SM City Mindpro, DTI 9 Empowers MSMEs Through Business Continuity Plan Workshop

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 15 September 2026 – Reinforcing its commitment to supporting local enterprises and fostering sustainable economic growth, SM City Mindpro, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9, conducted a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Training-Workshop for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region.

The initiative brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry stakeholders for a comprehensive learning session aimed at strengthening business resilience and preparedness in the face of evolving challenges and uncertainties. Through the workshop, participants gained practical knowledge on how to safeguard their operations, protect their workforce, and ensure continuity during disruptions.

Leading the discussion was John Mayo Enriquez, President and Managing Partner of Ascent Consultancy, who served as the resource speaker. Drawing from his expertise in business strategy, organizational development, and risk management, Enriquez shared valuable insights on developing effective business continuity plans that enable enterprises to adapt, recover, and thrive amidst changing business conditions. 

For SM City Mindpro, the activity reflects its dedication not only as a business destination but also as a community partner that actively supports the growth and sustainability of local enterprises.

“At SM City Mindpro, we believe that empowering MSMEs means investing in the long-term strength of our local economy. Through initiatives like this, we aim to help entrepreneurs develop the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. We are proud to partner with DTI Region 9 in creating learning platforms that contribute to the success and sustainability of our business community,” shared Engr. Rommel Bellen, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Mindpro.

The partnership between SM City Mindpro and DTI Region 9 underscores a shared commitment to nurturing a resilient MSME sector, recognizing its vital role in driving innovation, generating employment, and stimulating inclusive economic growth in the region.

As MSMEs continue to serve as the backbone of local economies, initiatives such as the BCP Training-Workshop demonstrate how meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors can empower entrepreneurs and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous Region 9.

Through programs that promote learning, preparedness, and innovation, SM City Mindpro remains steadfast in its mission of creating shared value for communities and supporting the continued growth of local businesses that drive regional development.

SM Group receives 15 Philippine Quill Awards for stakeholder communications

SM Foundation's health and wellness programs continue to bring basic healthcare services directly to communities nationwide.

PASAY CITY, Philippines, 07 September 2026 — SM Group companies received 15 Philippine Quill Awards, including six Excellence Awards, for communications programs spanning community engagement, customer service, financial education, investor relations and digital communications.

The awards went to SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, and businesses across the Group, including SM Foundation, Inc., SM Supermalls (Shopping Center Management Corporation), BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation and Signature Series by SM Residences (Signatures Development Corp).

“Good communication helps people understand what our businesses do and why it matters to them,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “These awards reflect the work across the Group to communicate clearly with the customers, investors, partners and communities we serve.”

SM Foundation received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. Its “Utilizing Social Good as a Force for Transformation” campaign received Excellence Awards for Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, while #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online: Transforming Lives Through Heartfelt Storytelling received an Excellence Award for Social Media. Its social good report was also recognized under Publications.

“Communication is an important part of strengthening the impact of development programs,” said Debbie Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation. “It helps communities understand the opportunities available to them, gives people a voice, and brings partners closer to our mission. That is what spreading social good means to us, using communication to help social good initiatives reach and engage more people.”

BDO received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. “Life Insurance: The Key to Heaven?”and “Tuloy ang Plano: Making Plan B a Family Necessity” received Excellence Awards for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, while “Your Child’s Dreams Need a Plan B” received an Excellence Award for Audio/Visual Communication. BDO Remit’s “Alagang Kabayan: Where Every Kabayan Belongs” was also recognized for Social Media.

SM Investments was recognized for SM In Focus, a group-wide online channel as part of SM’s evolving approach to stakeholder communication, leveraging on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to provide timely, structured, and relevant insights on the group’s operations and impact.

SM In Focus host Rico Hizon (center) visits the Philippine Geothermal Production Company’s Tiwi site to gather groundbreaking business initiatives and sustainability stories for the online channel.

SM Supermalls received three awards for Active Hub, Mindanao and International Coastal 2025, covering Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Through Mindanao Art, SM Supermalls provides a platform for Filipino artists to showcase Mindanao's diverse creativity and cultural heritage.

“Our programs begin with understanding what our customers and communities need,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Communication helps us listen, respond and keep improving how we serve them.”

Chinabank received two awards. Its Investor Relations: Focused on Value campaign was recognized for Financial Communication and Investor Relations, while My CBC Campaign: An App Fit for Beauty Queens was recognized for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Signature Series was recognized for “Setting a New Mark in Premium Residential Living” under Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC), the Philippine Quill Awards recognize communication programs and practices across organizations in the country. This year’s winners were selected from more than 800 entries evaluated against IABC standards.

SM City Mindpro Hosts Zamboanga City Fire District’s 911 Fire Square Roadshow

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines 11 September, 2026 – Demonstrating its commitment to fostering a safer and more resilient community, SM City Mindpro partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Zamboanga City Fire District in hosting the 911 Fire Square Roadshow today at the mall's Level 3 Activity Area.

Held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, the event gathered mallgoers, students, and members of the community for an interactive learning experience centered on emergency preparedness, fire safety awareness, and public access to emergency services.

A key highlight of the activity was the launch of 911 E-Connect, an initiative of the Zamboanga City Fire District that provides the public with a direct and accessible link to emergency services. The platform is designed to enhance communication between residents and emergency responders, contributing to faster coordination during emergencies.

The roadshow also featured informative exhibit showcasing the equipment and tools used by firefighters and rescue personnel in responding to various emergency situations. Adding a unique and engaging element to the program, BFP personnel served as models in a special presentation of the Bureau's various uniforms, demonstrating the distinct roles and functions performed by firefighters and emergency responders.

Through interactive displays and public engagement activities, participants gained valuable insights into fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and practical safety measures that can help protect lives and property. 

Assistant Mall Manager Engr. Rommel Bellen emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting safety and preparedness within the community.

“At SM City Mindpro, the safety and well-being of our customers, tenants, and employees remain among our top priorities. We are honored to provide a venue for meaningful initiatives such as the 911 Fire Square Roadshow, which help educate the public and strengthen emergency preparedness. Through partnerships with agencies like the BFP, we can collectively build a safer and more informed community,” Bellen said.

The activity forms part of SM City Mindpro's continuing efforts to support programs that create awareness, encourage civic participation, and promote public safety. By bringing together government agencies, community stakeholders, and the public, the mall continues to serve as a platform for initiatives that contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of the Zamboanga community.

LIST: Philippines Official Holidays and Long Weekends for 2027 (Proclamation No. 1427)

Plan your vacations and long weekends early! President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 1427, s. 2026 on September 8, 2026, officially declaring the regular holidays and special (non-working) days across the Philippines for the year 2027.

Here is the complete list of national holidays to help you schedule your leaves, family gatherings, and trips across Cebu and beyond.

Regular Holidays for 2027

Under Section 1 of the proclamation, the following are designated as national regular holidays:

• January 1 (Friday) – New Year's Day

• March 25 – Maundy Thursday

• March 26 – Good Friday

• April 9 (Friday) – Araw ng Kagitingan

• May 1 (Saturday) – Labor Day

• June 12 (Saturday) – Independence Day

• August 30 (Monday) – National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August)

• November 30 (Tuesday) – Bonifacio Day

• December 25 (Saturday) – Christmas Day

• December 30 (Thursday) – Rizal Day

Special (Non-Working) Days

The following dates have been declared as nationwide special non-working days:

• August 21 (Saturday) – Ninoy Aquino Day

• November 1 (Monday) – All Saints' Day

• December 8 (Wednesday) – Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

• December 31 (Friday) – Last Day of the Year

Additional Special (Non-Working) Days

To foster family ties and boost domestic tourism, additional non-working days have been declared:

• February 6 (Saturday) – Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

• March 27 – Black Saturday

• November 2 (Tuesday) – All Souls' Day

• December 24 (Friday) – Christmas Eve

Special (Working) Day

• February 25 (Thursday) – EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary (41st Anniversary)

Observance of Islamic Holidays (Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha)

National holidays for Eidul Fitr (1st day of Shawwal) and Eidul Adha (10th day of Zhul Hijja) will be declared in separate proclamations once the approximate dates are calculated using the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or lunar astronomical calculations. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) will submit recommendations to the Office of the President.

Guidelines and Implementation

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will issue the official implementing guidelines detailing pay rules and holiday pay computations for private-sector employees.

Source: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2026/09/08/proclamation-no-1427-s-2026/

SM Malls in Zamboanga Join Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, Reinforcing Culture of Preparedness

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 10 September 2026 – Demonstrating their steadfast commitment to safety, preparedness, and disaster resilience, SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga successfully participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) today at 2:00 PM.

The drill engaged a broad spectrum of mall stakeholders, including SM employees, tenants, agency personnel, and shoppers, highlighting the collective responsibility of ensuring public safety during emergencies. Participants promptly observed the prescribed earthquake response protocol of "Duck, Cover, and Hold", which serves as the primary protective action during seismic events.

Upon the sounding of the earthquake alarm, the malls' Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) were immediately activated and mobilized to facilitate the orderly implementation of emergency procedures. Following the simulated earthquake, participants were guided through designated evacuation routes and assembly areas, ensuring that proper evacuation processes were observed at all times.

The exercise demonstrated the readiness and coordination of mall personnel and partner agencies in responding to potential emergencies, while reinforcing the importance of preparedness and vigilance among the public.

"Safety remains a top priority in all SM malls. Through regular participation in nationwide preparedness activities such as the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, we continue to strengthen our emergency response capabilities and cultivate a culture of safety among our employees, tenants, partners, and customers," shared Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, SM City Zamboanga Mall Manager.

The successful conduct of the drill underscores SM's commitment to providing a secure environment and supporting national initiatives that promote disaster awareness and resilience. By actively participating in preparedness programs, SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga contribute to building safer communities equipped to respond effectively during emergencies.