Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and SM Supermalls have
officially sealed a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) signing held on Monday, July 1, 2025, at the SM Supermalls Headquarters
in Pasay City. The agreement marks the beginning of a joint effort to empower
Filipino cooperatives by giving them access to high-foot-traffic mall spaces
through the SM Weekend Market — a platform dedicated to showcasing local products,
homegrown talent, and Filipino entrepreneurship.
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| L-R: Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President and Lead for MSME and Job Fairs, Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls formalized partnership through a MOA signing with CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo and CDA Administrator Asec. Santiago S. Lim, that aims to empower Filipino cooperatives through the SM Weekend Market initiative. |
The MOA was signed by Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA
Chairperson, and Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of
SM Supermalls, in the presence of key officials from both institutions. “This is a historic partnership between the
private and public sectors,” said Usec. Raquepo during his remarks. “We take great pride in this collaboration
with SM Supermalls, which represents a powerful step forward in uplifting our
micro, small and medium cooperative entrepreneurs. This model partnership will
not only provide access to markets, but help elevate the economic well-being of
our communities.”
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| Fresh, proudly Filipino produce takes the spotlight supporting local farmers and cooperatives at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Calamba. |
Under the agreement, CDA will endorse eligible cooperatives across the
country to participate in the SM Weekend Market. In turn, SM Supermalls will
make space available in key mall locations for a minimal fee—intended only to
help cover maintenance costs. “The SM
Weekend Market was born out of a simple but powerful idea — to give farmers and
local producers, especially those in cooperatives, the chance to bring their
goods closer to the people, in places they wouldn’t normally have access to,”
said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM
Supermalls. “With CDA as our partner, we
are excited to open more doors and more mall spaces to co-ops across the
country. This partnership will allow more communities to thrive, more stories
to be told, and more Filipino-made products to be celebrated.”
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| Local farmers showcase and sell their fresh harvest to shoppers at the SM Weekend Market, a platform by SM Supermalls that connects producers directly to consumers in high-traffic mall locations. |
The event marks the start of a nationwide collaboration between CDA
and SM Supermalls, with more updates and market rollouts expected in the coming
months.
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| Shoppers enjoy direct access to farm-fresh produce at the SM Weekend Market where farmers are given dedicated selling spaces in select SM Supermalls. |
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| Lively displays of locally grown vegetables welcome shoppers at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Southmall. |
About the SM Weekend Market
The SM Weekend Market is a community-driven initiative by SM Supermalls that gives farmers and cooperatives direct access to high-foot traffic locations, helping them sell fresh, abundant harvests quickly and sustainably. By providing accessible weekend selling spaces in designated SM mall areas, the Weekend Market connects local producers with urban shoppers — creating a win-win for both communities and consumers.
More than just a marketplace, the SM Weekend Market is a purposeful movement — empowering grassroots enterprises, boosting local food systems, and fostering deeper community connections through commerce, culture, and collaboration. (SM Supermalls)
