Sunnies invests in Philippine education with a 10-classroom commitment with Generation HOPE

Sunnies turned over two new public school classrooms to Muzon Elementary School in Alitagtag, Batangas as part of their 10-classroom commitment with Generation HOPE. In photo are (from left) Muzon Elementary School Principal Edwin Marasigan, Department of Education OIC Chief Education Supervisor, School Governance and Operations Division Dr. Mario B. Maramot, Alitagtag, Batangas Municipal Mayor Jo-Ann Ponggos, Sunnies Founders Eric Dee, Bea Soriano-Dee, Georgina Wilson, and Jess Wilson, HOPE Business Development Manager Selena Ortiga, and HOPE Partner Relations & Strategic Alliances Angel Samson Antonio.

Youth Efforts in Preserving West Borneo’s Natural and Cultural Heritage Through Film Production

Samudra Bekudong'k behind the scenes during the development of their film

Southeast Asia’s rainforests, rich in biodiversity and culture, have long drawn travelers from around the world. But this natural and cultural allure is under threat from rapid deforestation and environmental decline. Data from Ecocare in 2024 indicates that Southeast Asia has experienced forest degradation for decades. This also became relevant in the Philippines, where natural forest loss reached 43.8 kha in 2024, contributing to 24.0 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions. Despite progress, illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development continue to threaten its remaining green spaces.

Beyond government action, Filipino filmmakers and environmental activists are leveraging film as a powerful medium to raise awareness of deforestation and biodiversity loss. Documentaries and short films showcased at events like the Klima Film Festival and Science Film Festival highlight the importance of preserving green spaces amid rapid urbanization. Independent filmmakers have also produced works focusing on the Philippines’ vanishing forests and the impact of climate change on local biodiversity.

From Paper to Purpose: Paperception 2025 Unites Creativity, Education, and Industry for a Sustainable Future

(From left) Eric Caeg, Founder and President of International Council of Small Business Philippines Vicky Tan, Chairperson of Global Compact Network Philippines and Executive Director at Ayala Corporation; Cristy Oreta, President of the Philippine Marketing Association; Karen Ong, President of Prestige Paper Albert See, President of the Printing Association of the Philippines; and Leah Marie Ayeng, CEO of Prestige Paper Products amplified the message of collective effort towards sustainability at Paperception.

Leaders from the creative, academic, paper, printing, and packaging industry gathered at the AIM Conference Center recently for Paperception, a sustainability event hosted by Prestige Paper Products. 

Paper, often seen as an ordinary, everyday item, was redefined as a metaphor for new beginnings and boundless creativity. Celebrating the potential of paper as a symbol of innovation and transformation, the event placed sustainability at the heart of cross-sector dialogue.

Kicking off the event, Albert See, President of the Printing Association of the Philippines; Vicky Tan, Chairperson of Global Compact Network Philippines and Executive Director at Ayala Corporation; and Cristy Oreta, President of the Philippine Marketing Association, echoed one message: Sustainability starts with all of us—and with something as simple as paper.

Paperception invited Ruth Toreno, Southeast Asia Area Manager of Fedrigoni Specialty Papers, to share the company’s initiatives toward carbon reduction, circular design, and eco-certifications. 

Mary Joy Paico from the Department of Science and Technology presented research and technologies in paper design - including the use of pineapple fibers and other biodegradable alternatives for everyday packaging materials.  

With efforts from both private and public sectors shared, the event proceeded with panel discussions on the topics “Sustainability in Design” and “Partnership between Industry and Academe for Sustainability” moderated by Ping Manongdo, Country Director at Eco-Business. 

Sustainability in Design: Creativity for a Greener Future

As part of the panel, Jos Ortega, Chairman and CEO of Havas Ortega shared an introduction to how sustainability is embedded in good design. From material sourcing to brand messaging, sustainable choices empower designers to create with purpose. 

"Sustainability is not a limitation on creativity but a catalyst. Designing sustainably involves reducing harm and innovating. The craft of design is elevated through sustainable practices. Sustainable design tells stories of stewardship and hope, contributing to environmental healing."

From there, panelists Ara Bella Castillo, Account Director at PMG; Joy Paico, Science Research Specialist at the DOST’s Packaging Technology Division, and Liza Flores, a renowned illustrator from Studio Dialogo chimed in, exploring the opportunities and challenges of sustainability in design and communications. 

The discussion centered on the need to rethink material use, reduce packaging waste, and integrate sustainability into branding and messaging. The conversation explored balancing innovation with cost, ensuring authenticity in sustainability claims, and using data and AI responsibly. Despite challenges, all agreed on the creative industry’s power to influence consumer behavior and advocate for change.

Industry and Academe: Building Sustainable Education Pathways

As a springboard for the panel, Manongdo cited a 2023 LinkedIn report which revealed that the global demand for sustainability-related skills is growing twice as fast as the supply of qualified professionals. This has sustainability roles going unfilled and graduates lacking the practical experience that industries seek. 

Aazin Carl Sumalinog from National University, Romeo Catap Jr. of the College of St. Benilde’s Industrial Design program, Greg Borja from San Beda University, and Dulzzi Gutierrez of Mint College then discussed how education institutions are preparing the next generation of designers and problem-solvers to meet the demands of sustainability in the workforce. 

Schools are integrating sustainability into their curriculum by teaching students to consider the full life cycle of products — from carbon footprints to sustainable production and user-centered design, as shared by Catap. Meanwhile, Borja and Gutierrez emphasized values-based education and real-world impact through student-led initiatives and partnerships that promote social responsibility.

“One thing that we would like to ask the industry to add to your paradigm, maybe include us. Maybe include the learners. Because while we are moving forward in the industry, your sleeping giants are in our classrooms,” shared Catap. 

Panelists stressed the importance of partnerships between schools and industries to prepare students for emerging roles in sustainability

Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals - Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production and more – the event concluded with a powerful message: sustainability is a collective effort. 

Paperception 2025 served as a vital platform for bridging gaps between sectors and aligning on a shared commitment to a more responsible, creative, and sustainable future.

Crab Cultivation and Conservation: How Local Efforts in Southeast Asia Can Help Sustain Philippine Fisheries

Southeast Asia’s geography has made seafood a staple in everyday life. But the region’s rich marine resources are under growing pressure. A 2023 report by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Sustainable Marine Fisheries Resource Management, estimated that Southeast Asia is losing up to 7.5 million tons of fish each year—translating to around USD 22.5 billion in economic losses. The main culprits: climate change, chemical and plastic pollution, and the degradation of coral reefs and mangroves.

In the Philippines, one species in focus is the blue swimming crab, a key export commodity and livelihood source for many coastal communities. To protect it, the Department of Agriculture introduced a crab management plan aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability. Measures include setting minimum catch sizes, regulating fishing gear, closing crabbing seasons during breeding periods, and protecting female crabs carrying eggs.

SNAP-Benguet donates traditional IP instruments to Tinongdan

Barangay Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet, headed by Barangay Captain Edwin Atumpag received traditional instruments from SNAP-Benguet on July 21, 2025.

As part of its cultural preservation and community development efforts, SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) donated traditional indigenous instruments to Barangay Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet, under its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) special projects.

On July 21, 2025, Barangay Tinongdan, led by Punong Barangay Edwin Atumpag, received solibao drums and gangsa (handheld gongs), traditional instruments vital to the community’s cultural dances and rituals. The provision of shengdi (traditional blanket) is also underway. This initiative supports the barangay development plan, which identified cultural preservation as one of its priorities.

Jessica Soho Headlines 2025 Global Youth Summit

The country’s biggest youth gathering returns as the Global Youth Summit 2025 is set to inspire and energize thousands of young leaders and changemakers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena this August 3, headlined by none other than multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho

With a legacy built on truth, integrity, and connection with the Filipino public, Soho will bring her unique voice and journalistic insight to the GYS stage, in a rare opportunity for youth to hear from one of the most trusted names in Philippine media.

SM Supermalls Marks National Disaster Resilience Month with Capacity Building Events

In celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month this July, SM Supermalls is leading the private sector in promoting lifesaving skills and community preparedness through a series of impactful activities.

In line with the theme of KUMIKILOS Para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan at Katatagan, SM Supermalls embarks on a month-long multi-sectoral initiative for National Disaster Resilience Month.

The month opened with the first batch of Hands-Only CPR training at SM City Manila, targeting mall security personnel, janitors, and tenant employees. This initiative, under the campaign CPR: Corporate Preparedness and Resilience, is part of the Department of Health’s nationwide effort to promote public awareness and readiness in responding to cardiac emergencies. The next leg of the training will be held at SM San Lazaro on July 25.

Mall first responders and tenant employees learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques from representatives of the Department of Health and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

“Emergencies can happen anywhere, and empowering everyday heroes with CPR skills can make the difference between life and death,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President. “This is our commitment to making malls not just safe spaces, but resilient communities.”

In parallel, ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine Network together with SM hosted a webinar series on basic non-life insurance to educate private sector members and micro, small and medium enterprises for key risk transfer mechanisms in disaster risk reduction strategies.  

SM also supported the Ready, Set, Resilient: Youth DRR Training held last June 11 at the RED Training Center in Pasig City. Headlined by ARISE Philippine in partnership with the Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Local Youth Development Office, the one-day workshop aimed to empower young leaders to take active roles in disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts.

SM Supermalls mounts Ready, Set, Resilient: Youth DRR Training in partnership with ARISE Philippines and the Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Subject matter experts answer questions on disaster risk reduction from Pasig students during the youth DRR training held in the city’s RED Training Center. 

Following this, SM Supermalls and SM GUUN Environmental Company addressed 180 ARISE Philippines members, partners and advocates in the Waste Management Webinar: Journey Towards a Waste-Free Future in a bid to encourage collective effort for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.

SM through ARISE Philippines next participated in the Department of Interior and Local Government-led Dagyaw Open Government and Participatory Governance Town Hall Meeting themed “BaBaYi: Kababaihan Bagtasin ang Ekonomiyang Likas-Kaya” for inclusive entrepreneurship.

To further strengthen emergency response capabilities, SM Supermalls will host an Incident Command System (ICS) training for SM Mall of Asia locators on July 28. ICS is a standardized approach to command, control, and coordination used during emergency response operations. It enables multiple stakeholders—mall management, tenants, and responders—to work together efficiently and effectively during crises.

Capping off the celebration, SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection, will conduct a Fire Square Roadshow simultaneously in selected malls on July 31. This multi-mall event will feature interactive exhibitions showcasing fire extinguishment techniques, first aid and bandaging, knot tying, rappelling, and more—bringing essential emergency skills directly to the public in an engaging and educational format.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—continuously evolving to lead the way in sustainable development by integrating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls in the Philippines, all while creating inclusive spaces that enrich communities, support climate action, and ensure a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.