SM Investments Emphasizes Practical Sustainability at Industry Forum

On October 22, 2025, the SM Investments Corporation showcased its commitment to sustainability at a conference titled The Dirty Work of Doing Good. This notable event, organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, brought together industry leaders, sustainability advocates, and influencers to discuss actionable sustainability practices that alleviate challenges faced by communities.

During the conference, Timothy Daniels, Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at SM Investments, articulated the company's drive for sustainability. He highlighted that their approach focuses on practicality, scalability, and a noticeable impact on stakeholders, particularly the communities they build in. He stated, "For us, sustainability has to be practical. It's not about making easy promises but about creating shared value. The strategy has to be a win for all our stakeholders, not just the business. The ecosystem must move together for the common good."

Building Resilient Communities

As the Philippines stands as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, Daniels underscored that fostering disaster resilience is a collective responsibility. Since 2005, SM has allocated 10% of its capital expenditures toward developing disaster-resilient and sustainable infrastructure. A prime example is the SM City Marikina, which stands on 246 stilts to withstand river overflows during typhoon season and has transformed into a refuge for local communities.

Moreover, SM has constructed 41 rainwater catchment facilities across its properties, capable of collectively storing 85,400 cubic meters of water—enough to fill over 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools. These efforts are part of a strategic initiative to mitigate flooding in surrounding areas during heavy rains.

Enabling Inclusive Growth

Daniels expanded on SM's commitment to inclusive growth through its integrated city model that combines various elements such as retail, office spaces, hotels, and educational institutions to address the evolving needs of communities. As part of the SM Retail ecosystem, there are over 100,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that play integral roles in its value chain. SM's banking divisions, BDO Unibank, Inc. and China Banking Corporation, facilitated Php72 billion in loans to MSMEs in 2024, empowering these businesses and driving economic growth.

In addition, SM Investments is making strides in renewable energy through its subsidiary, the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC). This entity operates geothermal steam fields located in Tiwi, Albay, and Mak-Ban in Laguna and Batangas, while also exploring five additional concession areas, including Mt. Malinao in Albay. This investment concentrates on sustainable energy solutions that contribute positively to the environment.

In conclusion, Timothy Daniels emphasized the seriousness of SM's vision: "At the end of the day, our vision is serious. We're not just here to be a big company. We're here to help build and develop the communities we serve." The commitment by SM Investments showcases that a practical approach to sustainability can lead to meaningful transformations in communities across the Philippines.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation stands out as one of the leading companies in the Philippines, with investments in significant businesses across retail, banking, and property. Its retail operations encompass a diverse range of grocery stores, department stores, and specialty shops. SM Prime Holdings, the property division, leads as the largest integrated property developer in the country, covering malls, residences, offices, hotels, and much more. SM's banking interests are primarily held through the country's largest bank, BDO Unibank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth-largest private domestic bank.

For more information on SM Investments Corporation, visit www.sminvestments.com.