SM Prime Holds DOST-backed Sustainability and Resilience Mall Exhibit

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently launched a series of mall exhibits on sustainability and disaster resilience, showcasing some of their most notable initiatives implemented over the years in line with these advocacies.

During the kick off event held last February 24 at SM Mall of Asia, SM and DOST highlighted numerous initiatives geared toward promoting sustainability and disaster resilience in the country, including those that are in line with addressing climate change. Through the exhibit, visitors can get to know how SM and its various business groups have been promoting sustainability and disaster resilience in its spaces and the communities it is present in.

Sustainability and disaster resilience are at the core of SM Prime’s business. From rain catchment facilities to renewable energy sources and everything in between, the company continuously allocates 10 percent of its capital expenses in features in its properties supporting these two advocacies. Aside from this, the company also employs a multi-stakeholder approach to sustainability and disaster resilience, working together with partners in the public and private sectors, and one of these is the DOST.

In his message, DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS OIC Dr. Renato Solidum mentioned how Filipinos repeatedly face the risks of natural hazards and the effects of climate change in the country, saying that our story should not be just one of survival, but that of becoming victors over disasters. For this, continuous education about disaster resilience and sustainability, he said, is a must.

“This project is evidence of the fusion of science and the arts, with the goal of influencing our kababayans to be informed, and to be prepared against disasters,” Dr. Solidum said.

Meanwhile, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan thanked the DOST for continuously partnering with SM towards promoting a more sustainable and disaster-resilient Philippines. He also said that amid the country’s collective efforts to revitalize the economy, stakeholders also should not forget about preserving the environment.

“As one of the country’s leading and trusted integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings takes its responsibility to the environment and community seriously. While we underscore the importance of ensuring livelihood, business continuity and economic prosperity, it is equally – if not, more importantly – that efforts to protect the environment are in place,” Mr. Tan said.

Aside from Mr. Tan and Dr. Solidum, the event was attended by SM Prime President Mr. Jeffrey Lim, SM Prim Senior Vice President Mr. Glenn Ang, and DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose Patalinjug.

The exhibit has launched simultaneously in SM City Baguio, SM City Bacolod and SM City Davao and it will be open to the public until March 20, 2022. The event is the first of a series of exhibits scheduled over the coming weeks. After the kick-off event in SM Mall of Asia, the exhibit will travel to several other SM malls nationwide.

To learn more about the exhibit and other activities at SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com.