PCW, UN summit at SM amplifies call to invest in women to drive progress

by Info @Brand Zone | March 13, 2024

Women’s rights advocates and gender equality champions gathered at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura recently for an International Women’s Day (IWD) summit spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and UN Women, in partnership with SM Supermalls.

Keynote speaker Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda (third from left) with from right: SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, UN Women Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado and Deputy Executive Director Kristine Balmes, and moderator Bernadette Sembrano

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan (right), Singapore-based She Loves Tech co-founder Leanne Robers (third from right), UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez (second from left), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado (third from left), UN Women Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina (left), and Bernadette Sembrano (second from right)

Anchored on the global theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ the one-day summit covered crucial topics such as poverty alleviation, institutional strengthening, gender-inclusive financing, and the role of technology in enabling women, particularly entrepreneurs.

(L-R): SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, SM Prime Holdings Assistant Vice President and Program Director Jessica Sy, Singapore-based She Loves Tech co-founder Leanne Robers, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, UN Women Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, and SM Vice President for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza Silerio

Opening the summit were SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez, PCW Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, and UN Women Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina, whose messages also served as a unifying call to action for the advancement of women’s empowerment and equality towards nation-building.

Opening the summit were SM Sup

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan at UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez (L-R)

Keynote speaker Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda spoke about the role of legislation in promoting women’s rights. She highlighted the burden of unpaid care and domestic work by women, which her bill (Unpaid Care Workers Welfare Act of 2022) seeks to address to ensure fair sharing of household and caregiving duties. Senator Legarda’s legislative efforts have included supporting the passage of crucial laws like the Magna Carta of Women and the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, among others.

Keynote speaker Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda

For an international perspective, esteemed panelists Australian Ambassador HK Yu, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, International Labour Organization Country Director Khalid Hassan, and Asian Development Bank Director Samantha Hung spurred insightful discussions on championing women through their gender-inclusive development programs in the Philippines.

Australian Ambassador HK Yu (third from right), Canadian Ambassador David Hartman (right), UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran (second from left), International Labour Organization Country Director Khalid Hassan (left), and Asian Development Bank Director Samantha Hung (third from left), with Rissa Mananquil Trillo (second from right)

Australian Ambassador HK Yu (second from right), Canadian Ambassador David Hartman (third from right), UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran (third from left), International Labour Organization Country Director Khalid Hassan (second from left), and Asian Development Bank Director Samantha Hung (left), with Rissa Mananquil Trillo (right)

On the Philippines’ efforts, experts from key government agencies – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Atty. Charina De Vera Yap, Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Anna Liza Bonagua, UPPAF Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development’s Jeanne Frances Illo, Philippine Commission on Women’s Anita Baleda, Commission on Audit’s Fortunata Rubico, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Miramel Garcia-Laxa – shared transformative strategies and outcomes of financing through a gender lens and gender-responsive budgeting.

(L-R): Philippine Commission on Women’s Anita Baleda, UPPAF Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development’s Jeanne Frances Illo, Commission on Audit’s Fortunata Rubico, and Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Miramel Garcia-Laxa

Guest speaker, Singapore-based She Loves Tech co-founder, Leanne Robers, set the tone for sessions on the pivotal role of technology in advancing women’s empowerment in business.

Singapore-based She Loves Tech co-founder, Leanne Robers

Robers highlighted the importance of women's diverse perspectives in technology. She said, "We cannot understate the benefits of a world where women are involved in shaping our future through technology."

The sessions highlighted how businesses can leverage technology to bridge gender gaps and promote social change. Panelists Anne Emperado-Macababat (Malanne), Eliza Antonino (Moment Group), and creative and social entrepreneur Zarah Juan, served as a testament to empowered women creating livelihood opportunities to uplift the lives of many more women.

Singapore-based She Loves Tech co-founder, Leanne Robers (left), Anne Emperado-Macababat of Malanne (second from right), Eliza Antonino of Moment Group (third from left), and creative and social entrepreneur Zarah Juan (second from left), with UN Women Champion Bianca Gonzalez (right)

Likewise, a panel discussion with Landbank’s Leila Martin, BDO Unibank’s Atty. Federico Tancongco and Joel Andres, and Connected Women’s Gina Romero helped participants navigate the benefits and challenges of technology, addressing the risks of fraud and scams, and the safety and security of financial transactions.

Landbank’s Leila Martin (third from left), BDO Unibank’s Atty. Federico Tancongco (left) and Joel Andres (second from right), Connected Women’s Gina Romero (second from left), and UN Women Champion Bianca Gonzalez (right)

Landbank’s Leila Martin (third from left), BDO Unibank’s Atty. Federico Tancongco (left) and Joel Andres (second from right), Connected Women’s Gina Romero (second from left), and UN Women Champion Bianca Gonzalez (right)

Capping the summit was SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Assistant Vice President and Program Director Jessica Sy who reiterated the theme of the summit in her closing remarks. Sy said, “Investing in women is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic imperative for a better world.”

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Assistant Vice President and Program Director Jessica Sy

Actress and film producer Bella Padilla

The IWD summit is one of the highlights of SM Supermalls’ celebration of Women’s Month this March and was also supported by BDO, Belle du Jour, Brittany Hotel, Brownies Unlimited, Crate & Barrel, Toby’s Estate, Goldilocks, and SM Store.

SM Prime, WWF-Philippines hold eco-camp for youth sustainability ambassadors

by Info @Brand Zone | December 7, 2023

Thirty-one student ambassadors from 13 Metro Manila high schools gathered in an eco-camp last November 24 to 26 organized by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and WWF-Philippines (WWF-PH). Participating schools include Assumption College, FEU Manila High School, La Salle Greenhills, National University of Nazareth, Las Pinas Science High School, Manila Science High School, Muntinlupa Science High School, School, Paranaque Science High School, PAREF Southridge, Pasay Science High School, Pasig Science High School, Philippine Science High School, and Quezon City Science High School.

Held at the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club, the three-day eco camp marks the second leg of YOUth are the Future–a joint environmental leadership program by SM Prime and WWF-PH aiming to empower environmental stewards among the youth sector. By enhancing their understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainability, the program aims to instill a strong sense of responsibility and commitment towards the protection of the environment.

The immersive weekend kicked off with a fireside chat on climate action where leaders Jessica Sy, Assistant Vice President of SM Development Corporation, WWF-PH Executive Director Katherine Custodio, and marine biologist and WWF-Philippines National Youth Council member Romina Lim engaged in a discussion on facing the climate crisis, inspiring the attendees to take proactive steps towards preserving our planet and promoting the advocacy towards a sustainable future.

“Climate change affects our daily lives and the youth have the most at stake being the ones who will face greater and greater impacts in the years to come. It is important that our young people find and use their voices, and be given opportunities such as the YOUth are the future program, to learn more about what needs to be done, and to discover where those intersect with their own individual talents and passions. It was also a strategic choice to focus the program on high school students, who would need to think about what further studies or careers they might pursue. I hope they understand that there is space for environmental advocacy whatever career or degree they choose.”, shared Custodio.

Campers attended learning sessions that tackled the most pressing environmental conservation and sustainability issues, specifically on water, energy, and biodiversity. Antoinette Taus, UN Goodwill Ambassador and founder of Project CORA, also graced the camp to share insights on waste management.

Apart from the talks, the campers immersed themselves in nature by hiking Pico De Loro’s Santelmo Eco-Trail and taking a guided walking tour of its vast mangrove forests.

The camp participants worked on a storybook, incorporating the lessons they learned from the sessions at the camp.

“Mother Nature implanted a seed planted deep inside my mind---that I need to protect her. And I know that we are all implanted with that same seed that brought us all here together. We cannot lose hope,” shared Vigor in a message delivered to encourage her fellow youth to do their part for nature.

The camp concluded with a closing keynote by SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) President and sustainability champion Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., where campers were given a chance to ask questions and tips on sustainability and environmental leadership.

SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. answers questions from the participants about SM’s sustainability initiatives.

“Study, ideate, plan, and experiment. Use your creativity and experiment some more until you find the right solutions. You might fail, you might need to start from scratch again, but the most important thing you have to remember is to learn from your mistakes and try again. That, my young participants, is the only way for us to move forward to creating a better world”, shared Sy.

As part of its third and final leg, the YOUth are the Future program will culminate on January 2024 through a series of mall and school tours throughout Metro Manila to further boost youth engagement and student ambassador recruitment.

There is an undeniable surge in the number of young individuals dedicated to facing the current challenges that will impact the future. Their unwavering commitment is a powerful reminder that it is within our collective power to create lasting change and reimagine a sustainable future for all. Through programs like YOUth are the Future, SM Prime and WWF-PH hope to empower the youth further to become powerful agents of change, inspiring others to #ChangeTheEnding for the planet.

SM advances P131M for Bacolod’s super city redev

by Info @Brand Zone | October 20, 2023

New Manokan Country design will be future-ready, embracing tech and sustainability

20 October, Bacolod CIty – SM Prime Holdings, Inc. yesterday turned over Php131.89 million to Bacolod City Mayor Albee B. Benitez for the redevelopment of the iconic Manokan Country, signaling the start of its transformation into a future-ready tourist destination that honors Ilonggo food culture and tradition. The amount turned over by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan to Mayor Benitez represents seven years of advance rental payments for Manokan Country, under the 40-year lease agreement with the city at an annual rental fee of Php21.26 million, subject to a 5% escalation rate every three years.

SM Prime, one of Asia’s leading real estate developers, will redevelop the Manokan Country into a tech-ready, more spacious food hall, with a kitchen that will assure customers of the sanitary preparations and quality cooking of the Chicken Inasal and options for airconditioned spaces for more comfortable dining.

“We treasure the relationship we have built with the community of Bacolod City and we remain committed to further enhancing their shopping and dining experience, particularly at their well-loved Manokan Country,” Lim said. “The design of the new Manokan was greatly influenced by our passion to provide customers, including our Chicken Inasal entrepreneurs, with a world-class facility they can be really be proud of.”

Lim explained that the modernization of Manokan Country is essential to cater to the evolving needs and expectations of both locals and tourists. “Upgrading the infrastructure and facilities within Manokan Country will not only enhance the overall dining experience but also improve safety, hygiene standards, and operational efficiency that customers are prioritizing nowadays,” he added.

By modernizing Manokan Country, SM Prime and the city government aim to create a more appealing and comfortable environment for visitors, ensuring a positive impression of Bacolod City. Upgraded facilities, such as modern seating arrangements, proper ventilation, improved sanitation systems, and expanded parking spaces will contribute to a more enjoyable dining experience.

Modernization efforts also include incorporating technology-driven solutions, such as digital payment methods, online ordering platforms, and efficient waste management systems. These advancements will streamline operations, provide convenience to customers, and promote sustainability practices.

“Furthermore, the modernization of Manokan Country will support the local economy by attracting more visitors and generating increased revenue for the vendors and surrounding businesses,” Lim said. “This development project aligns with the vision of Bacolod City as a progressive and forward-thinking destination that excels in providing exceptional experiences to its residents and guests.”

“Through collaboration and investment, we firmly believe that the modernization of Manokan Country will elevate the overall dining scene in Bacolod City, enhancing its appeal and contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local community,” Lim concluded.