Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Lighting Up for Gender Equality
The iconic SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe illuminated in vibrant purple, standing as a beacon of gender equality, as SM Cares, the United Nations Philippines, and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) came together to celebrate National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month. This symbolic lighting marked the launch of Women on Fire, a movement recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in fire prevention, disaster response, and community resilience.
Through strategic collaborations with key government agencies and private organizations, Women on Fire reached over 25,000 participants, fostering education, awareness, and empowerment across the country.
Strengthening Preparedness and Safety
One of the campaign’s highlights was the 4th SM & Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill held on March 4, 2025, across all SM malls, with SM MOA serving as the main venue. This annual event underscored the vital role of female firefighters, emergency responders, and community leaders in ensuring safety and preparedness. Hundreds of participants actively engaged in the Fire Square Roadshow, an interactive fire safety demonstration that provided hands-on training on fire prevention and emergency response.
"Women are at the forefront of resilience. Through ‘Women on Fire,’ we celebrate and honor their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to gender-inclusive safety efforts," said Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women.
At the event, attendees, including students from the Philippine College of Criminology, had the unique opportunity to experience firefighter training firsthand, trying on protective gear and participating in safety exercises.
Women in Resilience: Leading Disaster Preparedness and Community Building
On March 5, 2025, SM Cares, in partnership with PCW, spearheaded the National Women’s Month Celebration Kickoff at SM Mall of Asia, championing the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
The event empowered women from all walks of life—especially those from marginalized communities—through discussions on gender equality, leadership, and women’s rights. Attendees also explored a trade fair featuring products from women-led MSMEs, and availed of free medical check-ups, legal consultations, and livelihood support services.
A key session of the event was the Women LEAD Forum, co-hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and SM Cares, which underscored the indispensable role of women in barangays and grassroots initiatives in fostering disaster resilience. Women-led programs were highlighted as models for national climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.
Jessica Bianca Sy, SM Prime Vice President, emphasized:
"Empowering women strengthens not just our communities but our entire nation. We must continue to create opportunities where women can lead and drive meaningful change."
Adding to the celebration was the unveiling of PCW’s 50th-anniversary coffee table book, “From HerStory and Beyond: Five Decades of the Philippine Commission on Women,” a tribute to the progress and impact of women’s empowerment in the Philippines.
The event also featured an insightful panel discussion moderated by Crystal Eunice Dela Cruz from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), focusing on how women’s leadership plays a critical role in building resilient societies. In recognition of these efforts, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano received a DILG Certificate of Appreciation for Advancing Women’s Leadership for Community Resilience.
Championing Safe and Inclusive Spaces: The Safe Spaces Act Orientation
Beyond disaster resilience, SM Cares reinforced its commitment to safe and inclusive environments through the 3rd Nationwide Safe Spaces Act Orientation, held on March 4 and 6. This initiative, spanning 86 SM malls, engaged over 12,000 participants, including students, employees, tenants, and security personnel, educating them on the importance of harassment-free spaces in malls and workplaces.
In attendance were key advocates, including:
✅ PCW Officer-in-Charge Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar
✅ Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group
✅ PCW Former Executive Director Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado
✅ SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Liza Silerio
Together, they emphasized the need to cultivate a culture of respect and equality, ensuring that women and all individuals feel safe and empowered in public and professional spaces.
A Future Where Women Lead the Way
Through Women on Fire 2025, SM Cares reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, disaster resilience, and community safety. By empowering women across various sectors, fostering inclusive policies, and providing essential resources, SM Cares continues to pave the way for a future where women lead the charge in building stronger, more resilient communities.
For more updates on SM Cares’ initiatives, visit the official website or follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media.
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Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
