SM Prime, Bureau of Fire launch Search for Ten Outstanding Firefighters

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reaffirmed their commitment to fire safety and protection through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on June 27, 2024, at the SM Prime Headquarters.

(L-R): SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Liza Silerio, SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and Bureau of Fire Protection Director Louie Puracan

The MOA highlights SM Prime’s recognition on the critical role of the BFP in maintaining public safety, economic stability, and peace and order through the launch of the yearly search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines.

SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim (second from left) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Director Louie Puracan (second from right) shake hands to signify their commitment to the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Liza Silerio (left) and BFP Chief Superintendent Renato Capuz (right) serving as witnesses.

SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim expressed his pride in the commitment to honoring outstanding firefighters. “The Awards aim to celebrate the heroism and bravery of BFP members who have made fire service their vocation, contributing to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Philippines,” stated Mr. Lim. “This is the first awards we in SM Prime have launched, signifying the importance of your heroic role in DRR for the whole of Philippine society.”

SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (left) discusses fire safety matters with Bureau of Fire Protection Director Louie Puracan (right), while SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim (second from right) and SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Liza Silerio (second from left) look on.

SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim and Bureau of Fire Protection Director Louie Puracan engage in a discussion on further enhancing fire safety measures during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony.

Nominations for the awards will begin in July 2024, with the awarding ceremony scheduled for December 2024. The top 10 awardees will receive a plaque of recognition and a cash prize of PHP 250,000 each while ten finalists will each be awarded PHP 20,000.

SM Prime executives and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) members join forces to promote fire safety and disaster preparedness in communities.

The MOA signing paves the way towards a safer future for Filipino communities. The combined efforts of SM Prime and the BFP will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening fire resilience in the Philippines. (SM Supermalls)

Historic Quezon Hall at WVSU set for adaptive restoration

The Henry Sy Foundation (HSFI), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and SM Foundation have recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the adaptive restoration of the century-old Quezon Hall, an initiative to preserve a key educational heritage in Iloilo City.

Collaborating for the adaptive restoration of the century-old Quezon Hall or Bulwagang Quezon of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City. Joining the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement are WVSU’s Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Dr. Porferio Barlas, and SM Foundation and Henry Sy Foundation’s Debbie Sy, Dr. Lydia Echauz, Virginia Yap, Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal, Carmen Linda Atayde, and Juris Soliman. 

Bulwagang Quezon, a landmark structure dating back to 1926, weathered the destruction of World War II. It was rebuilt in 1946 under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act. Over the decades, the building has undergone various minor renovations, but the hall has not seen a major rehabilitation since its post-war reconstruction.

Bulwagang Quezon, a landmark structure dating back to 1926, is the first unit of a u-shaped group of buildings. It is strategically located at the highest elevation of the university, making it is a focal point of the entire WVSU.

This said collaborative undertaking aims to return the building to its former glory and adapt it for modern educational needs. It also hopes to benefit current and future WVSU students while also preserving an important landmark in the history of education in Western Visayas.

The HSFI, known for its mission to empower youth and foster a culture of achievement, is supporting this endeavor as part of its broader goal to drive Philippine social development through educational grants. (SM Foundation)

SCPW, SM Prime cap Wetland Center Design Competition for Macabebe Mangrove and Coastal Site

The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW), in partnership with one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), successfully concluded the 4th Wetland Center Design Competition, an architecture student design competition.

The architecture students of the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) present their design titled Isnawa to the esteemed panel of judges. DLSU-CSB was named the 2nd place winner of the competition.

Held in conjunction with the International Day for Biological Diversity 2024, the competition focused on creating a sustainable Wetland Center Complex for the Macabebe Mangrove and Coastal Site in Brgy. Consuelo, Macabebe, Pampanga.

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila's entry, "Bankauan," emerged as the first place winner of the competition. The De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) secured the second spot with their design, "Isnawa" while the National University (NU) rounded out the top three with their entry, "Talisayan."  The three schools emerged at the top, besting four other schools.

The event was also supported by the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), Unilever Philippines, and Maynilad.

The architecture students of the National University proudly show their wetland design called Talisayan, which bagged the 3rd place in the competition.

Through the years, SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth while delivering innovative and sustainable integrated property developments. SM Prime continuously champions sustainability in its future property developments, anchored on responsible environmental stewardship. (SM Supermalls)

SM Foundation refurbishes 2 South Cotabato health centers

Continuing its mission of boosting local healthcare services, SM Foundation has recently completed the refurbishment of two health centers in South Cotabato.

The Polomolok East Community Clinic and the Baluan Rural Health Unit in General Santos City have undergone extensive renovations, bringing quality healthcare closer to vulnerable communities, particularly those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

The refurbishment project of the foundation’s health and medical program aimed to upgrade old facilities and expand services while ensuring adherence to Department of Health guidelines. Both health centers feature redesigned interior and floor plans, enhancing patient safety, ensuring confidentiality, and optimizing operational efficiency.

The foundation included a multifunctional waiting area, hydration and nebulization areas, upgraded conference rooms, and improved lighting and ventilation throughout the facilities. The foundation also included comfortable waiting areas with televisions for information, education, and communication initiatives. New signages have been aptly placed to provide better guidance to patients and health workers.

The rehabilitation ensured that the centers’ services would be well-carried out. Examination areas now feature more tables, comfortable seating. A dedicated play areas for children and breastfeeding area, equipped with air conditioning, a refrigerator for milk storage, and a comfortable couch, has been added to support new mothers.

Privacy during examinations has been ensured with the installation of privacy screens. The centers also boast an improved counseling area for tuberculosis patients and additional exhaust systems in the laboratories. New furniture and appliances have been provided throughout the facilities. These improvements are made to encourage the local community, especially residents of GIDA areas, to take care of their health.

SM Foundation demonstrated its commitment to innovation and sustainability through the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in the facilities. It also launched SM DigiKonsulta, an initiative that equips health centers with devices for virtual consultations, further enhancing patient access to healthcare services.

Meanwhile, the pharmacy services of Polomolok’s community clinic have been enhanced with a ready supply of essential drugs with the support of the Mahintana Foundation.

Complementing the healthcare initiative in South Cotabato, the SM Foundation also rolled out medical missions in nearby Baluan Gym and Cannery Covered Court.

By bringing modern, well-equipped, and welcoming health facilities closer to vulnerable communities, the Foundation aims to improve health outcomes in the country, one health center at a time.

Believing in the importance of accessible healthcare for all, SM Foundation upgrades health centers in vulnerable communities, complemented by medical missions. Since 2002, SM Foundation has revitalized 204 health and wellness centers, collectively benefiting over 6,000,000 patients. (SM Foundation)

BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Join BLINKS across the globe to relive the electrifying energy of the global Top 10 tour that captivated 1.8 million fans worldwide and earned BLACKPINK the highest-grossing tour from an Asian act and the highest-grossing tour from a female group in history. BLACKPINK’s BORN PINK WORLD TOUR supported the chart-topping album, BORN PINK, the first by a K-Pop girl group to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In another first, BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS premieres in more than 110 countries, marking the largest ever global cinema event release for a female group.

Tickets are on sale now for BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS at BornPinkInCinemas.com.

Featuring the iconic “Hanok” set that has mesmerized fans and press worldwide, the film showcases an unprecedented production scale, presenting exclusive versions of BLACKPINK’s hit songs unique to this concert. It includes performances from Seoul’s Gocheok Dome alongside footage from cities across the global tour.

BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS will have limited screenings starting July 31.

For showtimes by region, visit BornPinkInCinemas.com

BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS premieres in more than 110 countries, marking the largest ever global cinema event release for a female group. (PR)

PNP Regional Civil Security Unit 9 Opens Stakeholders’ Assistance Center at SM City Mindpro

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Civil Security Unit 9 (RCSU 9) announces the opening of its Stakeholders’ Assistance Center at SM City Mindpro. This initiative is a significant step in enhancing public service and accessibility for the community.

The Stakeholders’ Assistance Center is designed to provide a centralized location for various services including firearms licensing, security agency registration, and other civil security concerns. The center aims to streamline processes and ensure a more efficient and user-friendly experience for all stakeholders.

The assistance center is strategically located at Level 4 of SM City Mindpro, making it convenient for mallgoers and business owners to access PNP services without the need to visit police headquarters. This move is part of PNP's ongoing efforts to decentralize services and bring them closer to the community.

Key services provided at the Stakeholders’ Assistance Center include License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF), Firearms Registration, Firearms Transfer, Registration and Licensing of Private Security Agency, and Private Security Professional.

The PNP RCSU 9 invites all stakeholders to visit the new center for their civil security needs. The center is open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (PR)