SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing
sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific
Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference
and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development
(ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by
the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300
experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient
cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities
Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted
the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges.
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| (L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu |
SM’s commitment to sustainability was evident through the participation
of its top executives. SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan showcased SM
Supermalls’ eco-friendly practices and community-focused programs.
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| SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan highlights the malls’ sustainability initiatives. |
“Our malls are more than just shopping centers; they are dynamic public spaces, woven into the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. Our comprehensive environmental sustainability programs are deeply inspired by the vision of our Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Hans Sy, a tireless advocate for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience,” Mr. Tan said.
He added, “At SM Supermalls, we leverage science and technology to
develop innovative solutions that are seamlessly integrated into the design and
operation of our malls. We remain committed to leveraging innovation and
collaboration to build a greener, more resilient, and more sustainable future
for the Philippines.”
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| (L-R): University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) Dean Jennifer Marie Amparo, UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr., Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Chief Executive Thomas Schneider, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) Conference Director Edgar Reyes Jr., and APRU-Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Director Yekang Ko |
SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, shared the company’s vision of creating sustainable integrated properties that foster lively communities.
National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre
Barrameda Jr. highlighted SM’s role in disaster preparedness. He presented
“From Risk to Resilience: The Work of the National Resilience Council in Risk
Governance” where he introduced the Resilience Local Government Unit Program
(RLGUP), NRC’s approaches and tools and how risk governance is supported by the
sciences.
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| National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr. showcases SM Supermalls’ resilient infrastructure. |
SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability was further emphasized during
a breakout session on creating connections and partnerships, hosted by Jonas
Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Lead of Nomura Research
Institute (NRI) Manila Branch. Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of World
Wide Fund For Nature (WWF)-Philippines, underscored the significance of
collaboration: “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires
strong partnerships and working together across all sectors.”
