{"id":71945,"date":"2025-06-06T00:16:02","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T00:16:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/?p=71945"},"modified":"2025-06-06T02:52:57","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T02:52:57","slug":"sm-weaving-growth-by-enabling-businesses-and-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/sm-weaving-growth-by-enabling-businesses-and-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"SM: Weaving growth by enabling businesses and communities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Amid global uncertainties, SM Investments Corp., the parent company of the SM Group, stays true to its commitment in enabling people, businesses and communities to grow together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Representatives of public-and private-sector entities in the Philippines assemble for the National MSME Summit at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City in 2024. | All photos: SM Investments<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Believing that progress is only meaningful when shared, SM plays a vital role as a driving force of opportunity and resilience. Its businesses help empower local enterprises, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainability at every level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuccess is only meaningful when it uplifts others,\u201d President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio said. \u201cEnabling growth means creating opportunities for our tenants, suppliers, employees and communities. We aim to be a platform for MSMEs (micro, small and midsize enterprises), a conduit for capital and a champion of Filipino enterprise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central to this catalyst role is SM\u2019s support for MSMEs, the backbone of the Philippine economy. By the end of 2024, SM supported over 100,000 MSMEs, providing platforms for growth, scale and sustainability. Through its banks \u2014 BDO Unibank and China Banking Corp. \u2014 SM extended \u00a5173 billion ($1.2 billion) in loans to small businesses, fueling jobs and community development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Kultura<\/strong>, one of SM\u2019s retail brands, features products from many MSMEs, celebrating Filipino artistry and sustainability<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Small enterprises, local culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SM\u2019s integrated ecosystem of businesses acts as both partner and catalyst. A good example is Kultura, one of its retail brands, where artisans and entrepreneurs showcase sustainable, handcrafted, culturally rich products on a national stage. Kultura goes beyond commerce, enabling heritage preservation and livelihood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within SM\u2019s 87 malls, close to 70% of the tenants are MSMEs. SM promotes their growth through capacity-building, emergency preparedness and digital tools. In 2024, SM launched a Business Continuity Planning initiative, helping MSMEs prepare customized strategies to survive disruptions. Tenants also gain free access to secure digital storage for faster recovery and insurance claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sustainable shopping, green habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SM encourages sustainable shopping by offering customers over 20,000 ecofriendly products via the SM Store\u2019s Green Finds program. From locally sourced to upcycled goods, these products promote greener choices. SM\u2019s Green Store initiatives improve energy and water efficiency, reduce packaging waste and encourage the use of reusable \u201ceco-bags,\u201d encouraging consumers to adopt sustainable lifestyles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We aim to be a platform for MSMEs (micro, small and midsize enterprises), a conduit for capital and a champion of Filipino enterprise.<\/p>Frederic C. DyBuncio<\/strong>, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments Corp.<\/mark><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

SM aligns to the Philippines\u2019 low-carbon shift through renewable-energy investments and innovative urban development. It has installed over 96,000 solar panels and expanded energy exploration with the Philippine Geothermal Production Co., targeting up to 400 megawatts of additional capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its banks have financed more than \u00a52.6 trillion ($18 billion) in sustainable projects, including 63 renewable-energy ventures totaling 2,679 MW \u2014 demonstrating how financial inclusion supports climate action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SM\u2019s integrated developments promote sustainable urban living through \u201c15-minute cities\u201d \u2014 walkable communities where housing, commerce, education and entertainment are all within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This reduces transport needs and lowers emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With 22 integrated properties nationwide \u2014 including malls, residences, hotels, offices and convention centers \u2014 SM incorporates resilient infrastructure like water catchments and recycling systems to mitigate climate risks and promote efficient resource use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The SM Weekend Market provides a platform for local farmers to sell their goods, helping them build and grow their businesses.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Job creation and livelihood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Through the SM Job Opportunities Building Skills program, SM connects job seekers to employers. SM partnered with the Department of Labor to connect over 149,000 Filipinos to job opportunities, while advancing skills and economic mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SM Foundation\u2019s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (Partner in Livelihood) Farming Program allows farmers to pursue livelihood opportunities. Over 30,000 farmers have successfully graduated from the program, many of whom are seasonal suppliers for SM and sellers at the SM Weekend Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SM is also investing in the formation of a future-ready generation through its educational institutions and scholarship programs that aim to equip students with the skills, networks and confidence to thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SM continues to weave growth opportunities by facilitating access to markets and supporting sustainability, inclusive finance and community transformation to create value not only for shareholders, but for society as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

www.sminvestments.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Amid global uncertainties, SM Investments Corp., the parent company of the SM Group, stays true to its commitment in enabling people, businesses and communities to grow together. Believing that progress is only meaningful when shared, SM plays a vital role as a driving force of opportunity and resilience. 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