SM provides learners with environment conducive to learning

SM school building in Sorsogon City

More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills.

UST’s Henry Sy Sr. Hall to boost health education

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the upcoming Henry Sy., Sr. Hall in UST is envisioned to propel the health education of future physicians in the country.

Pursuing its objective of driving Philippine social development by fostering the youth and the culture of excellence through education, the Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently inked a partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation to construct a building that elevates health education in the country.

Planting dreams with ‘Grow Trees Community’ in Benguet

John Dizon, Jr. of Benguet-based environmental conservation group NAMALISA plants trees in support of SM Foundation’s and Fast Retailing Foundation’s Grow Trees Community project.  

Like his father before him, John Dizon, Jr. and his family have been long-time stewards of protected trees in their community in Tuba, Benguet. When the time came for him to take up the mantle, he did so willingly to honor his father’s legacy.

Why kids should play Math games?

Math games excite young minds. They provide a structure and process for children to engage in problem solving so they reach a particular objective or goal. While reaching for those goals, it can be challenging, but those challenges are also what makes game-playing fun and more exciting.

Math being an important part of learning for children should be introduced in their early years because it provides vital life skills. Not only it will help children in problem solving, but it will also measure and develop the kid’s spatial awareness.

Looking for FREE online Math games for your kids to enjoy at home? Here are some of my suggestions:

MATH DUCK

This Math game with a total of 18 levels is a very casual game for young learners. The player simply has to move the duck forward, backward, or upward to get the correct numbers and the key that will be used to open the door.

Move left or backward by pressing the left arrow key or the A key. Move right or forward by pressing the right arrow key or the D. To jump, press the up arrow key or the W key on your keyboard. The game can be restarted by pressing the R key or the restart button in the upper right. Sound control and exit game button can also be found on the upper right. 

The player has only 10 seconds to solve all equations, collect the key to open the door, and enter the open door. The further you go, the more exciting the games becomes because of additional features that will help the player finish the tasks faster within the given period of time.

This game has various obstacles such as fixed spikes, moving gray spikes, and red spikes which fall from the roof when you are near them. Avoid running into any of those obstacles or run out of time to pass the level. Though you can retry each level every time you fail.

QUICK MATH PRACTICE

This game which is some sort of a typing skills challenge, has four (4) difficulty levels that you can choose prior to playing:

For Easy level, the player types the positive and negative integers shown above falling ghosts.

For Normal level, the player has to solve the addition and subtraction equations above each ghost involving 2 numbers.

In the Hard level, the player needs to solve the multiplication and division equations above each ghost involving 2 numbers.

The Nightmare mode would be a bit difficult for very young kids because they have to solve the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division equations above each ghost involving 4 numbers.

You start the game with 10 lives and every time a ghost falls to the ground; you lose a life. If you want to test your grace under pressure, this is the game for you.

CRAZY MATH GAME

This game seems easy, but it’s actually not. It’s easy because the problems involved are basic Math equations. But the options make the game confusing, not to mention you only have a few seconds click or choose the correct answer. The game ends as soon as a player gets a single incorrect answer or when the timer reaches zero.

All of these games can be played absolutely FREE of charge. You don’t need any registration or account to play every game. All you need is your browser and your internet so you can challenge your mind anytime and anywhere.

UNDRR, SM Prime laud women leaders in disaster resilience

SM Prime Holdings (SMPHI) recently announced its support for the global search for women leaders in disaster resilience. 

For the second consecutive year, SMPHI is sponsoring Women’s International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Awards, a flagship program of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). 

SM Prime Holdings holds 2022 International Coastal Cleanup together with SM Cares, SM By the Bay

 

SM Prime Holdings, together with SM Cares and SM By the Bay once again took part in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), bringing together thousands of volunteers into an event that underscored the importance of protecting the world's seas, oceans, and other bodies of water. The event was held last September 17 at the SM By the Bay Central Park, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

A total of 2,438 volunteers joined this year's ICC, composed of students, professionals, and others from different private and public organizations. At the end of the activity, an estimated 12,158 kgs of trash, equivalent to a total of 1,613 trash bags filled, was successfully collected.

Among those who graced the event were Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson Sec. Robert Borje, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director for Technical Services Engr. Ignacio R. Almira, DENR-NCR Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group Head Chris Villarin, DENR-NCR Communication Development Officer II Ariz Abad, SM Investments President and CEO and 2GO Group President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio, SM Prime Holdings Inc. SVP Glenn Ang, SM Supermalls SAVP for Operations Perkin So, SM By the BAY Mall Manager Marie Charlene Claire K. Canoy-Narvasa and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Philippines’ Markets and Assurance Executive Director Allan Cao.

SM By The Bay and SM Cares’ ICC event for this year was done in collaboration with different private and government agencies

The ICC is a yearly global event that encourages individuals to be part of the movement for cleaner seas and oceans. Every year, thousands of Filipino volunteers from various sectors and communities join the efforts to help ensure the cleanliness of the shorelines and waterways in the country.

“The International Coastal Clean Up is part of the overall SM Green Movement. As a proven responsible property developer and community partner, SM Prime’s various Sustainability programs across its malls, residences, hotels and leisure properties promote resource conservation & environmental protection for an improved quality of life in the communities it serves,” said SM Supermalls SAVP for Operations Perkin So.

This year's event was made possible by SM Offices, 2GO, PwC, Maynilad, and International Coastal Clean Up Philippines. DENR-NCR, the Climate Change Commission, and the Philippine Coast Guard were also present to provide their support.

Aside from the annual observance of ICC, other sustainability projects of SM Cares include the Trash-To-Cash Recycling Market where individuals can drop off their recyclable waste in exchange for cash; the Plastic Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Programs which promotes responsible plastic and electronic waste management affecting our seas, just to name a few.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

To learn more about these, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares. 

Angkas: PH poised to leap forward in tech and start-up space in 2022

IMMAP DigiCon’s co-presenter, Angkas, draws the roadmap for the tech-enabled industries and players in the coming years.

Despite the global pandemic, the Philippines is poised to be one of five ASEAN countries to become tech powerhouses in the next fifteen years, according to the Center for Economics Business Research (CEBR).

DepEd, DOH, USAID launch National BIDA Kid Campaign to promote safe reopening of schools

The Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) formally launched the national BIDA Kid COVID-19 prevention campaign to support the safe expansion of face-to-face classes nationwide.

DepEd, DOH, and USAID kicked off the BIDA Kid national campaign at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on Tuesday. The campaign encourages learners, teachers, and education stakeholders to keep practicing COVID-19 health and safety guidelines in schools and public spaces.

“One of our utmost priorities is the safety of our learners amid the risk of COVID-19. The BIDA Kid campaign is another whole-of-government initiative to encourage everyone to keep our children protected while we progressively reintroduce classroom-based learning,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/5ne67VYr8ns

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn joined Secretary Briones to unveil the official music video and key visual of the campaign, which highlights the 3Bs: Bakuna (Vaccination), Bayanihan (Solidarity), and BIDA behaviors (Bestfriend natin ang masks, Ingatan at hugasan ang kamay, Dumistansya upang makaiwas sa sakit, Airflow ay panatilihin)(Wear masks, observe hand washing and social distancing to avoid getting sick, and maintain room airflow).

Secretary Duque highlighted the importance of the 3Bs. He reminded education stakeholders to continue observing safety measures in schools and at home amid the improving COVID-19 situation in the country.

“A safe school environment is crucial for our children’s development both academically and emotionally. This is only possible if we continue to champion COVID-19 vaccination in our communities and commit to practicing the minimum public health standards everywhere and at all times,” Secretary Duque said.

USAID Mission Director Washburn said he was grateful for the strong partnership between USAID and the national government, as a whole-of-society approach ensures that physical classes can be conducted safely.

“Face-to-face classes give students better motivation to study, having the opportunity to interact directly with their teachers and classmates. Classrooms offer a supportive environment for learning as well as social and emotional well-being,” said USAID Mission Director Washburn. “As your friend, partner, and ally, the U.S. government, through USAID, will continue to collaborate with our Philippine government counterparts, so Filipinos are better able to manage the impacts and bounce back quickly from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As of March 28, around 13,692 public and private schools are conducting in-person classes, according to the latest DepEd field report. Thanks to the country’s Resbakuna Kids campaign, about 10 million children have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and the DOH continues to secure additional vaccine doses for them.

The BIDA Kid campaign, including BIDA kits, the music video, jingle, and key visuals, will be rolled out to all schools and DepEd offices. Field offices are encouraged to display and develop localized materials to further amplify the campaign’s messages.

SM Shoppingera Quiz: Can You Guess The Prices of These Shopping Items?

A little retail therapy never hurt anyone. Shopping is, in fact, good for you. Here are a few reasons why:

For starters, research says a trip to your favorite shop can benefit both your mental and physical health. After all, it’s been proven that shopping induces the release of endorphins, the same hormones responsible for the joy you get from laughing, falling in love, or devouring a delicious meal. Plus, it’s good cardio. According to a U.K. study, women can burn as much as 48,000 calories a year from all the walking and lifting that comes with bargain-hunting. Additionally, like any other hobby, shopping can keep your mind sharp. Browsing through racks, shelves, and inspecting prices engages your brain, helping improve your memory and thinking skills.

Want to challenge your own shopping smarts? Take this short quiz to find out how well you know your brands and product prices, as well as get a chance to win P5,000 worth of SM gift certificates! It’s simple: All you have to do is guess the prices of the items listed below, share your results on social media, and use the hashtag #WomensWorldAtSMQuiz2022.

Speaking of shopping, score amazing deals from Women’s World, SM’s Women’s Month celebration, when you shop at your favorite SM Supermalls from March 1 to 31, 2022. Click here for more details.

Sustainable living for everyone

Today, living an eco-friendlier life has become much more manageable. With many simple yet effective ways to make our everyday lives more sustainable, and with many groups ready to help us take that first step toward a greener future, there is every reason to start today. Living a personal sustainable lifestyle can be impactful only if we do it together to preserve our planet for generations to come.

One of the best things to live sustainably is to reduce your carbon footprint. Many seemingly harmless daily activities can contribute to a higher carbon footprint or other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, leading to dramatic climate changes. An increased carbon footprint includes high electric consumption, driving our cars over short distances, and the excessive use of aerosols and air conditioners, to name a few. Try to identify and minimize these activities if you can, or look for more eco-friendly alternatives, if available.

You can also lower your carbon footprint by using energy efficiently. Use energy-efficient appliances, replace your old lighting fixtures with LED lights, and turn off energy-consuming items when not in use. Doing these eliminates energy waste in your home and helps you save more on utility expenses.

The 2020 Climate Transparency Report disclosed that the Philippines generated 1.18 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita in 2017. The country will need to reduce its emissions to below 132 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and below -198 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. It is to meet the 1.5°C-compliant climate change mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement, of which the country is a signatory.

 

Together with the Plastic Credit Exchange, SM Cares helps gather empty, clean, and dry plastic waste at select SM Supermalls nationwide. Plastic waste may be dropped off every day from 10AM to 5PM.

Another way to make your lifestyle more sustainable is to correctly manage and segregate your garbage. Sort and separate your waste by type (e.g., paper/carton, plastic, glass, metal, electronics, etc.). It helps to find out more about your community's waste collection and management policies. You can even make extra cash if you dispose of your non-organic waste through the proper channels.

You can also minimize the waste you generate at home. There are many simple ways to do this. It includes reusing plastic bags, opting for eco-bags when shopping, and avoiding single-use items. By being mindful of our food consumption, we can also significantly reduce food waste and packaging.

The 2020 Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment report that the Philippines ranked third among the world contributors to plastic pollution, with 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste each year.

 
SM's Trash to Cash recycling market happens every first Friday and Saturday of the month from 10 AM to 2 PM across all SM Malls and select SDMC Malls nationwide.

As a responsible member of the community, SM has consistently implemented programs to inspire Filipinos to be more sustainable, educating them on the importance of sustainability and how to help protect the environment. It includes the long-running Green Film Festival, which features the free screening of environmental documentaries for students and other program partnerships that promote alternative options to plastic.

SM also has projects that directly engage its mall-goers, focusing on solid waste management. These are the monthly Trash to Cash recycling market and the collection of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs), the Electronic Waste Collection program, and the Plastic Waste Collection program held in partnership with the Plastic Credit Exchange. To date, SM Supermalls have collected more than 11,600 kg. of plastic waste, 2,000 kg. of electronic waste and 908,000 kg. of assorted recyclable waste.

Customers can drop off their electronic waste at bins in the Cyberzone and selected locations of SM Supermalls nationwide.

In addition, SM has been exploring renewable alternatives as its malls' energy source. For instance, in 2020, the company generated 9,620 MWh of energy from solar roof panels installed in ten different malls nationwide. The company has also completed solar panel retrofits in other malls. SM hopes to achieve its goal of having 50% of the energy it consumes being sourced from renewable sources by the end of this year.

"We have always been an advocate of sustainable living. Proof of this is the numerous environmental initiatives that the company has implemented. We build our malls with the environment and community in mind, and we make sure that our developments contribute to environmental protection," said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls' Corporate Compliance Head. "More importantly, we know that personal sustainability is key to achieving the green future that we want. We will continue to implement programs that encourage positive change within our community partners."

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, with programs to support communities, promote social inclusion and care for the environment. Its CSR advocacies include the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.