Pages for progress: SM Foundation, Phoenix Publishing House collaborate for social good

SM Foundation and Phoenix Publishing House have partnered in a social good initiative called ‘Pages for Progress.’ The publishing company has donated 15 million pesos worth of books, totaling around 270,000 volumes, which will be distributed to public schools and libraries nationwide.

SM Foundation and Phoenix Publishing House team up for ‘Page for Progress.’ Joining the turnover ceremony are (from left) Phoenix SVP Juan Carlos Sibal, SM Foundation (SMFI) Executive Director for Education Carmen Linda Atayde, Phoenix President Pilar Fatima Sibal-Balbin, Phoenix Board of Directors Chair Alegria Sibal-Limjoco, SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy, and SMFI SAVP for Education Program-Scholarship Eleanor Lansang.

A key recipient of the book donation will be the 92 libraries of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, furthering the organizations' shared mission of empowering youth through educational resources.

“Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our belief that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and building a brighter future for all,” said Alegria Sibal-Limjoco, Chair of the Board of Directors at Phoenix Publishing House.

SM Foundation and Phoenix’s collaboration stems from their common vision for uplifting the nation through education.

The collaboration between SM Foundation and Phoenix is rooted in their common vision for uplifting the nation through education. “Our collaboration with the SM Foundation harmonizes and aligns seamlessly with our shared vision for a better Philippines,” Sibal-Limjoco added. “Your dedication to targeted social investments in education mirrors our ethos as a company and family, underscoring the transformative power of strategic partnerships in effecting positive change.”

Through Pages for Progress, Phoenix donates 15 million pesos worth of books, totaling around 270,000 volumes, which will be distributed to public schools and libraries nationwide.

The ‘Pages for Progress’ program aims to provide students and library patrons across the country with access to high-quality educational materials, fostering a love of learning and opening up new possibilities. Both organizations are committed to driving social progress through innovative partnerships that create meaningful impact in the lives of the youth. (SM Foundation)

SM Cares, PLDT, and Smart join hands to promote responsible e-waste disposal

To strengthen its efforts in promoting the responsible disposal of electronic waste, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, recently tapped PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), two of the leading telecommunications providers in the country for a strategic partnership that will expand SM's Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program and drive further positive change in electronic waste management in the country. The partnership was launched to the public last April 22, 2024.

SM Supermalls, PLDT and Smart launched the joint initiative last April 22, just in time for SM's Earth Day 2024 celebrations, making the annual observance more meaningful. Shown in the photo are (from L-R) PLDT Home Marketing National Key Accounts Partnership Head Anne Leonardo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Development John Palanca, PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Wireless Business Alex Caeg, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President and Head for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Sponsorship and Cyberzone Patrick Raymund Pacla.

In a short message, Joaquin L. San Agustin, SVP of SM Supermalls for Marketing, underscored the need for the responsible disposal of electronic waste to help minimize its impact on human health and the environment. He also thanked PLDT and Smart for partnering with SM for the initiative. “Through this partnership, our goal is to promote and expand the reach of the E-Waste Collection Program, leveraging our combined expertise and resources to drive positive change in electronic waste management in the country,” he added.

SM Supermalls' Senior Vice President for Marketing Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin

“Recognizing the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption, our brands, PLDT Home and Smart, have been actively promoting e-waste collection and recycling as part of their sales, marketing, retail operations, and customer engagement activities. We are thus grateful to have found a like-minded partner in SM, as this joint initiative significantly expands our reach and makes e-waste collection and circularity solutions even more accessible and convenient to our customers and the general public,” said Melissa V. Vergel de Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios

To reinforce the initiative’s sustainability messaging, SM, PLDT, and Smart unveiled new designs for the bins that will be used to collect the e-waste, which are made from 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons. Shown above are the new bin designs, taken during the launch of the partnership. The e-waste bins will be available at SM Malls nationwide, particularly in Cyberzone areas.

Launched in 2021, the Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program encourages tenant and customer participation in the responsible disposal of electronic waste or e-waste which is considered hazardous, while also promoting decluttering in households and bringing to light conscious consumerism.

Made from 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons, this will be the new designs of the bins to collect the e-waste.

Since 2021, a total of 11,600 kg of e-waste has been collected through the program, diverted from ending up in landfills and causing harm to humans and the environment to the designated facilities where they are disposed of responsibly.

This partnership between SM Supermalls, PLDT and Smart is the latest initiative under SM Supermalls’ solid waste management program, which is also in line with SM Cares' Programs on Environment.

Aside from this, SM Cares spearheads initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Persons with Disabilities, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative.

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

Nationwide SM Supermalls job fair offers on-the-spot hiring

Recognizing Filipinos' shared aspiration for meaningful employment, SM Supermalls takes a crucial role in connecting Filipino talent with job opportunities by hosting the biggest mall-based job fair and offering the chance to be Hired-on-the-Spot (HOTS).

In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee, various industry associations, and SM Retail; SM Supermalls – a proud partner of DOLE since 2008 – will host a series of job fairs scheduled from April 26 - May 10, 2024.

Across the Philippines, Filipinos connect with careers at the SM Job Fair.

SM is committed to empowering Filipinos and is hosting weekly job fairs across various SM Malls nationwide, removing geographical barriers to employment. Since January 2024, these weekly job fairs have connected over 800 employers with more than 15,000 job seekers, with a remarkable 15% receiving on-the-spot job offers.

By strategically connecting job seekers with industry leaders in retail, food and beverage, Information Technology (IT), and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), SM's job fairs do more than simply link individuals. These job fairs ensure that companies find the right talent that can contribute to their growth, thereby supporting the expansion of the Philippine economy while creating more job opportunities for more Filipinos.

A glimpse into the SM City Sta. Mesa Job Fair held last April.

Explore exciting career opportunities at SM

SM Retail, SM Store, and SM Supermalls are actively recruiting, alongside renowned brands like Ace Hardware, Baby Company, Crocs, Dyson, Forever 21, Kultura, Miniso, Our Home, SM Appliance Center, SM Fashion, SM Home, Sports Central, Stationery, Surplus, The Body Shop, Toy Kingdom, Pet Express, Snack Exchange, and Uniqlo.

Hired on the spot! A job seeker finds success at the SM City Dasmariñas Job Fair last week.

Interested in retail or grocery roles? SM Markets, including SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Savemore Markets, Alfamart, and Waltermart, offer a variety of job options.

“At SM, we believe job creation is fundamental to national development,” says SM Supermalls' President Steven Tan. “Our SM Job Fairs are a testament to this commitment, providing Filipinos with the platform and resources they need to thrive and contribute to the country's growth.”

SM Supermalls Job Fair details may change without notice. For the latest updates on venues and schedules, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. (SM Supermalls)