With 25 participating employers, more than a thousand job seekers, and 236 or 22% hired on the spot, the annual SM Group Job Fair at SM City North EDSA once again proved to be a powerful platform for connecting Filipinos to real and immediate employment opportunities.
Women-led businesses took center stage as the WomenBizPH Trade Fair successfully opened at SM Lanang Premier from March 12–14, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and growing impact of Filipina micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Organized by WomenBizPH in partnership with SM Supermalls, the three-day trade fair brought together inspiring women entrepreneurs showcasing a vibrant mix of proudly local products — from artisanal pastries and handcrafted accessories to healthy snacks, woven apparel, delicacies, and wellness products.
For three decades, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has steadfastly advanced responsible water stewardship for a more resilient water future through SM Supermalls, its operating arm.
SM Prime invested in its first Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the late 90’s with SM Southmall. STPs are essential for protecting public health and the environment, along with supporting community development. Since then, STPs have become a standard fixture in all 89 malls, reducing water waste and pollution, and safeguarding water resources.
SM Supermalls embeds water conservation practices across its operations. Recycled water is used in water closets for flushing, cleaning, and watering greens. Additionally, efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies prevent unnecessary consumption at scale.
“SM had always been conscious of its environmental impact on shared social good. Our water journey is rooted in our commitment to maximize what we borrow from the environment, creating resiliency for future generations,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President and Head of Sustainability and Resilience.
Today, SM is evaluating centralized STPs that can serve multiple developments and allow for inter-building treatment systems, lowering operational costs, and enhancing process efficiency. “Part of our water resilience framework is building long-term capacity for water disruptions. Since the standardization of STPs across our malls, SM took it a step further and scaled its water sustainability efforts,” said Silerio.
A first in the industry, SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility has already processed almost 20,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable water since it was launched, providing 30% of the mall’s total monthly clean water requirement since 2023. This translates to saving the equivalent of 12.7 million, 1.5-liter mineral water bottles or almost eight Olympic-sized swimming pools of freshwater from the grid.
Leveraging the mall’s nationwide reach, SM further campaigns sustainable water use through consistent awareness and engagement, SM creates public awareness and education campaigns through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares to activate future water stewards in the community.
This proactive and efficient approach resulted in SM malls receiving multiple industry distinctions such as the Bantayog ng Lawa Award from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the first ever Gawad Taga-Ilog Award bestowed upon a private entity by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“We’ve come a long way since the 90’s. It’s heartwarming to be recognized by our community and peers, but we continue to work harder for future generations because water is a universal human right. By implementing these sustainability measures, SM aims to move forward with greater purpose and greater possibilities,” said Silerio.
For 2026, let’s raise the standards.
This is the year you stop making compromises when it comes to your cravings. No rushed decisions. No “this is good enough.” And more importantly, no more meals that feel like an afterthought.
SM Supermalls is starting the year by bringing in new dining spots that can transport you to a new era full of fresher concepts, bolder flavors, and better choices. Proving time and time again why it deserves to be your most beloved mall with spots that raise expectations, break routines, and make eating out feel fun again.
So before your calendar fills up with plan after plan, consider this your ultimate craving promise: to never negotiate when it comes to where and how you eat. Because if there’s one thing we’re not bringing into the year, it’s settling.
NON-NEGOTIABLE 1: Snacks Shouldn't Feel Like A Placeholder
Snacking isn’t something you do just to get by–it’s something you do because you actually want to eat. This year, snacks have to show up with flavor, personality, and zero shortcuts. Whether it’s something cheesy, crispy, or straight-up addictive, quick bites should still feel worth the stop.
Pizza Planet
Prepare to blast off into a galaxy of flavors at Pizza Planet, located at the Annex, Upper Ground Level of SM North EDSA. When the craving hits, cheesy and gooey is the only right answer–and this fun, playful spot delivers every time. It’s your sure fix for comfort food done right, serving an out-of-this-world experience for kids, kids at heart, and anyone who takes their pizza seriously.
Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks
From Taiwan’s streets straight to your plate–Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks at the Foodcourt, SM City Fairview serves crispy, juicy hits you won’t want to miss. XXL Chicken, Handmade Oyster Mee Sua, and all the bold flavors.
NON-NEGOTIABLE 2: All-in Should Mean Actually Going ALL In
All-you-can-eat only works when it actually delivers. No half-hearted spreads. No playing it safe. This year, if you’re committing to unlimited, it has to feel generous, intentional, and satisfying from the first plate to the last.
King’s Feast Luxury Buffet by Buffet 101
Feast like royalty at King’s Feast Luxury Buffet by Buffet 101, soon to open at the 5th Level of The Block at SM North EDSA. This luxurious all-you-can-eat experience features mouthwatering local and international flavors that never skimp on quality or taste, promising a truly decadent dining adventure fit for kings and queens.
Mo-Mo Paradise
Say “more, more!” to good food at Mo-Mo Paradise–the first in PH at the Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall. When the plan is unlimited hot pot, this is the place you go straight to. Slow-simmered shabu-shabu and sukiyaki set the standard for sharing, slurping, and lingering over a proper meal.
NON-NEGOTIABLE 3: Bold Flavors Are Not Optional
This is the year we stop dialing it down. Big flavors, strong profiles, and dishes that don’t hold back—because great meals should leave an impression. If you’re craving something with heat, depth, or attitude, subtle isn’t part of the plan.
Siklab+
For local flavors with a twist you won’t want to miss, head on over to Siklab+ at the ground level of S Maison. This is the kind of place that resets your expectations, where Paboritong Pork Sisig, Kuhol ni Tanggol, and Kalamay sa Latik become the benchmark you compare everything else to.
Thaiwadee
When the craving is Thai, you don’t experiment... you go straight to Thaiwadee, soon opening at the Foodcourt of SM Southmall. Their Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong stay true to that mix of heat, tang, depth, and all that you’re looking for when you’re not in the mood to compromise.
Royal Indian Curry House Bistro
Satisfy your curry cravings at Royal Indian Curry House Bistro soon to open on the 5th Level of The Block at SM North EDSA. When you’re in the mood for Indian food, bold flavor and real spice aren’t optional—and this is where you go for it. From their rich Murgh Makhani to their fragrant Hyderabadi Biryani, every dish hits exactly the way it should.
NON-NEGOTIABLE 4: Eating Healthy Should Never Be Boring
Healthy doesn’t mean boring, and it definitely shouldn’t feel like a compromise. With the first Salady in PH at the Level 5 of the Fashion Hall in SM Megamall, choosing lighter meals no longer feels like you’re missing out.
NON-NEGOTIABLE 5: Coffee Stops Should Actually Feel Like A Pause Worth Taking
Coffee isn’t just about the drink, it’s about slowing down, sitting longer than planned, and pairing it with something you’ll still think about later. Cafe Kulture brings that energy to the Level 3, South MOA Sky of SM Mall of Asia, turning coffee and pastries into a moment, not just a routine.
The standards are set, so let your cravings do the rest.
You don’t need a plan for this part, you’ll know when you’re hungry. And when your craving finally calls, your favorite SM Supermalls has already answered with more new spaces, new names, and better food options than ever.
No overthinking, no settling. Just choosing what feels right in the moment, and knowing there’s always something new waiting the next time you come back.
Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events.
Largest number of pickleball courts at 61 across 25 properties by end of 2025
Pickleball continues to find its home in SM Supermalls.
Through the SM Sports and Lifestyle Center (SLC), SM expands its permanent pickleball court locations to SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa, giving the all-inclusive sport, its athletes, and enthusiasts even more venues for their next friendly or competitive matches. Because of this, SM closed 2025 with 61 court locations across the Philippines with 37 total permanent courts—the largest among mall operators.
SM empowers the thriving local pickleball scene with maxed-out sports experiences for picklers and the active lifestyle community nationwide. Through its launch of SM Active Hub, the country's largest sports playground, partnered with SM SLC's mission of revolutionizing fitness and sports engagement in the country, it encourages tournament play, friendly competition, and fun bonding moments.
"SM launched SM Active Hub in March last year with the strong intention of giving athletes, sports enthusiasts, and even casual players alike high-quality and easily accessible spaces that can house their best sports experiences—whether that's lighthearted fun or high adrenaline competition," said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. "Closing 2025 with our largest pickleball court locations while adding two new permanent courts in SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa in Metro Manila is evidence that sports remains not just a strong interest, but a new way of life for our customers."
Opened in partnership with Paloo, the pickleball court locations of SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa boast three outdoor and four indoor permanent courts respectively, both intuitively designed to accommodate experienced and novice players, with accessible rates.
The Home of Elevated Sports Experiences
Through Active Hub, SM gave local picklers the ultimate spot to maximize movement and active lifestyles, meeting the athletic appetite of customers through its modular court approach. With the integration of the SM Malls Online app, players can easily sign up to be part of the community, discover upcoming events, and gain exclusive access to the best deals that maximize experiences they'll love.
"On top of the permanent courts, we also have 24 semi-permanent courts all over the country to accommodate the maximum amount of activity our customers seek,” said San Agustin.
This holistic approach has made SM the favorite go-to pickleball hangout place for customers, almost doubling the 44 courts initially constructed through the rise of interest in the sport. Also following strong demand and fully booked courts until the end of 2025, SM's upcoming thrust focuses on building more permanent courts to increase its inventory to close to 80 in 2026.
"The high volume of bookings across all our courts hints that pickleball isn't an exclusive sport—anyone can play. And because it is inclusive and easy to learn, SM saw this as an opportunity to naturally drive active lifestyles for our customers," said San Agustin.
A Favorite for Maxed-out pickleball gatherings
Active Hub caters to a wide group of picklers—from competitive enthusiasts to casual first timers looking to play or find a new and fun bonding activity with their friends, every kind of player can find an event that encourages them to keep playing.
Out-of-the-box creative concepts like the Glow Ball pickleball event giving the game a fun and exciting glow in the dark twist, while enrichment activities such as free coached Pickleball Clinics encouraged newbies and young players to try the sport out.
Active Hub is also home of the major competition SM Pickleball Super Series in partnership with Toby's Sports running alongside local tournaments and events.
It initiated the Pickleball Power Tour with Filipino-American, world-ranked pro-athlete Lauren Mercado igniting passion for the sport among the next generation of players. The event was such a massive hit that SM will be hosting a second iteration within the first half of 2026.
"This is a testament to SM's desire of hosting the most creative and commercially attuned sports events that our customers can always look forward to. As long as the Filipino desire for community and activity remains ablaze, SM is determined to continually give that passion for sports a home," said San Agustin.
GR Machines deployed in SM Malls nationwide set to make recycling easy, fun, and rewarding
Your empty PET bottles have somewhere better to go than landfills—and SM is taking them there.
Through the newly-deployed Green Recycling Machines (GR Machines), SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) uses the nationwide reach of SM Supermalls to make sustainable action easy, accessible, and rewarding for mallgoers all over the country.
"The GR Machines enrich the SM Group's existing waste management efforts under the SM Green Movement," said SM Supermalls President, Steven Tan. "Through the deployment of these machines, we hope to collaborate with our customers in caring for the environment by helping recycle PET bottles whenever they enter their most loved SM Supermalls."
Each GR Machine can be operated with ease by any user and can accept PET bottles up to two liters. Together, the GR Machines nationwide can collectively hold up to 5,000 bottles in one collection cycle which are compressed in-machine. The compressed PET blocks are then collected and given a second life by SM's hauling partner Sentinel which transforms the blocks into reusable items such as food trays.
Little makes much: Preserving the environment one diverted bottle at a time
According to the World Bank, the Philippines leaks more than 300 million metric tons of plastic waste into the sea annually—equivalent to around 9 percent of its improperly handled plastic waste. The Philippines was also noted as one of East Asia and the Pacific region's top contributors to ocean plastic pollution.
Recognizing that sustainability and protecting the environment is beyond the effort of one entity, SM has leveraged its presence nationwide through its properties to engage its customers and surrounding communities in maximizing the collection of recyclables especially plastics.
Through SM Cares, its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM empowers communities to adopting sustainable practices through simple and accessible ways to take part in protecting the environment. Arresting the growing issue on pollution, the SM Group has enhanced waste segregation efforts to increase its collection and diversion of plastics from the environment since 2007 with its pioneer program, the Trash to Cash recycling market.
SM Group's Trash to Cash initiative was organized by SM Cares as the pilot community program that encouraged customers to segregate recyclables like metal, paper, and plastic and exchange these for cash on a monthly basis. SM Supermalls also followed up this effort with the launch of two Reverse Vending Machines in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall which empowered customers to segregate aluminum cans and empty PETs in exchange for discounts on sports and leisure attractions. On top of these, SM also hosts nationwide coastal clean-up drives annually through the strength and effort of its workforce volunteers.
With the latest in mobile recycling technology, SM's GR Machines encourage customers to turn good intentions into daily environmentally-conscious actions in three easy steps:
- Feed any PET bottle up to 2 liters into the machine
- Confirm your deposit by pressing the prompt on the screen
- Await your reward
"This is just a glimpse into how SM aims to enrich the Circular Economy through the elevated role we play in integrating seamless waste management efforts, all for Filipinos. We are hopeful that with the addition of the SM GR Machines, our continued partnership with our customers in protecting the environment yields a more sustainable future" said Tan.
Customers can start depositing their plastic bottles in SM GR Machines across the following malls: SM North EDSA, SM City San Lazaro, SM Megamall, SM The Podium, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, S’Maison, SM Seaside City Cebu and SM Lanang.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. checks partners’ booths during the previous SM Job Fair in December 2025, engaging with employers and jobseekers and underscoring the shared commitment to making employment more accessible for Filipinos.
SM Supermalls rolls out its February SM Job Fairs nationwide, enabling community opportunities through accessible employment channels making the application process faster and more convenient, All For job-hunting Filipinos. Held across SM malls, the monthly #SMJobFair series connects jobseekers with employers from retail, services, logistics, manufacturing, and other key industries.
Hundreds of jobseekers gather at SM City Cabanatuan as SM Supermalls holds a job fair in celebration of the Banatu Festival, marking the city’s 76th founding anniversary and turning local festivities into real employment opportunities.
Just got hired! A job seeker beams with pride after landing a new job during the Job Fair at SM City Cabanatuan.
In celebration of the Banatu Festival, celebrating the 76th founding anniversary of Cabanatuan City, SM
Supermalls kicked off February with a highly successful job fair at SM City Cabanatuan, demonstrating
how career opportunities can be meaningfully woven into local festivities. Held last February 3, the job fair brought together 32 employers and a thousand jobseekers, with 90 applicants hired on the spot—
underscoring the impact of aligning employment initiatives with community celebrations. By integrating career opportunities into high-traffic events such as local holidays and festivals, SM Supermalls enhances the malling experience by offering purposeful activities that customers can conveniently engage with in their most-loved SM destinations. Beyond serving as venues for celebration, SM malls evolve into community platforms that create pathways to livelihood, growth, and long-term opportunity for Filipinos nationwide.
Flagship SM Group Job Fair set for February 26 at SM North EDSA
Culminating the month’s activities is the highly anticipated SM Group Job Fair led by SM Retail on February 26 at SM City North EDSA—one of the strongest and most sought-after hiring events in the SM Job Fair calendar. Employers from across the SM Group—including retail, real estate, food, logistics, and banking—will be offering a wide range of opportunities, reinforcing why so many Filipinos aspire to join the SM family.
As the largest retail chain in the Philippines, SM Retail continues to champion a workplace where people truly belong, thrive, and grow. Job seekers can look forward to purposeful challenges, meaningful career opportunities, and a culture where efforts are recognized and celebrated—making it #SoMuchFun to build a career at SM Retail. Because at SM Retail, we’ve got it all for you—#OnlyAtSMRetail.
From resumes to real conversations, applicants engage directly with employers during on-the-spot interviews. Resumes ready, confidence on point—jobseekers take their next big step forward.
One-Stop Job Application Made Easy
SM Job Fairs go beyond job matching by offering on-site government services, allowing applicants to complete key employment requirements in one location.
Participating agencies typically include the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Social Security System, and PhilHealth, among others— saving jobseekers time, cost, and multiple trips.
Government agencies on-site help jobseekers complete essential employment requirements in one convenient stop.
February SM Job Fair Schedule
• February 12 – SM City Tayta
• February 13 – SM City Trece Martire
• February 16 – SM City Olongapo Centra
• February 20 – SM City Legazp
• February 25 – SM City Dava
• February 26 – SM City North EDS
• February 27 – SM Center Muntinlup
• February 27 – SM City Trece Martire
• February 28 – SM Seaside City Ceb
Successful hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) applicants proudly pose after securing jobs at the SM Job Fair, highlighting how SM Supermalls continues to create real, immediate employment opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.
Jobseekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and valid IDs and visit the nearest SM Job Fair this February. For updates and mall-specific details, follow SM
Supermalls on social media and join the movement through #SMJobFair. SM Supermalls Champions MSMEs—and the Filipino workforce. A day filled with hope, handshakes, and hiring.
The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 is back and it is bigger than last year. Set at the Seaside Boulevard of SM Mall of Asia, the country’s biggest fireworks competition levels up into a fully maxed out experience built for how Gen Z shows up, hangs out, and shares moments.
This year’s edition is a maxed-out experience, bringing an all-out global showdown of world-class pyrotechnics, music, and color. Each competing country lights up the night sky with high-impact visuals, perfectly synced to sound, designed to stop scrolls. Bigger bursts. Cleaner timing. Stronger crowd reactions. Every show competes for the title of Best Pyromusical Display, and every night delivers main-character energy.
The 2026 experience goes beyond fireworks. It is about the full vibe. Friends meet early, eat out, walk the strip, shoot content, and stay late. The fireworks are the peak moment but the night is the story. It is social, loud, and built for repeat weekends. This is not a one and done event. It is a weekly reset.
SM Mall of Asia continues to be the venue of choice for Gen Z, families, and friend groups. The open waterfront, easy access, and mix of food, entertainment, and hangout spots make it the go to place for shared experiences. Families turn it into a tradition. Friends turn it into plans. Gen Z turns it into content.
Adding to the fully maxed out experience is SM Mall of Asia’s wide dining lineup, giving guests plenty of options before and after the show. These include RICO'S LECHON, HAIDILAO, RACKS, ITALLIANIS, WATAMI, CBTL, MODERN SHANG, OLIVE GARDEN, BULGOGI BROTHERS, LECHONERIA, YAKINIKU LIKE, PEPPER LUNCH, DOHTONBORI, JATUJAK, PAIK'S COFFEE, KIWAMI, YAKINIKU KING, MAPLE TREE, DU HSIAO YUE, ROSSOPOMODORO, GERRY'S GRILL, TGI FRIDAYS, MESA, DONG WON, FELY J'S, BBQ CHICKEN, HOSHINO, CELADON, TAJIMAYA, KRAZY GARLIC, LONGHORN, and DESSERT 39.
The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 features top pyrotechnic teams from across the globe:
February 21. Opening Exhibition with the Philippines and Hermanos Caballer of Spain.
February 28. Fireworks Spectaculars of Canada versus Steffes Olig Feuerwerke of Germany.
March 7. LUX Factory of France against Martarello SRL of Italy.
March 14. Pirotecnia Minhota of Portugal facing the Pyrotex Fireworx of the United Kingdom.
March 21. Polaris Fireworks of China followed by the Closing Exhibition from the Philippines.
More than just a fireworks competition, this event shows why the Philippines is a destination for big, world-class lifestyle experiences. Bigger crowds. Bigger moments. Bigger energy. Your most loved mall, SM, brings it All for You with a fully maxed-out experience at SM Mall of Asia.
First in the country, SM Sensory Lab launch marks a new chapter in inclusive spaces built for people on the Autism spectrum
SM Supermalls enters its new era as a truly inclusive Mall for All with ground-breaking milestones launched during this year's National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW).
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM celebrated acceptance and appreciation with nationwide efforts that aimed to elevate the mall-going experience of Filipinos on the autism spectrum in accommodating spaces built to be loved.
"This year's celebration of the NACW is a great step forward for SM Supermalls as we hosted 'Lights Up, Sounds Down' (LUSD) and opened the very first 'SM Sensory Lab'--the country's only dedicated mall space for people with sensory processing challenges," said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President. "On top of our year-long programs to uphold inclusivity across all malls, these milestones echo our ultimate desire of ensuring every single customer finds their most loved space at SM."
SM Sensory Lab: An innovation in accommodating mall spaces
Crowning the celebration was SM's launch of a ground-breaking innovative space designed to serve children and adults experiencing sensory processing challenges. In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and with the support of the Autism Society Philippines, the SM Sensory Lab was officially opened in SM Mall of Asia as the country's first-ever calming corner.
"Opening the SM Sensory Lab was a natural next step in our relentless pursuit of making our malls truly inclusive. We collaborated closely with the DSWD, NCDA and Autism Society Philippines to ensure we were making all the right considerations for something that's never been done before," said Tan.
With soft lighting, calming seating, and sensory-friendly features, the SM Sensory Lab brought accessibility into everyday mall life — showing that inclusion goes beyond awareness and is rooted in thoughtful design and lived experience. The space was built to accommodate a total of 10 people to give persons with sensory processing challenges and their guardian enough space to feel at ease.
Enhanced through the SM Malls Online App, customers who may need the space simply have to scan a QR code through the app to use the space completely free of charge.
Lights up, Sounds Down: Specialized events bringing families together
At the heart of the week’s activities was also Lights Up, Sounds Down — sensory-friendly movie screenings designed to remove common barriers that make traditional cinema settings overwhelming.
In partnership with SM Cinema, the series of screenings was tailored specifically for the ease and comfort of customers on the autism spectrum. Across selected malls, families were welcomed into theatres with adjusted lighting and reduced sound levels, creating an environment that fostered comfort, joy, and shared experience.
"Something as simple as going to the cinema can be a stressful experience not just for people on the spectrum but for their families as well. Through this effort SM intentionally enhanced an accommodating movie-going experience through SM Cinemas so people with autism and their families can finally watch a film in a movie house together," said Tan.
When SM Supermalls first hosted LUSD, the initiative was a one-mall event. Now, the effort has grown to accommodate more than 5,000 participants with their families in screenings spanning multiple malls across the Philippines. This year, two new malls expanded the reach of the event with SM City BF Paranaque and SM City Butuan joining the network of SM Supermalls hosting their own screenings.
Additionally, inclusivity measures are implemented consistently nationwide through SM Cares. Information campaigns empower empathy and greater acceptance of individuals with autism. Mall front-liners like security guards, mall tenants, and mall operations are also trained and given refresher courses on how to support customers on the spectrum.
“Being an inclusive mall isn’t just a one-week observance,” said Tan. “Our efforts for this celebration are reinforced by our strengthened resolve to continually ensure every SM Supermall in the country empowers its people and surrounding communities to be accepting, appreciative and accommodating to our customers regardless of their needs.”
When the pandemic put the country in a standstill, many of the everyday yet vital services Filipinos had access to were revoked—one of which was transportation.
The absence of public transportation due to social distancing effectively limited every household's capability to commute for essentials, and many relied on biking as their lifeline.
Recognizing the urgency in supporting its customers and surrounding communities during the challenges of the pandemic, SM Supermalls strengthened the drive for Active Mobility across all of its malls nationwide. Since then, the mall leader has become a home and advocate for Active Mobility, remaining consistent in forging spaces that not only accommodate, but protect bikers.
Because of this effort, SM has won the trust and confidence of its stakeholders in advocating for sustainable travel, culminating in a record-breaking 34-win citation at the 2025 Mobility awards.
"What began as a heartfelt initiative to support bikers during COVID, has now become an integrated bike program spanning every single SM mall in the country," said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin. "Active Mobility plays a crucial role not just in preserving the environment but in the enrichment of every Filipino. Thus, SM aims to continually foster the culture of biking across its properties by creating beloved places where movement is safe, easy, and inclusive for everyone."
Active Mobility Advances Through Coaction
Through a collaboration between its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, its mall operations, and biking communities, SM continues to refine itself as a bike-friendly space championing maxed-out Active Mobility, cycling, and inclusive transport.
"It started with us setting up parking spots exclusive to bikes to ease access for cyclists picking up essentials in our malls. Then when the volume of cyclists picked up even as the lockdown eased, we knew we had to do more for them," said Mina Kahn, SM Division Head and Assistant Vice President for Transportation Management.
For the mall leader, this meant improving transport access through sustainable means it could easily replicate across its properties nationwide. This involved carving out dedicated spaces equipped with essential tools to safeguard and repair bikes, protecting bikes from scratches with upcycled tires cushioning racks, the introduction of intuitive bike lanes for biker safety, and the promotion of the culture of cycling.
From there, bike-friendly features have become staples even in recent developments and renovations with plans to implement more secure bike parking, install more racks, and clearer cycling lanes around the malls. Cycling groups also found a conducive haven for activities at SM properties. Biking events were regularly encouraged and hosted, with surrounding tenants adjusting operating hours to accommodate cyclists, further promoting biking not just as a mode of transportation but as a lifestyle and sport one could enjoy.
This in turn earned SM a total of 34 accolades at the recent Mobility Awards: One Gold, 11 Silver and 22 bronze for nationwide mall efforts in promoting and protecting cycling as a culture across its properties.
Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) cited SM's sustainable approach as a demonstration of its leadership, innovation and long-term commitment to making active transport safer and more accessible to Filipinos. Its Pedal Power 2025 program was highlighted for this year's Notable Advocacy Program and the SM Supermalls Sustainable Mobility and Bike-Friendly program received a citation for Notable Development by the Private Sector.
