to 176%. The bank continues to set aside
provisions in line with its conservative credit and provisioning policies.
China Banking Corporation posted a consolidated net income of PHP16.2 billion in the first nine
months, 10% higher compared to same period last year on the back of robust growth from core
businesses and lower loan loss provisions. Net interest income grew by 16% to PHP39.2 billion
as the 44% surge in top line revenues cushioned the nearly triple increase in interest expense.
Gross loans grew by 10% year-on-year to PHP765 billion, driven by the 19% expansion in
consumer loans, particularly teachers’ loans and credit cards. Total deposits increased by 14%
to PHP1.1 trillion resulting to a 49% CASA (current account savings account) ratio as term
deposits grew year-on-year.
The bank’s level of bad loans continued to be manageable, posting a better-than-industry
average NPL ratio of 2.2%.
Property
SM Prime reported PHP30.1 billion in net income in the first nine months of 2023, 37% higher
than
PHP22.0 billion in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues grew 26% to PHP92.6
billion from last year’s PHP73.7 billion.
SM Prime’s mall business, which accounts for 57% of consolidated revenues, posted PHP52.5
billion in the nine-month period, up by 37% from PHP38.2 billion in the same period last year.
Mall rental income rose to PHP44.8 billion, 29% higher than last year’s PHP34.7 billion. SM
Prime’s cinemas, event ticket sales, and other revenues increased significantly to PHP7.7 billion
from PHP3.5 billion in the same period last year.
SM Prime’s primary residential business, led by SM Development Corp., reported PHP28.7
billion, 10% higher than PHP26.1 billion in the same period last year. SMDC’s reservation sales
reached PHP89.3 billion, 6% higher than PHP83.9 billion in the same period last year.
SM Prime’s other key businesses, which include offices, hotels, and convention centers,
generated PHP9.5 billion in revenues, up 33% from PHP7.2 billion in the same period last year.
Portfolio Investments
Portfolio investments continued to sustain growth, contributing 9% to the Group’s consolidated
net income.
Philippine Geothermal Production Company and NEO, SM Investments’ office portfolio,
contributed significantly to net income.

Balance Sheet

Total assets of SM Investments increased 4% to PHP1.5 trillion. Gearing ratio remained
conservative with 35% net debt to 65% equity.
###

About SM Investments Corporation
SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading
businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth
opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.
SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores,
department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest
integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and
convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in
BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private
domestic bank.
For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact:
Timothy Daniels
Consultant, Investor Relations & Sustainability
SM Investments Corporation
Email: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

November 8, 2023 0 comment
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Around the world, girls are leading the charge for change — breaking glass ceilings in various fields and professions and challenging perceptions about what is possible for them. 

 

Recognizing this, Beiersdorf Philippines, Watsons, and Plan International Pilipinas collaborated to string together a series of initiatives to create sustainable pathways that will allow young women to realize their full potential, unhindred by the biases and barriers that have long held girls and women back.

 

These initiatives are carried out in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl (IDG). Held annually on October 11, IDG is a powerful occasion to bring the world’s attention to the realities and lived experiences of girls and young women.

 

To mark IDG, all three organizations have joined hands for the “BraveHER, BoldHER, & StrongHER: Redefining Girls’ Power to Take Charge, Break Barriers, and Thrive” event. This event serves as a platform to foster discussions about girl’s rights and gender equality, with a particular focus on equitable and quality health services, as well as career empowerment to increase their economic resilience

 

Bringing together Nimisha Jain Country Manager Beiersdorf Philippines, Cathy Seco of Executive Director Plan International Pilipinas, and Sharon Decapia, AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability of Watsons in one panel became an opportunity to open a genuine dialogue and prompt first-hand discussions about the importance of advancing girls’ rights, including their right to equal opportunities, celebrating their achievements, and raising awareness about the challenges they face.

“We care beyond skin for an inclusive society and aim to foster social cohesion. From the get-go, our efforts are grounded in our goal of providing inclusive education, promoting protective environments, and fostering skills development in girls. Every initiative is a reflection of our commitment. And the progress of these young girls showcases the impact of our collective effort,” says Nimisha Jain.

 

The invaluable participation of Punlaan scholars and youth advocates from Plan International Pilipinas also provided valuable insights into what it’s like to be a girl in today’s world and their shared hopes for a gender-equal society, where they are treated as experts in their own experiences, as agents of change, and as equal partners.

 

But more than joining hearts and minds for a conversation, the event also provided a chance for all partners to express their commitment towards supporting girls and young women in the country.

 

Beiersdorf is setting their sights high with an ambitious target: to make a positive impact on the lives of 300,000 people in total by 2023 through the Empowering Girls projects. To achieve this Beiersdorf has set up programs that offer quality, inclusive education, promote protective environment and strenghten health services, an ideal environment for girls and young women to thrive. To demonstrate this commitment, Beiersdorf Philippines’ formal declaration of support for Filipina girls, aligns seamlessly with Beiersdorf’s global commitment, which kickstarted in 2020 and is set to continue until 2025.

 

Additionally, the company is turning over donating PhP1M to Punlaan School’s Pharmacist Scholars, providing young women and girls with a better chance to realize their dreams of becoming pharmacists. To generate the funds, Beiersdorf dedicated a portion of all NIVEA sales made at Watsons stores from July 15 to August 31, 2023.

 

Plan International, a development, humanitarian, child and youth-girl-centered organization working in the Philippines since 1961, adopts a lifecycle and gender-transformative approach to economic empowerment. 

 

“Girls and young women make up the majority of the world’s 628 million unemployed young people. They don’t have access to education or job training, preventing them from getting the skills they need to access decent work and break out of poverty,” said Ana Maria Locsin.

 

“This is why this event serves as a unique opportunity for us to come together and ensure that every girl can pursue the career and life she wants,” Locsin added.

 

The organization is currently implementing projects that provide support to girls and young women from a young age and throughout each stage of life, enabling them to make economic decisions while challenging the gender norms and societal stigmas imposed upon them.

 

Watsons, as the leading health, wellness and beauty retailer brand, also recognizes their influence to change lives and uplift communities. As part of Watsons’ Sustainable programs under the “People” pillar, 

 

Watsons’ has chosen Punlaan School, a renowned institution that caters to young women from underserved communities by providing essential training and education, to be the center for the Watsons Apprenticeship Program. Through this special 6-month program, young women are eqipped with the skills needed for a successful career path with Watsons. 

 

“This Apprenticeship Program with Punlaan school reflects our commitment to support and create job opportunities for young women,” shares Josefina Arriola, People Innovations Project Director  of Watsons. “Our goal is to be able to educate and equip them with the skills to be job-ready and empowered members of the community.”

 

It is also worth noting that this is more than just a one-day event for these organizations. BraveHER, BoldHER, & StrongHER comes in the tails of two other activities: the recent “Girls Takeover” hosted in five Watsons stores and the “Girls on the Rise” Career Workshop. 

A signature IDG event of Plan International, the Girls Takeover aims to encourage girls to occupy spaces where they are rarely seen or heard, engaging in conversations that empower them to learn, lead, decide, and thrive. On September 30, Watsons and Beiersdorf welcomed 10 girl advocates who had the opportunity to take over the positions of Beauty Ambassadors, Cashiers, and Store Managers for a day.

 

As a follow-through activity to the Girls Takeover, the career workshop focused on developing the girl advocates’ intrapersonal skills, which are essential for success in the job market. During this workshop, Beiersdorf and Watsons staff actively engaged with the girl advocates by conducting modules focused on personal development and personal and professional values. These modules provided valuable insights and skills that empowered the advocates and boosted their readiness for future employment opportunities.

 

“We believe that girls can be bigger than any barrier, bolder than any bias, and stronger than their struggles. Our collective goal is to provide them with opportunities to overcome obstacles and thrive in all aspects of their lives,” said Locsin.

 

To learn more about NIVEA Philippines’ ongoing commitments and initiatives in empowering the young Filipina community, visit https://www.beiersdorf.com

 

To know more about Plan International Pilipinas’ work in advancing children’s rights and equality for girls in the Philippines, visit: https://plan-international.org/philippines/.

 

To know more about Watsons Philippines sustainability initiatives and efforts to support communities, visit https://www.watsons.com.ph/sustainability and www.watsons.com.ph.

October 14, 2023 0 comment
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SM Mall of Asia is ready to build an even more pet-loving community by launching larger than
life attractions that highlight our love for pets.
Filipinos always have deep affection for their furry companion. In Pinoy households, furry friends
are hardly ever treated as animals—they’re part of the family. The same is true at SM Mall of
Asia, where everyone is welcome, fur-babies included.
To create a remarkable experience and a supportive community for pet enthusiasts, your
favorite mall, SM Mall of Asia, is about to become even more paw-some with Mimi, a grumpy
cat and Momo, a happy Corgi! Customers are in for a special treat with the newest larger than
life attraction and the special bond and unusual friendship Momo and Mimi have.

The duo will
definitely warm the hearts of everyone as these furry inflatables are designed to captivate
visitors and bring joy to pet parents and their furry loved ones.
This attraction is also in support of SM Super Pets Club. An exclusive club by SM Supermalls,
it’s a Pet Loyalty Program wherein pet owners can register themselves and up to five pets, and
get access to SM’s Paw Park, the Super Pets community page, and exclusive perks and
rewards from partner brands and merchants.
With this, a visit to MOA will always be paw-tastic! Stay tuned to SM Mall of Asia’s facebook
account to know more about the unusual friendship of Momo and Mimi.cats 1 cats

October 14, 2023 0 comment
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Taong 2007 ng itatag ng SM group, sa pamamagitan ng SM Foundation ang programang Kabalikat sa
Kabuhayan. Nagmula ito sa simpleng pangarap ni Henry Sy, Sr na paunlarin ang ating mga Pilipino sa
tulong ng agrikultura at siguradong may sapat na pagkain ang bawat komunidad.
Mahigit 16 taon na ang nakalipas mula noon, ngunit patuloy ang SM Foundation sa pagbibigay ng
dagdag kaalaman sa pagsasaka at pagnenegosyo.

Nito lamang, umabot na sa higit kumulang 28,550
benepisyaryo ang nakapagtapos sa nasabing programa. Isa na rito si Renato Fojas.
Pagtatanim para sa pamilya, komunidad.
Lumaki si Renato sa payak na pamumuhay. Marangal nyang itinaguyod ang kanyang pamilya sa
pamamasukan bilang karpentero.
“Mahilig akong magtanim simula pa noong bata pa ako. Pero, nagtrabaho ako bilang karpintero. Dahil
kontrata lang ito, hindi laging sigurado ang kita,” bungad niya.
Ang hilig sa pagtatanim ang nag udyok sa kanya para sumali sa KSK-SAP noong 2010. Dito, natutunan
umano ni Renato ang iba’t ibang paraan ng pagtatanim ng prutas at gulay.

Dagdag pa niya, nakakuha rin
siya ng kaalaman tungkol sa akmang pananim sa iba’t ibang uri ng lupa.
Dahil dito, nakapagpayabong siya ng isang vegetable garden sa likod ng kanyang bahay. Ito ay naging
sandalan nila, lalo na noong panahon ng pandemya.

October 14, 2023 0 comment
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catsSM Center San Pedro, SM’s 84th mall, officially opens its doors to the Lagunenses last October 13, 2023. Present during the ribbon-cutting ceremony (left to right): SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation President Hans Sy Jr., SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, Laguna Provincial Vice Governor Atty. Karen Agapay, Bishop Leo Murphy Drona, S.D.B, D.D., San Pedro City Mayor Art Joseph Francis Mercado and San Pedro City First Lady Mika Mercado, San Pedro City Councilor Sonny Mendoza, San Pedro City Vice Mayor Divina Olivarez, San Pedro City Councilor Michael Casacop, SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey Lim, and Super Value Inc. President Herbert Sy.

October 14, 2023 0 comment
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Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, the San Fernando, Cebu Municipal Health Officer and Health
Department Head checks up a young patient at the lobby of the newly refurbished Primary Health
Facility.
Healthcare facilities are essential pillars of every community, ensuring that residents
conveniently get the medical care and attention they deserve.
Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, the Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head, knows
just this. Serving at the San Fernando, Cebu Primary Healthcare Facility (SFCPHF) for roughly
15 years, he has imbibed the importance of modernizing facilities to provide better services to
his patients and safe workplace for his fellow health workers.
“This facility is close to my heart. Considering the length of my stay, this has become my second
home,” he said.
Dr. Manugas said that the collaboration of SM Foundation, local government unit of San
Fernando, Cebu and its mayor, Mytha Ann Canoy could not have come at a much better time,
especially at the heels of a global medical scare.

cats

October 14, 2023 0 comment
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Globe supports Senate bills that will amend the 26-year-old Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against online content piracy, measures that will protect the Filipino creative industries and customers who face risks online.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. have filed separate bills to strengthen the Intellectual Property Code, a parallel measure to House Bill No. 7600 by Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay’s 2nd District in the House of Representatives which passed third reading in May 2023.

These legislative efforts are designed to update Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, which was established in 1997, well before online content piracy became prevalent.

“The Globe Group recognizes the urgent need to modernize the Intellectual Property Code, especially in the face of growing online threats such as online content piracy. It’s crucial to safeguard our creative industries, their workforce, and consumers who might unknowingly access malicious links on pirated websites, jeopardizing their personal data,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Amending the Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against online content piracy will institutionalize a landmark Memorandum of Understanding that the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently signed with Globe and other leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country to establish a site-blocking mechanism against pirate sites.

The MOU, the first of its kind in Asia, is a significant step forward against online content piracy as it establishes a voluntary site-blocking practice against the unauthorized distribution and sale of pirated content over the internet. The MOU also outlines the general principles and procedures for site blocking as it underscores collaboration between IPOPHL and ISPs.

Globe has consistently campaigned against online content piracy through the #PlayItRight initiative, promoting the protection of content creators in an era dominated by pirated materials.

As a member of the Video Coalition of the Philippines, established last year alongside major industry players and the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Globe has been at the forefront of advocating for robust intellectual property rights in the Philippines.

The proposed bills by Estrada and Revilla, both actors who are personally familiar with the perils of film piracy, aim to empower the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to restrict access to copyright-infringing sites and initiate site-blocking measures, supporting the creative sectors against rampant piracy.

Estrada’s Senate Bill 2150, submitted on May 9, 2023, suggests blocking access to websites promoting copyright violations and proposes fines of up to PHP1 million. Meanwhile, Revilla’s Senate Bill No. 2385, filed on August 1, 2023, focuses on enhancing the IPOPHL’s authority and responsibilities.

Estrada highlighted the significant spike in online film piracy during the COVID-19 pandemic, with illegal online links to Filipino films, including those from the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, being widely shared on social media.

The IPOPHL reported a noticeable increase in online piracy and counterfeiting activities in 2020, with the number of reports and complaints exceeding the average in the previous five years.

Surveys by YouGov, commissioned by the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), suggest that enforcing site-blocking could greatly benefit the Philippines’ P1.6-trillion creative industries, which contributed 7.3% to the country’s economy in 2022.

While 58% of consumers in the country interact with pirated content, many are willing to pay for legitimate content if not available on pirated platforms. The survey showed varied preferences for legal content consumption, with 53% opting for subscription services, 15% for pay-per-view, 28% for cinema, 13% for Blu-Ray or DVD, and 39% for ad-supported media.

Filipino consumers overwhelmingly support government action against online content piracy. The survey revealed that 45% support ISP restrictions on pirate websites, 27% are in favor of banning Android TV Boxes that access pirated content, and 39% back the prohibition of apps offering pirated content access.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

 

 

October 14, 2023 0 comment
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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) which 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 management and
recycling technology is among the most advanced in the world,” he said. “There is no better partner for
SM because we do not just talk about being big, we make sure we do it; we do not talk about being
environment friendly but we do take bold steps to save the environment. I am looking forward to
growing with GUUN as among leaders in solving environmental issues in the Philippines.”

GUUN Co., Ltd., founded in March 2001 and headquartered in Yokohama City, Japan, piloted the
production of fluff fuel from plastic waste in Inayawan, Cebu in 2014 and recently inaugurated its P200-
million, 2,400-square meter waste recycling plant in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

Since then, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has adopted GUUN’s waste-to-fuel technology as a
model for advanced low-carbon technology innovation for further deployment in developing countries.
“This will be a milestone partnership for us,” GUNN Chief Executive Officer Shinji Fujieda said after the
signing ceremony. "I understand very much how important waste management is for SM and for the
Philippines and we look forward to more projects we can do with the properties of SM Prime.”

SM Prime’s initiatives for waste management include waste reduction and effective waste collection and
segregation. Over the years, it has implemented programs such as Trash to Cash, Plastic Waste
Collection, and E-Waste Collection that have contributed to reducing the total solid waste generation
across its real estate portfolio.

Through its pioneering Trash to Cash recycling market, SM Prime has collected and recycled 1.4M kg of
plastics, paper, metals, and others in 2022. “We have saved 16,766 trees from the 986,222 kg of paper
recycled,” SM Prime disclosed in its 2022 Integrated Report to shareholders.

Meanwhile, SM’s Plastic Waste Collection program, a partnership with the Plastic Credit Exchange that
was launched in February 2021, has accumulated 42,541kg of plastic waste from 14 mall sites. Also present in all its 83 SM Supermalls is the E-Waste Collection program for the responsible disposal of WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment). This drive has helped process close to 7,000 kilograms of e-waste.

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September 23, 2023 0 comment
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SM Mall of Asia (MOA) security personnel Jay Jess Aquino and Rebecca Flores pose with their sensitivity training manuals on how to care for patrons with different needs. 20 September 2023. Pasay City, Philippines– When people are accepted, they become empowered and feel appreciated and recognized.
In celebration of the International Day of Sign Language, SM Cares of the SM Group, continues its mission to provide inclusive spaces as a mall for all through its yearly sensitivity training for its frontline employees. The training equips them with skills to better serve customers with different needs or persons with disabilities (PWDs). Engr. Bien Mateo, Senior Vice President for Mall Operations and Program Director of SM Cares Disability Affairs noted the company’s dedication to creating positive impacts within its communities.

“Genuine inclusion starts with us,” he said. “One of the integral steps in line with this effort is by conducting sensitivity training for our employees.”
A PWD-friendly mall for all apart from SM Supermalls’ facilities, the shopping malls of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. promotes inclusive spaces through features such as ramps, handlebars in comfort rooms, and Braille-labeled elevator buttons. The efforts to promote inclusivity within the malls also rely on equipping its workers with the knowledge and best practices for assisting PWDs.
Jay Jess Aquino, a security personnel in SM Mall of Asia for 15 years shared how helpful the annual sensitivity training is on learning how to respectfully assist customers who have different needs.
With daily interactions from different PWD communities, he shared how a simple act of acknowledging guests on the autism spectrum or persons with Down syndrome every time they playfully salute them goes a long way.
“Pagpasok po nila sa mall, sumalaudo po sila sa amin mga guards, he said. “Natutuwa rin po kami kasi kahit sa simpleng pag-acknowledge po namin, eh napapangiti na po namin sila.”

(They salute us guards as they enter the mall. We are also pleased because even with our simple acknowledgment, we can already make them smile.)
As SM frontliners, they must be quick to recognize guests with mobility issues to provide alternative solutions such as wheelchairs and even drive them via golf karts when available. The mall’s administration office is also open to serve as a safe and quiet space for guests who may be sensitive to several sensory inputs.
His colleague and fellow security staff Rebecca Flores in Mall of Asia expressed how the sensitivity training has made her more confident to assist patrons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over her nine-year experience in SM.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and building rapport with customers on the spectrum before they enter. This approach helps dismiss any notion that security guards are intimidating.
“Opo. Sa entrance pa lang talaga hina-hi (saying hi/hello) na namin sila,” Ms Flores said. “Nagrerespond sila. Bumati ka sa kanila para di sila matakot sa guard. Para kahit mawala sila, di sila matatakot lumapit sa guard. Kasi maalala nila ay ito yung bumati sa akin.” (We see to it that we give them a lively greeting as they enter the mall because they remember you. Even in the unfortunate event of being lost in the mall, they won’t hesitate to approach you to find their way since they will recall the friendly face who said hi to them.) Ms. Flores even recalled to her initial experience when a child on the autism spectrum playfully kicked her. She remembered how shocked she was during the exchange. And although the child’s parent immediately explained the situation, Ms. Flores recalled injest how the child tried to get her again on the way out.

“Di ako nagalit. Mas nagpasalamat ako sa training kasi may kaalaman kami,” she said. (I didn’t get mad. I’m thankful because the training imparted learnings on this.)
SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls and a division of SM Foundation, Inc. ensures a barrier free and disability-inclusive environment for PWDs in all of its malls nationwide.

 

About SM Investments Corporation
SM Investments Corporation is a leading Philippine company that is invested in market-leading
businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth
opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.
SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified with its food, non-food, and
specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated
property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and
convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking
are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth
largest bank by total assets among private banks.
For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com
For inquiries, please contact:
Timothy Daniels
Consultant, Investor Relations & Sustainability
SM Investments Corporation Email: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

September 23, 2023 0 comment
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