From Waste to Wonder: The 30-Year Evolution of SM’s Water Legacy

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

For three decades, a quiet revolution has been flowing beneath the bustling corridors of the Philippines' most iconic shopping destinations. What began in the late 1990s as a single investment in a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall has surged into a nationwide movement of resilience and radical conservation. Today, SM Prime Holdings Inc. isn't just building malls; it is engineering a future where every drop of water is treated as a universal human right.

The Blueprint of Resilience: The Rise of the STP

In an era before "sustainability" was a global buzzword, SM was already laying the groundwork for environmental protection. By standardizing STPs across all 89 malls, the company transformed these centers into bastions of public health and ecological safety.

These plants do more than just process waste; they serve as the heart of a circular water economy:

Total Coverage: Every single mall in the SM network now features an STP to reduce pollution and safeguard local water resources.

The Circular Flow: Recycled water is breatheing new life into operations—powering water closets for flushing, maintaining lush greenery, and keeping facilities pristine.

Precision Engineering: Beyond recycling, the malls utilize low-flow fixtures and cutting-edge technologies to stop unnecessary consumption before it even starts.

Breaking Frontiers: Turning Rain into Refreshment

While others see a storm, SM City Baguio sees a solution. In a feat of industry-leading innovation, the mall launched a Rainwater Treatment Facility that has already processed nearly 20,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable (drinking) water.

The impact is staggering. Since 2023, this facility has provided 30% of the mall’s clean water requirement, saving a volume equivalent to 8 Olympic-sized swimming pools or 12.7 million 1.5-liter bottles from the local grid. It is a bold testament to what is possible when technology meets a commitment to "maximize what we borrow from the environment".

A Vision for Tomorrow: Centralized and Scaled

The journey doesn't stop at the mall's edge. SM is currently evaluating centralized STPs—massive systems designed to serve multiple developments at once. By allowing for inter-building treatment, SM aims to:

Enhance Process Efficiency: Streamlining how water moves through urban landscapes.

Build Long-Term Capacity: Ensuring communities can withstand future water disruptions.

Lower Operational Costs: Proving that doing good for the planet is also good for sustainable business.

More Than Infrastructure: A Movement for the People

SM's water stewardship is anchored by the SM Green Movement, an initiative that empowers families and individuals to join the fight for energy efficiency and waste management. Through its CSR arm, SM Cares, the company is turning its nationwide reach into a platform for education, cultivating a new generation of "water stewards" across the Philippines.

This proactive stance has not gone unnoticed. From the Bantayog ng Lawa Award to the prestigious Gawad Taga-Ilog Award—the first ever given to a private entity—the industry is recognizing SM as a leader in the race for a resilient water future.

"We’ve come a long way since the 90’s... we continue to work harder for future generations because water is a universal human right."

— Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls VP and Head of Sustainability and Resilience 

As SM Supermalls continues to evolve, it remains a trusted destination designed around the lives and passions of Filipino communities—ensuring that the "Most Loved Supermall" is also the most responsible.

The Vinta Market: A Vibrant Celebration of Heritage and Hope Sails into Zamboanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — On March 20, 2026, as the doors of the brand-new SM City Zamboanga swung open, a kaleidoscope of color and culture took center stage, signaling more than just a retail opening. It was the official launch of the Vinta Market, a high-energy marketplace inspired by the iconic traditional sailboats of Mindanao, designed to propel local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) toward a brighter horizon.

A Convergence of Culture and Commerce

The Vinta Market is not merely a shopping destination; it is a living tribute to the Zamboanga Peninsula’s deep cultural roots. Launched through a powerful partnership between SM Supermalls, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9, and the SM for MSMEs program, the marketplace serves as a dedicated platform for 20 local entrepreneurs.

From the rhythmic patterns of traditional weaves to the aroma of heritage delicacies, the market offers mallgoers an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of community.

Empowerment Through Opportunity

For the artisans and business owners involved, the Vinta Market represents a transformative shift from local craft to mainstream success. The impact is best heard through the voices of the entrepreneurs themselves:

Sustaining Heritage: Evelinda Otong, a 4th generation Yakan weaver, expressed profound gratitude for the platform, noting that SM has become a "kasangga" (partner) in promoting and preserving her ancestral craft for future generations.

Scaling Operations: Shaun Alavar of Alavar Food Products highlighted how DTI seminars and SM’s market access have allowed his products to reach customers across the entire Philippines.

Building Loyalty: Maria Donna of Marya Soaps and Scents shared that the visibility provided by SM City Zamboanga has already resulted in a rapidly growing customer base.

"When MSMEs succeed, communities grow stronger—and every opportunity created is part of SM’s commitment to building a future designed All For You." 

A Global Stage for Local Talent

Visitors to the Vinta Market can explore a curated selection of products that showcase the artistry and perseverance of Mindanao’s talent:

Artisanal Goods: Handcrafted items, unique souvenirs, and intricate fashion pieces.

Culinary Delights: A taste of Zamboanga’s rich heritage through local delicacies and artisanal food products.

Capacity Building: Beyond the stalls, MSMEs benefit from mentorship and training designed to help emerging startups flourish.

The Future Sails Forward

As SM Supermalls continues to expand—now operating 89 malls nationwide—its mission remains rooted in championing Filipino innovation. The Vinta Market stands as a vibrant symbol of this mission: a place where tradition, creativity, and opportunity sail forward together.

To discover more about how SM is supporting the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs, visit msme.smsupermalls.com.

𝐒𝐖𝐊-𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔, 𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐚𝐥

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Isinusulong ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura ng West Visayas State University (SWK-WVSU) ang pagpapataas ng antas ng paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa pamamagitan ng Panlalawigang Seminar sa Korespondensiya Opisyal (PSKO) na sinimulan noong 19 hanggang 20 Marso 2026 sa WVSU Center for Teaching Excellence Hall, Lungsod Iloilo.

Layunin ng aktibidad na hasain ang mga kawani at kalahok na dumalo sa tamang pagsulat ng mga opisyal na dokumento, gaya ng liham, memorandum, at kapasiyahan alinsunod sa mga pamantayan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF).

Sa unang araw, binuksan ang programa sa pagbibigay ng mensahe nina Fultaym Komisyoner Carmelita C. Abdurahman, Kinatawan ang wikang Samar-Leyte, Komisyoner Alain Russ G. Dimzon, Kinatawan sa wikang Hiligaynon, Dr. Salvador P. Bacio, Jr., Direktor ng SWK-WVSU.

Sinundan ito ng pagtalakay ni Tagapangulong Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran ng KWF sa kahalagahan ng Atas Tagapagpaganap Blg. 335 o EO. 335, na nag-aatas sa lahat ng ahensiya ng pamahalaan na gamitin ang wikang Filipino sa mga opisyal na transaksiyon.

Matapos ito, tinalakay naman ni Dr. Jose Evie G. Duclay, Linguistic Specialist at tagapamahala para sa SWK-Visayas, ang Ortograpiyang Pambansa at ang tamang paghahanda ng korespondensiya opisyal. Sinuri niya rin ang resulta ng pre-test ng mga kalahok upang matukoy ang mga aspektong dapat pang paghusayan sa pagsulat.

Sa ikalawang araw, nagpatuloy ang seminar sa introduksiyon sa pagsasalin at masusing workshop sa editing sa ng paggabay ni Gng. Lourdes Z. Hinampas, Chief Language Researcher at Puno ng Sangay ng Salin. Para sa bahaging ito, mga kalahok ay aktuwal na nagrebisa ng kanilang sariling borador ng mga opisyal na sulatin.

Nagbigay ng mensahe ng pasasalamat ang Pangulo ng Pamantasan na si Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz sa mga kalahok na dumalo. Nagtapos sa pamamahagi ng mga koplimentaryong sipi ng aklat ng KWF ang dalawang araw na gawain.