DTI–Zamboanga City, SM City Mindpro Unveils Collaborative Design Exhibit Showcasing Yakan Weaving and Local Creativity

The Department of Trade and Industry–Zamboanga City Office (DTI-ZCO) launched its pre-judging design exhibit as part of Hilos de Innovacion Project – an initiative under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program in partnership with the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG). The project strengthens the creative capabilities of local MSMEs, designers, and artisans in the wearables and homestyle sectors, advancing Zamboanga City’s creative economy and cultural pride.

The exhibit, located at the Ground Level Activity Area of SM City Mindpro, is open for public viewing from November 20-21, giving mallgoers and visitors the opportunity to experience the artistry and craftsmanship behind Zamboanga’s evolving creative landscape.

Featuring 21 original design creations, the showcase highlights the collaborative work of seven (7) local designers and masterful Yakan weavers. Each designer produced three (3) ready-to-wear design sets, blending traditional Yakan handwoven textiles with contemporary fashion and product design. The pieces celebrate cultural heritage while championing innovation, showing how tradition can inspire modern expression.

SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez expressed strong support for the initiative, saying, “We are honored to host this remarkable exhibit that not only spotlights the artistry of our local designers and Yakan weavers, but also reinforces SM’s commitment to uplifting cultural creativity in Zamboanga. By opening our space to initiatives like this, we hope to inspire the community and help elevate local talent onto a bigger stage.”

DTI-ZCO and SM invites the public, partners, and design enthusiasts to explore this meaningful collaboration and witness the rich tapestry of culture, creativity, and innovation on display at SM City Mindpro.

SM Prime nears completion of P2.3 Billion SM Iloilo Redevelopment

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is on track to complete the P2.3 billion redevelopment of SM City Iloilo by the first quarter of 2026, in line with its broader push to transform its commercial properties into future-ready spaces that anchor regional growth.

Artist’s perspective of SM Iloilo North Block with the planned National University Tower set to open in 2027.

The investment includes the addition of over 7,900 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) for the mall, over 23,670 square meters for the National University (NU), upgraded mall interiors, motion sensor escalators, an expanded skylight, a multi-level car park at the North Block and improved connectivity to the adjacent SM Strata, the tallest towers in Western Visayas and home to many IT-BPO companies.

“SM City Iloilo has been central to our growth and to the Ilonggo community,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim. “This investment will help drive domestic tourism, strengthen MSMEs, and unlock the city’s full potential.”

Opened in 1999 at the height of the Asian Financial Crisis, SM City Iloilo was the eighth SM Supermall built by SM Prime. A series of expansions between 2009 and 2016 grew its GLA from 71,979 square meters to 106,307 square meters.

Guided by ‘All For You’ strategy, new zones for athleisure, entertainment and amusement are being introduced to support the mall’s evolving tenant mix and growing customer base, while enhancing the overall visitor experience and attracting increased foot traffic.

The introduction of new and exciting concepts—many of which are firsts in Iloilo—such as Game Park, Fantasy World, Decathlon, TGI Friday’s and Chili’s, is set to further strengthen SM City Iloilo’s position as the region’s leading retail and lifestyle destination.

“Sustainability is also a key part of this redevelopment,” said Lim. “We are integrating eco-efficient features, including rooftop solar panels and advanced daylighting systems, as part of our broader commitment to building a greener, more energy-efficient property portfolio.”

The presence of NU by 2027—located within the complex—is also expected to boost foot traffic and reinforce the mall’s multi-generational appeal.

Once completed, SM City Iloilo will feature expanded retail and dining offerings, welcoming new brands and lifestyle destinations that will further cement its position as the premier lifestyle mall in Western Visayas. (SM PRIME)

All SM Malls Unite for Cebu: A Nationwide Call to Hope and Empowerment

All SM malls across the country light up in green to symbolize hope and unity for communities in Cebu affected by Typhoon Tino—reflecting the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and compassion during times of adversity.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, SM Supermalls, through SM Foundation and SM Cares, has launched a nationwide campaign titled “All SM Malls Unite for Cebu,” mobilizing support and solidarity to uplift communities affected by the disaster. 

SM City Cebu’s Christmas centerpiece glows as part of the “All SM Malls Unite for Cebu” campaign. The lighting ceremony, held on November 13, brings together SM employees, partners, and local stakeholders to express solidarity with those impacted by the recent typhoon.

With the campaign’s message, “HOPE calls for an empowered community,” SM invites Filipinos across the country to extend compassion and generosity—uniting to bring grace, hope, and strength to those in need.

Lighting the Way for Cebu

The initiative was launched during the SM City Cebu Christmas display kickoff on November 13, themed “Unwrapping the Gift of Grace and Hope.” At exactly 6 PM, all SM malls nationwide illuminated their displays in GREEN—a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.

SM City Cebu extends 200 Bundles of Hope honoring responders, volunteers, and everyday heroes who stood strong for the community in the aftermath of recent calamities. Leading the ceremonial handover is Ms. Marissa Fernan, Vice President for SM Prime Holdings, Incorporated.

“This season, we are reminded that the true gift of Christmas lies in giving,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Through this campaign, we aim to bring light, hope, and solidarity to Cebu and its people, who continue to show courage and resilience amid challenges.”

A heartwarming initiative by SM City Cebu, delivering Bundles of Hope to Cebu’s first responders—reflecting our commitment to supporting those on the frontlines and sharing the spirit of the season.

As part of the ceremony, SM City Cebu also honored the courageous first responders who served as beacons of hope during the recent earthquake and typhoon. In gratitude for their unwavering service, the mall turned over 200 Bundles of Hope to representatives from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), BFP Mabolo, PNP Mabolo, and Barangay Mabolo BRRMO and Welfare Workers. The gesture recognized the compassion, courage, and commitment of the responders who stood at the frontlines to help communities rise again.

Real Acts of Compassion

Through Operation Tulong Express, SM Foundation and SM Supermalls distribute over 8,000 Kalinga Packs containing food and essentials to affected families in Cebu, made possible through collaboration with local government units and volunteers.

Beyond the event and the symbolic lighting, SM also turned compassion into action through a series of relief and recovery initiatives:

• 8,000 Kalinga Packs donated through Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) for affected families, including SM employees.
• Cash donation booths deployed across all SM malls nationwide, providing shoppers with easy access to contribute directly to relief operations.
• SM Mobile Clinic deployed to affected communities to deliver essential health services and medical outreach. 

SM employees in Cebu also receive Kalinga Packs as part of SM Supermalls’ ongoing commitment to care for its people and communities

These efforts are coordinated with local government units, partner organizations, and volunteers, reflecting SM’s continued commitment to community resilience and long-term empowerment.

The SM Foundation Mobile Clinic provides free medical consultations, X-rays, ECGs, and basic healthcare services, helping address urgent medical needs in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino.

Mallgoers participate in SM’s nationwide donation drive, with cash donation booths set up in all 89 SM malls to raise funds for Cebu’s relief and recovery programs under Operation Tulong Express

Gift of Grace, Gift of Hope

As part of SM’s corporate social responsibility mission, SM Foundation and SM Cares reaffirm their dedication to sustainable community support and proactive disaster response.

“Through ‘All SM Malls Unite for Cebu,’ we are not only extending immediate aid, but also building stronger, more resilient communities that can rise above adversity,” said Tan.

The campaign serves as a reminder that every act of kindness—no matter how small—can help illuminate Cebu’s path to recovery. (SM PRIME)