SM Investments Champions Sustainable Growth and Community Welfare
In a significant gathering focused on sustainability, SM Investments Corporation showcased its commitment to practical and effective approaches. The forum titled The Dirty Work of Doing Good, arranged by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, brought together industry leaders, sustainability advocates, and influential changemakers.
Timothy Daniels, Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at SM Investments, articulated the essence of sustainability for the company: it must be practical, scalable, and impactful for stakeholders, particularly the communities that rely on SM's various business sectors, including property development, retail, banking, logistics, and renewable energy.
Mr. Daniels emphasized, "Sustainability for us involves more than easy promises; it’s about creating shared value across our stakeholder ecosystem. It's essential that our strategies benefit everyone involved, not just the business itself. Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment conducive to the common good."
Building Resilient Communities
Given the Philippines' classification as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, the issue of disaster resilience takes center stage. Daniels highlighted the necessity of communal responsibility in this context. Over the last 15 years, SM Investments has allocated 10% of its capital expenditures towards disaster-resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
A prime example is SM City Marikina, which was constructed on 246 stilts to mitigate flooding during the typhoon season. This facility has served as a sanctuary for local residents facing severe weather conditions. Additionally, SM properties are equipped with 41 rainwater catchment facilities that can store an impressive total of 85,400 cubic meters of water—equivalent to over 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools—to manage flooding in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Enabling Inclusive Growth
Mr. Daniels also She highlighted how SM strives towards inclusive growth through its unique integrated city model. This model merges various components, including retail establishments, office spaces, hotels, convention centers, and educational institutions like National University campuses, in a collaborative effort to address community needs.
In SM Retail's value chain, over 100,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role. The banking branches of SM, specifically BDO and China Bank, contributed significantly by approving loans amounting to Php72 billion to MSMEs, fostering economic empowerment.
Moreover, SM Investments is actively engaging in renewable energy projects via the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), which manages geothermal steam fields in several regions like Tiwi in Albay and Mak-Ban in Laguna and Batangas. The company is also exploring five new concession areas, including Mt. Malinao in Albay, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy sources.
Mr. Daniels summed it up well when he stated, "Ultimately, our commitment to our vision is serious. Our purpose transcends merely being a large corporation; we're dedicated to building and nurturing the communities we serve."
About SM Investments Corporation
SM Investments Corporation stands as one of the Philippines' foremost companies, with diverse investments across key sectors such as retail, banking, and real estate. The corporation is engaged in ventures that leverage high growth opportunities within the dynamic landscape of the Philippine economy.
Among its retail operations, SM is recognized as the largest and most varied provider, including grocery stores, department stores, and specialty shops. In addition, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., its property segment, is the leading integrated property developer in the country, involved in malls, residential areas, commercial offices, hotels, as well as convention centers and tourism-related properties.
Moreover, SM’s financial interests encompass BDO Unibank, Inc., the largest bank in the Philippines, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth-largest private domestic bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of SM Investments Corporation?
SM Investments Corporation focuses on sustainable business practices, community development, and fostering inclusive growth across its various business sectors.
How has SM Investments contributed to disaster resilience?
SM Investments has committed 10% of its capital expenditures since 2005 to build disaster-resilient infrastructure, ensuring safety for communities during typhoons and flooding.
What initiatives does SM Investments have for supporting MSMEs?
SM supports more than 100,000 MSMEs within its retail chain and has provided substantial loans through its banking arms to enhance their operational capacities.
How does SM Investments engage in renewable energy?
SM Investments is involved in renewable energy through the Philippine Geothermal Production Company, managing geothermal fields and exploring new energy sources.
What is the vision of SM Investments Corporation?
The vision of SM Investments focuses on building and developing communities while ensuring that business operations contribute positively to society.
