Beyond the Tap: The Liquid Revolution Reshaping SM’s Future

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 


Beyond the Tap: The Liquid Revolution Reshaping SM’s Future

In an era where the United Nations warns that nearly half the global population faces the looming threat of severe water scarcity, every drop has become a precious commodity. Amidst the harsh realities of a prolonged El Niño and escalating climate pressures, one retail giant is proving that sustainability is not just a corporate buzzword—it is a lifeline.


SM Supermalls is rewriting the narrative of resource management, transforming its nationwide network into a powerhouse of conservation where water is granted a remarkable "second life".

A Milestone in Stewardship: 6.6 Billion Liters Saved

The scale of SM's impact is staggering. In 2025 alone, the organization successfully recycled a monumental 6.6 million cubic meters—or 6.6 billion liters—of water. To put this achievement into perspective, this volume is equivalent to nearly a thousand times the total daily water consumption of Metro Manila.


This is not a recent experiment; it is the culmination of three decades of unwavering commitment. The journey began in the 1990s with the installation of a pioneering Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall, a visionary move designed to safeguard the environment of surrounding communities. Today, that legacy has expanded into an integrated network across 90 malls, all equipped to turn wastewater into a vital, reusable asset.


Innovation Flowing Through the Pipes
The core of this transformation lies in an ingenious dual-process system.


Potable Water Process: Fresh water is supplied for human consumption and tenant use.


Non-Potable Water Process: Once used, that water doesn't simply drain away. It is directed through sophisticated treatment plants, where it is purified and recycled for non-potable applications like irrigation, cleaning, and maintaining the lush greenery that defines SM’s properties.


Innovation also extends to the skies. SM City Baguio, for instance, operates a sophisticated Rainwater Treatment Facility that captures nature’s supply. Since its inception in November 2022 through the end of 2025, this facility has processed 53,740 cubic meters of rainwater—enough to support an estimated 63,706 households.


Building for a Resilient Future
The momentum shows no sign of slowing. In 2025, SM integrated advanced water systems into its two newest properties:


SM City La Union: Features a 760-cubic-meter rainwater catchment system paired with a 543-square-meter sewage treatment plant.


SM City Laoag: Boasts a self-sustaining network capable of converting deep well water into a safe, potable supply.



"Water is a very precious resource, and we are committed to ensuring its sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations," says Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability.



This commitment has not gone unnoticed. From the Bantayog ng Lawa Para sa Kalikasan award by the Laguna Lake Development Authority to the historic Gawad Taga-Ilog Award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, SM’s leadership in water stewardship is setting the gold standard for the private sector.



As SM Supermalls continues to evolve, its promise remains clear: to pioneer environmental systems that do more than serve the shopper—they protect the planet. By treating every drop as a finite treasure, SM is ensuring that the future remains fluid, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come.

Beyond Independence: How a Nationwide Movement is Reshaping the Filipino Workforce

  

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

This past June 12, as the nation commemorated its freedom, a different kind of independence was being forged inside SM Supermalls across the country. In a powerful display of unity between the private sector and the government, SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) transformed mall spaces into hubs of opportunity, effectively bringing the future directly to the doorsteps of over 21,000 Filipinos.  

A Catalyst for Transformation

The nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs were more than just recruitment events; they were a testament to the life-changing potential of accessible, community-based initiatives. By uniting over 800 employers with thousands of hopeful job seekers, the event facilitated an environment where aspirations met reality, resulting in over 1,900 individuals being hired on the spot.  

For many, the day marked a turning point. Patrick Tamayo, who secured a position as a Mobile Promoter, expressed his gratitude for the unexpected speed of the process, noting, "Masaya po ako na hired-on-the-spot ako. Matutulungan ko na po ang pamilya ko". Similarly, Ma. Jamaica Pabunan, who was hired as a Pharmacy Assistant, described the event as an "answered prayer" and praised the organization of the initiative.  

More Than Just a Job

The collaboration between SM and DOLE has evolved, moving beyond traditional recruitment to create a comprehensive ecosystem of growth. Recognizing that modern careers require modern skills, the job fairs integrated crucial upskilling opportunities.  

Through partnerships with TESDA, the DICT, and Jobstreet, attendees gained access to training in high-demand areas such as:

Digital Proficiency: Canva basics and AI prompting.  

Cybersecurity Awareness: Essential training for the digital age.  

Livelihood Development: Practical skills, such as creating doormats and potholders, which participants like Rhodora Felipe are now using to support their families' daily expenses.  

Streamlining the Path to Success

To further empower job seekers, SM malls hosted a "One-Stop Government Service Express." This initiative allowed applicants to process necessary employment requirements—including those for SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and NBI—all under one roof, saving them valuable time and resources.  

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto emphasized the importance of this unified approach, stating, "Samantalahin natin ang lahat nang programa ng pamahalaan lalo na’t habang nandito tayo. Sa SM maraming salamat–ang importante nagtutulungan po tayong lahat at ginagawa natin ang lahat nang ating makakaya".  

Sustaining the Momentum

The success of this Independence Day initiative is part of a broader, ongoing commitment to national workforce development. As Dannah Majarocon of Jobstreet by SEEK noted, the goal is to promote "the freedom to grow, the freedom to upskill, and the freedom to find the job that suits you". 

For those who missed the event, the journey does not end here. SM Supermalls continues to host job fairs year-round, ensuring that opportunities for growth remain accessible.  

Upcoming Job Fair Schedule (June 2026):

June 16–17: SM City Novaliches (QC University Job Fair) & SM City Iloilo (ICT companies)  

June 17: SM City Calamba  

June 18: SM City Bacolod & SM City Daet  

June 19: SM City Baliwag (NU Job Fair)  

June 25: SM City Trece Martires  

June 27: SM City Bataan (Trabaho at Negosyo)  

June 30: SM Center Muntinlupa  

Note: Schedules may change without prior notice. For the latest updates, please visit the SM Supermalls Job Fair page or their official social media channels.  

Freedom Through Employment: How SM and DOLE are Empowering the Filipino Workforce

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

This Independence Day, the definition of freedom is evolving. For thousands of Filipinos, true independence is found not just in celebration, but in the power of choice—the choice to pursue a career, support a family, and build a brighter future. As the Philippines commemorates its 128th Independence Day, the long-standing partnership between SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reaches a new milestone, transforming malls into hubs of hope and tangible opportunity.  

A Nationwide Movement

On June 12, the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs will take place simultaneously across 20 SM malls nationwide, creating a massive, accessible bridge between employers and Filipino talent. This initiative is far more than a simple recruitment drive; it is a one-stop employment hub designed to streamline the journey toward gainful work.  

Beyond just interviewing for jobs, attendees gain access to essential government support services—including NBI, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG—making the path to employment smoother and more efficient.  

Building on Proven Success

The impact of this collaboration is already profound. In 2026 alone, from January to May, the SM-DOLE partnership successfully mounted 66 job fairs, serving over 57,000 job seekers and facilitating over 6,000 "hired-on-the-spot" (HOTS) success stories.  

These numbers represent real lives changed. For many, the result is immediate security and a path to long-term goals. "Nung sinabi po sakin na Hired on the Spot po ako sobrang saya ko po," one applicant shared. "Kasi magkakaroon na po ako ng trabaho para sa anak ko". Another successful applicant noted, "Ngayon natanggap na po ako sa Hypermarket, magiipon lang po, para ‘pag nakaipon na po pwede na po ulit makapag-aral".  

Skills for the Future

The commitment to the Filipino workforce extends into the future. Recognizing that today’s economy demands agility, the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs integrate upskilling programs in collaboration with DICT, TESDA, Jobstreet, and other industry partners. Job seekers have the opportunity to engage with training related to high-demand digital skills, including:  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity  

Digital Marketing and Data Analytics   

Virtual Assistance   

"Sa pamamagitan ng ating Job Fairs, nagbibigay tayo ng access sa trabaho, bagong skills, at mas maliwanag na kinabukasan," says SM Executive Vice President Joaquin San Agustin.  

Join the Movement

Whether you are a fresh graduate, a career shifter, or an experienced professional, the next chapter of your career could be waiting at an SM Job Fair.  

Participating Malls for the June 12 Job Fairs:

Metro Manila & Luzon: SM Megamall, SM City Marikina, SM Center Sangandaan, SM City East Ortigas, SM City San Lazaro, SM Center Las Piñas, SM City Sucat, SM City Rosales, SM City La Union, SM City Laoag, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Telabastagan, SM City San Jose Del Monte, SM City Dasmariñas.  

Visayas & Mindanao: SM City Legazpi, SM City Bacolod, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM CDO Downtown Premier, SM City Davao.  

Opportunities do not stop on June 12. SM has lined up 17 additional job fairs throughout the rest of June, focusing on sectors like tourism, ICT, and hospitality.  

When you visit, remember to bring multiple copies of your updated resume or CV, valid IDs, a pen, and any relevant certificates or credentials to ensure you are ready for on-the-spot interviews.  

Because opportunities move people forward, SM and DOLE continue to ensure that every Filipino has the chance to reach their dreams—all for you.  

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A Shared Future: How One Hour is Powering a Nation’s Energy Resilience

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In a time where geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions threaten the stability of our power grids, the call for national security has moved beyond policy—it has reached the very light switches in our homes and the façades of our cities. Recognizing the urgency of this State of National Energy Emergency, declared under Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026, SM Supermalls has stepped forward as the first mall operator to champion the Department of Energy’s (DOE) transformative Oras Natin sa Efficiency (O.N.E.) campaign. 

This is more than a simple conservation effort; it is a movement to turn awareness into a collective national habit.  

The Power of “One”

The campaign is anchored on a simple yet profound message: “One Hour, One Energy, One Nation”. 

The premise is straightforward: during a designated energy reduction window, participating SM properties will switch off non-essential lights—including pylons, façade lighting, and decorative displays—and minimize unnecessary power consumption. But the impact is intended to be far greater than a single hour of darkness. 

“At first, one hour may seem small. One switch turned off. One appliance unplugged. One light dimmed,” says Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls. “But when many people do it together, across homes, malls, offices, and communities, that one hour becomes something bigger. It becomes a shared habit. It becomes a national effort”.

From Awareness to Action

The initiative was brought to life through a ceremonial switch-off event at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe, attended by leaders from the Department of Energy, Pasay City local government, and community influencers. 

However, SM’s commitment extends well beyond the ceremonial stage:

Operational Accountability: SM will assign dedicated energy officers to monitor participation and report actual energy savings directly to the DOE.  

Educational Outreach: Leveraging its network of malls, SM will disseminate DOE-approved energy efficiency tips to tenants, employees, and millions of daily visitors, encouraging them to bring these sustainable habits home. 

A Culture of Sustainability: This campaign integrates seamlessly with the existing SM Green Movement and SM Cares, which advocate for long-term climate action through solar energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging initiatives.  

Moving the Nation Forward

As Pasay City Mayor Imelda G. Calixto-Rubiano noted during the launch, the success of this campaign relies on the vital participation of both the private sector and local communities.  

Ultimately, the O.N.E. campaign proves that energy security is not just the responsibility of the government or large corporations—it is a shared concern that affects every Filipino household and business. By embracing these small, consistent changes, the nation is not just saving power; it is actively protecting its energy future.  

“It is not just about one hour,” as highlighted during the event. “It is about what that one hour teaches us. That energy efficiency can be practical. That sustainability can be part of everyday life. That small habits, when shared by many, can help move a nation forward”.  

Together, one hour truly can count for one nation. 

A Legacy of Green: How SM Supermalls Redefined the Filipino Landscape

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Decades before environmental consciousness became a global mandate, one institution in the Philippines was already architecting a quieter, more resilient future. What began as a singular vision in the 1990s—the installation of a wastewater treatment plant at SM Southmall—would eventually cascade into a nationwide movement, fundamentally altering the relationship between commerce and nature.  

This was not merely a corporate strategy; it was the conviction of Mr. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings. Mr. Sy championed a radical philosophy: that the unrelenting pace of business growth and the delicate necessity of environmental stewardship are not enemies, but partners in progress.  

Engineering a Greener Future

Long before the Securities and Exchange Commission made sustainability disclosures a requirement for 2026, SM Supermalls had already woven conservation into its DNA. Today, the scale of this commitment is staggering:  

Water as a Precious Resource: The company recycles approximately 6.6 million cubic meters of wastewater annually—a volume that would fill nearly 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.  

Harvesting the Rain: At SM Baguio, the mall has pioneered the capture of over 19,000 cubic meters of rainwater, repurposing it for operational and kitchen use, thereby easing the burden on the surrounding community’s water supply.  

The Power of the Sun: The operator has transformed its vast rooftops into massive energy plants, deploying an estimated 200,000 solar panels across 65 hectares. This initiative not only provides a buffer against energy crises but drastically slashes the company's carbon footprint.  

Community-Led Change

SM Supermalls has moved beyond infrastructure to change the habits of the people who walk through its doors. Through its Trash To Cash Recycling Market, the operator has successfully diverted 1.5 million kilograms of recyclables from landfills every single year. By gamifying waste segregation, they have turned the simple act of visiting a mall into a collective contribution toward a cleaner nation.  

Furthermore, the integration of SkyGardens and expansive open spaces has served a dual purpose: providing iconic venues for Filipinos to gather while utilizing natural ventilation to purify the air, proving that architectural beauty can also be an ecological asset. 

Driving Toward Tomorrow

As the world shifts toward sustainable mobility, SM Supermalls is positioning itself at the forefront of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. With 160 EV charging stations already installed and plans for further expansion, the company is ensuring that the infrastructure of the future is ready today.  

For SM Supermalls, the journey is far from over. As they continue to grow their footprint across the Philippines and China, their pledge remains clear: to build spaces that do not just serve the present, but safeguard the well-being of future generations. Sustainability is not just an initiative for SM—it is the core of their vision to keep creating, connecting, and evolving for the communities they serve.  

What aspect of SM Supermalls' sustainability efforts—such as their solar energy integration or community recycling programs—do you find most impactful for the future of urban development in the Philippines?