FEATURES

SM Prime has entered a joint venture with GUUN Co. Ltd (GUUN), with SM Prime holding 70% of the equity of the Philippine joint venture company.

SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy and GUUN CEO Shinji Fujieda shake hands during the signing of a memorandum of understanding to explore waste management solutions, recycling waste paper and plastics into “fluff fuel” for alternative energy.

GUUN Co. Ltd is headquartered in Yokohama City, Japan, and operates material recovery and recycling facilities, along with environmental solution services. Invited by the government of Cebu in 2014, GUUN initiated the production of fossil alternative fuels called “fluff fuel” from non-recyclable waste materials, aligning with its mission to “maintain harmony between the earth and society by creating a happy environment for the future.”

GUUN Philippine Branch Senior Managing Director and General Manager Takeshi Konishi (second from right) shares best practices in Japan for sustainable alternatives to solid fossil fuels.

United in this mission, SM Prime partnered with GUUN to actively participate in developing infrastructure for systematic waste management and resource recovery, following the best practices of Japan. The joint venture aims to reduce the landfill impact from both SM Prime and non-SM Prime managed properties, complementing the material recovery facility operations of the Local Government Units (LGUs).

GUUN’s “fluff fuel” is produced from non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle wastes through sorting, curating, and formulation to meet chemical limits. It serves as an alternative to solid fossil fuels like coal, fueling cement kilns and industrial boilers in paper manufacturing and power plants. This approach has proven effective in controlling landfilled waste in Japan, offering a second life for waste as productive fuels and creating opportunities for waste pickers to become formal waste sorters in these facilities.

SM Prime joins forces with GUUN to develop infrastructure for waste management, aiming to minimize landfill impact across SM Prime and non-SM Prime properties.

“Fluff fuel” is one of the various solutions to control waste buildup in Japan. The partnership between SM Prime and GUUN will explore further implementation of recovery or reduction techniques, ensuring that waste is no longer wasted.

SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, emphasizing a commitment to a positive impact on local communities, shared, “It is exciting for SM Prime to partner with GUUN Japan with a joint mission to bridge the gap between society and the environment in the Philippines through investing in their pioneering solid waste management technology, which will eventually benefit all the communities that SM Prime serves.”

Underscoring their dedication to making a positive impact on the Philippines, GUUN Co. Ltd. CEO Shinji Fujieda stated, “At GUUN, we are ready to make every effort to contribute significantly to the Philippines and evolve the resource circulation system. The partnership with SM Prime leaves us with no doubt that we can succeed.”

This collaboration delves into enhancing the implementation of recovery techniques, ensuring a more efficient utilization of waste resources.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing sustainable waste management practices. She said, “The DENR continues to collaborate with development partners and the private sector in tackling the challenge of solid waste management. Implementing industrial-scale, appropriate transition technologies for segregation and processing is a crucial step toward achieving a circular economy. Partnerships like the one between SM Prime and GUUN play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future.”

Halos 400 SM Scholars ang lumahok sa General Assembly 2024 na inorganisa ng SM Foundation incorporated sa ilalim ng SM College Scholarship nito.

Ang nasabing event ay pinangunahan nina SM Retail Vice Chairman Harley Sy, Ms. Debbie Sy at mga opisyal ng SM Foundation Incorporated.

Ang mga SM Scholars ay sumalang sa iba’t ibang aktibidad para makilala ang isat isa at ma experience ang belongingness ng isang pamilya.

Nagsilbing inspirasyon sa sm scholars ang kuwento ng mga alumni na sina Robbie Marcelino at Dayanara sy na kapwa bahagi na rin ngayon ng SM Group of Companies.

Pinakamalaking inspirasyon ay nagmula kay Mr Harley Sy na masayang maka face to face ang SM Scholars kasabay ang pagbabahagi ng mga aniya’y core values sa pamamagitan ng SM.

Kabilang dyan ang pagkakaruon ng positive mind set, strategic planning for success, simplify life amidst complexity, champion honesty, embrace vision and mentorship at master problem solving.

Ang SM scholarship program ng SM foundation ay nagsimula nuong 1993 at sa ngayon ay nakapagpatapos na ng mahigit 4000 scholar graduates.

Nakasalig ang scholarship program sa ikinasang commitment ni SM group founder Henry Sy, Sr. o mas kilala bilang si Tatang.

Kasabay nito, ipinabatid ng SM Foundation ang pagbubukas ng panibagong pinto para sa mga nais maging sm scholar sa pamamagitan ng itinakdang application period mula February 1 hanggang March 31.

Welcome to the new age of finding connections!

Launched on January 31 at Salvatore Cuomo & Bar in BGC and hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines alum, Lady Morgana, the event was attended by the press and content creators alike.

Thundr is the first ever Filipino LGBTQIA+ community app in the Philippines that gives a new way to find connection for ages 35 and up. It’s a place where they can meet people of the same age while feeling that they belong.

Show the real you. Create profile and fInd new matches through advance filter questions.

No rejection! Unlike other app, Thundr allows you to swipe everyone in to the community whether as mare or as jowa — putting a new meaning on the old kind of swiping.

A game changer, indeed. See your compatibility percetage with your match even before you say hello. Plus, its easy access to chat conversation removes the hassle in looking for the right one.

Thundr prides itself on the effort it actively makes to bring the LGBTQIA+ community together regardless of of how they identify in the spectrum. Gone are the days of gay people staying in the closet and being alienated.

And through its advocacy, Thundr also supports LGBTQIA+ organizations that fight for their rights and welfare.

Age is just a number and it’s never too late to form connections with Thundr.

Just look for Thundr PH on Play Store and soon on App Store.

Wanna know more about its features? Click and watch the video.

https://fb.watch/pWXw7NRHOt/

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SM Megamall and Peanuts Worldwide have teamed up to create Snoopy Paw Park, a delightful new playground for furry friends at Level 5, Mega Fashion Hall.

SM Megamall proudly presents the newly launched Snoopy Paw Park, where tail wags, happy barks, and unforgettable memories for your furry friend await.

This themed pet playground is every dog’s dream come true, featuring Snoopy’s iconic doghouse-themed tunnel, arch, bridgeway, and an immersive maze for pets to discover.

This fun space features everything your pooch could desire: A Snoopy doghouse-themed tunnel, engaging maze, bridgeway, and an entrance arch.

The Snoopy Paw Park prioritizes both safety and enjoyment, providing a secure and comfortable environment for pets and their families. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-time pup parent, you can relax and watch your furry companion have the time of their life.

Indulge in joyous adventures with your beloved pets at Snoopy Paw Park.

More than just a playground, Snoopy Paw Park is a place to create lasting memories with your four-legged best friend. 

An adorable dog strikes a pose at Snoopy Paw Park.

Unleash your pup’s inner adventurer at this new fun-filled paw park in SM Megamall.

“The Snoopy Paw Park reflects SM’s dedication to innovation and community engagement. It’s not just a pet playground; it’s a space where families and their pets can come together, experience joy, and build cherished moments. We’re excited to share this magical addition to our mall,” said SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Special Events Hanna Carinna Sy.

SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Special Events Hanna Carinna Sy (center) with SM Megamall Mall Manager Brian So(right) and SM Supermalls’ Marketing Manager for Special Events Michelle Valero (left).

This exciting collaboration was orchestrated by WildBrain CPLG, the leading licensing agency representing the Peanuts brand in the Asia Pacific region on behalf of Peanuts Worldwide.

Follow @smmegamall on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for exciting updates and events at the Snoopy Paw Park.

About Peanuts:

The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 41% owned by WildBrain Ltd., 39% owned by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz, who first introduced the world to Peanuts in 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV+, fans of all ages celebrate the Peanuts brand worldwide through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital. In 2018, Peanuts partnered with NASA on a multi-year Space Act Agreement designed to inspire a passion for space exploration and STEM among the next generation of students.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) President Jeffrey Lim was recently recognized for excellence in leadership at The Business Manual’s prestigious CEO Awards. Lim, along with the country’s most prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders, was honored for his exemplary leadership and contribution to nation building. Driven by the vision of its late founder Henry Sy, Sr. together with Lim’s stewardship, SM Prime continues to be one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, acting as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, and enriching the lives and wellbeing of the communities it serves.\

Globe has registered an impressive 73.7% reduction in blocked spam and scam SMS related to banks in 2023, a notable achievement in its ongoing fight against financial fraud.

Globe intercepted 21.9 million bank-related spam and scam SMS in 2023, marking a sharp decline from the 83.39 million messages blocked the previous year. This accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of the company’s proactive strategies and its robust partnerships with the country’s major banks and financial institutions.

Globe earlier forged anti-fraud pacts with the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), encompassing 45 major banks, and various individual players in the finance sector to enable vigorous and timely data and intelligence-sharing, aligning efforts to prevent and investigate fraud more effectively.

“This milestone not only highlights our commitment to combating financial fraud but also encourages us to continuously enhance our security measures for the protection of our customers,” said Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Security Officer at Globe.

Globe has invested about US$20 million to enhance its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking system and operates a round-the-clock Security Operations Center to filter out unwanted messages, including app-to-person and person-to-person SMS from international and domestic sources.

Air Force City Hospital (AFCH) now provides upgraded healthcare services after SM Foundation’s renovation.

The Philippine public hospitals and local health centers ceaselessly fulfill their duty to bridge the gaps in health and wellness despite countless hurdles—from health scares to persistent resource constraints and infrastructure challenges.

As these quests become more daunting, the Filipino spirit of “bayanihan” thrives within these walls. SM Foundation’s (SMFI) health and medical programs joined forces with healthcare workers in fulfilling their advocacy for improved healthcare of communities.

A staunch believer in the positive impact of health and wellness, the social good arm of the SM group upgrades health facilities in the country. Two of its recent endeavors were at the Air Force City Hospital (AFCH) in Clark and the Lucban Health Center (LHC) in Baguio.

Heeding a call

AFCH now boasts organized and dedicated spaces for procedures and programs.

AFCH’s scope goes beyond the Philippine Air Force (PAF). While catering primarily to PAF personnel, their dependents, authorized civilians, and nearby minorities rely on its services. It’s also the designated venue for PAF applicants and personnel’s medical examinations.

With the easing of COVID-19 cases, the hospital has seen an increase in patients seeking treatment, diagnostic procedures, and preventive care. However, they struggled to cope with the growing demand due to several infrastructural challenges, such as limited space, outdated equipment, poor ventilation, and areas that lack permanent partitions, compromising the patients’ privacy and comfort.

“With no Trauma Room, the healthcare workers used curtains to provide privacy when treating trauma patients. Storage for medicines, medical equipment and supplies, and the trauma beds were placed at the passageway from the emergency room (ER) main entrance to the nurse’s station. This made the main entrance of the ER crowded or inaccessible,” AFCH Commanding Officer LTC Darwin Farnacio MC (GSC) recalled the old state of the facility.

“The old setup was also unfavorable, and at times, even traumatic for other ER patients and their loved ones, because they used to witness drastic lifesaving procedures performed whenever a trauma patient arrived,” he said.

Much like AFHC, Lucban Health Center wholeheartedly served the community amidst the infrastructure limitations.

“As the health center’s poor condition somewhat directly impacted the quality of healthcare services provided to the patients, by addressing the structural and equipment issues, the renovation would significantly improve the overall patient experience and healthcare outcomes,” Lucban Health Center’s Medical Officer III Deansy Licawen said.

Improving the local health centers

The new LHC features a Mobile Play Cabinet, vibrant interiors, visible labels and markings for all the rooms to easily guide the patients.

Breathing new life into health centers, SMFI aligned the facilities’ needs with DOH guidelines, ensuring patients receive the care they deserve.

The once cramped, dimly lit facilities with limited privacy now boast organized and dedicated spaces for procedures and programs. Proper lighting and ventilation bathe the centers, replacing the previous dimness.

SMFI also enhanced the layout for ease of access, comfort, and contamination prevention. Inclusivity is at the forefront, with PWD-friendly features, comfortable and secure breastfeeding rooms nestled within, and a Mobile Play Cabinet that aims to educate young patients while keeping them entertained before their check-up.

The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere extends to the healthcare staff, providing well-equipped rooms for them to perform their administrative and medical duties in a conducive environment.

After SMFI’s renovation at AFCH, Farnacio noticed that patients and their companions are in a better mood before their checkups and procedures.

“We used to see some patients leaving before their medical procedures were completed, but now I’m proud to say that they now have a more comfortable space to wait in. Patients due for diagnostic procedures now have a more comfortable waiting area that is air conditioned with a television set and soft couches, making them at ease and have a “feel at home” environment while waiting. Patients under observation at the ER can now rest well as compared to before, when there was no divider between the beds of the ER,” he said.

The new LHC encourages new and existing patients to frequently visit the center to promote preventive healthcare.

“The renovation certainly enhanced our ability to deliver healthcare services more effectively by providing a pleasant and more comfortable venue for our patients while they are being treated and waiting to be treated. The renovated areas with its new furnitures and fixtures make it more spacious. Our equipments are now more accessible, allowing us to act more promptly and deliver services faster,” he said.

Lucban Health Center is also optimistic as they steadily observe an increase in new patients drawn to the modern facilities in the recently renovated center. This optimism is matched by their renewed eagerness to deliver services in their efficient workstations.

“The renovated health center has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients, such as “Wow, ang ganda na. Hindi na nakakainip mag-antay. Hindi na kami naaarawan o nauulanan sa labas”. They have also commended the cleanliness and organization of the new facility. The modified layout with the addition of visible labels and markings has made it easier for patients to navigate the center and the increased privacy in the examination rooms brought about by the installation of new accordion doors, has been well-received,” Licawen noted.

“Since the opening of the newly renovated center, we have observed a slow but constant increase in patient visits. Worth noting is the utilization of new and first-time patients of our facility. In time, the improved center will attract new patients and encourage existing patients to utilize the services more frequently,” she hoped.

SMFI equips Lucban Health Center with a rainwater catchment system to help contribute to the water conservation efforts of the city.

To learn more about the SM Foundation, visit www.sm-foundation.org.