PR Newswire - SM: Enabling Resilient and Sustainable Development

PASAY CITY, Philippines, June 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In Southeast Asia's dynamic growth story, the Philippines emerges as a compelling chapter, buoyed by its young population, robust consumer market, and enduring economic resilience. SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM group, remains optimistic about the Philippines' growth trajectory, actively supporting the nation's resilient economy.

"We are encouraged by strong consumer confidence, and our businesses are well-positioned to serve in all categories," said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments. "Positive sentiment is supported by modest inflation and the resilience of Filipino communities." 

Global institutions view the Philippines as a "bright spot" in the region. With a thriving domestic market, strategic economic reforms, and increasing investor confidence, the country offers fertile ground for inclusive and sustainable growth.

The country's growth strategy includes significant investments in human capital through enhanced education and robust job creation. The SM group is aligned through its educational institutions—Asia Pacific College and National University—and the extensive scholarship programs of SM Foundation, equipping a future-ready generation with relevant skills and opportunities.

As part of its social investments, SM has granted over 16,000 scholarships across the group to date. In 2024, SM Foundation awarded more than 1,000 scholarships, marking the largest batch of recipients. Through its corporate foundation and other companies, the SM group also renovated 415 health centers, built 2,850 schools, and trained over 49,000 farmers to date, thus promoting access to quality education, well-being and helping attain food security. 

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the Philippine economy. SM actively nurtures a vast network of over 100,000 MSME tenants and suppliers across its expansive retail and property portfolio. SM's banking segments, BDO Unibank, Inc. and China Banking Corporation have provided PHP72 billion in loans to MSMEs. Such initiatives foster local entrepreneurship and contribute significantly to economic diversification. 

SM's dedication to business resilience extends to its partners that ultimately strengthens the entire ecosystem. A Business Continuity Planning (BCP) program was launched in 2024 for MSME mall tenants, providing capacity-building and secure digital storage for critical documents, ensuring operational continuity even in the face of disruptions. 

SM has long embedded disaster-resilient design into its property developments and invests in environmental infrastructure that helps mitigate risks. This proactive approach includes significant investments in infrastructure such as 41 water catchments and 108 water recycling facilities nationwide.

Sustainability financing is also critical. The group's banking units has funded over PHP1 trillion projects under its Sustainable Energy Finance (SEF) program through BDO. China Bank has allocated PHP147 billion under its Sustainable Finance Portfolio, with products targeting renewable energy, clean transport, and green infrastructure.

SM's retail segment offers green lifestyle choices with over 20,000 eco-friendly products under the Green Finds program. SM Stores implement energy-saving systems and eco-bag campaigns. Brands like Kultura champion local products – highlighting heritage, eco-friendliness, and social entrepreneurship, including upcycled goods and community-sourced crafts.

"As SM continues to navigate the evolving business landscape, we ensure the group's advocacies uplift not just our company, but the lives and potential of the communities we operate in," Mr. DyBuncio said. "These initiatives support the current economic momentum while also contributing to a more resilient and future-proof Philippine economy for generations to come."