Seraphimsnotes

The effects of the 7.7 magnitude earthquakes in Myanmar and the aftershocks in Thailand continue to be seen months after the events. The ultimate question is asked: Are we prepared for “The Big One”? As one of the most vulnerable countries to disaster and climate risk, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), the leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, continues to reinforce its commitment to disaster resiliency and heightened climate action.  The role of education To increase the capacity of readiness within the institution and its communities, SM Prime continues to advocate for emergency preparedness and the general public’s continued education.  The annual Emergency Preparedness Forum, organized by SM Cares, the foundation arm of SM Prime, teaches mall patrons about emergency protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure to lessen panic and anxiety, basic first aid, life-saving skills, and preparing senior citizens and people with disabilities (...

For SM Prime, sustainability is not merely a statement, but a strategic imperative that is deeply embedded in the way the company operates. This is demonstrated in concrete outcomes that reflect the organization’s innovation and leadership when it comes to its environmental efforts, continuously delivering measurable progress in advancing sustainability across its developments. Anchored in its Net Zero 2040 goals, SM continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability through the scaled deployment of renewable energy solutions in its properties, integrating solar energy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce reliance on grid-supplied fossil fuels, while aligning its operations with global climate goals. As of early 2025, a total of 47 SM Supermalls nationwide are now outfitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, generating a combined peak capacity of 63 Megawatts. These systems comprise 118,313 solar panels installed across mall rooftops, contributing to a...

Access to clean and potable water is one of today’s most pressing challenges, with rapid urbanization and population growth straining freshwater resources. United Nations (UN)-Water emphasizes that effective water management is crucial for society and the environment. SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility (RTF) utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process  with real-time monitoring to ensure processed water meets potability  requirements, and its service to the community was recognized at the  2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, has prioritized water conservation and management since the early 1990s—long before water stress and its link to climate change became widely recognized. Through Water for Tomorrow, SM Prime’s water stewardship campaign, the company actively integrates climate resilience into its developments, ensuring responsible resource management while suppor...

In a joint effort for Manila Bay, SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), was present for the handover of a state-of-the-art catamaran trash boat to complement the ongoing battle against water pollution. DENR received the boat last January 31, along with essential navigation and safety equipment as well as cleaning tools. The 30-foot catamaran will be operated by the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office - South Zone and will contribute to the agency's capacity to combat water pollution and preserve the vital marine ecosystem. The 30-foot catamaran is designed to efficiently collect and carry up to 1 ton of waste. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga (middle) receives the symbolic key to a catamaran donated by SM Prime, boosting Manila Bay cleanup efforts. With this funding, the DENR's arsenal for cleaning Manila Bay is strengthened. The catamaran will make it...

Imagine a world powered by the sun, the ultimate source of life. As climate change worsens due to fossil fuel use, sustainable energy alternatives are more crucial than ever. The Philippines, with its abundant sunlight, is uniquely positioned to harness solar power and help combat climate change. In 2024, Manila experienced around 4,440 hours of daylight, which translates to a significant potential for solar energy production. SM Prime recognized this potential early on. In 2014, SM North EDSA became the first commercial property in the Philippines to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof, achieving the largest installation in Southeast Asia at the time. This move signaled the beginning of SM Prime’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan explains, “SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility t...

Through the July 2023 debut of its unique rainwater treatment plant (RTF), SM City Baguio is leading the way in water management. Since then, the plant has converted approximately 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater—enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers or seven Olympic-sized swimming pools—into drinkable water for the benefit of the SM mall's tenants as well as for its own operations. SM City Baguio's groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility has treated over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into drinkable water. This initiative supplements the mall's water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city's water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.       "There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources," said Baguio City ...

  SM Prime leads the way in sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy. Nowadays, sustainability is a key factor in all sectors of the economy. One of Asia's top integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), elevates sustainability through a strategic framework that makes use of its broad operations, substantial economic impact, and cultural influence. SM Prime’s sustainability journey began in the 1990s, guided by a focus on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, favoring strategies grounded on real-world application rather than flashy, short-term fixes.  Its strategy is built on what truly matters to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both effective and enduring. In its 2023 Annual Integrated Report, SM Prime introduced its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap with a clear and powerful message: Together for a sustainable futu...

SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges. (L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu SM’s commitment to sustainabi...

Developing our ability to respond, recover, and adapt to rising climate impacts is a national priority and shared obligation, since the Philippines tops the list of nations with the highest risk of disaster. “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors,” said World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director, Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024). “There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our national policies and our commitments, but for these to succeed, there needs to be sincere effort and openness to work across different sectors and disciplines,” said Custodio. The session on creating connections and partnerships was hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Susta...