Better Days at SM Brings Hope Closer to Youth

SM Cares’ multi-mall mental health caravan created safe spaces for young people to share, connect, and build resilience

When it comes to mental health, room must be made for young people to be heard and reassure them that their voice has value, their lives are precious. Spaces where they feel safe to speak their mind and seek help matters now more than ever.

In line with its advocacy of empowering the next generation of Filipinos and strengthening communities by providing enriching experiences for the youth, SM Cares mounted Better Days: A Youth Mental Health Caravan. The caravan was hosted in partnership with Mental Health Youth Hub PH, I AM MAD (Making A Difference), the National Youth Commission, and Global Peace Foundation Philippines.

SM Prime joins DILG in launching nationwide Unified 911 for Resilience campaign

The iconic MOA Globe lights up during the launch of the Unified 911 for Resilience: National Campaign, a nationwide initiative led by the DILG in partnership with SM Prime to promote emergency preparedness.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to launch the Unified 911 for Resilience: National Campaign, a nationwide initiative that aims to strengthen public awareness of emergency preparedness and promote a more coordinated emergency response system across the country.

SM for MSMEs Strengthens Support for Women Entrepreneurs

Discover women-led Filipino brands through WomenBizPH

Every successful business begins with someone brave enough to take the first step. For countless women entrepreneurs, that journey starts with a simple idea, nurtured by passion, strengthened by resilience, and driven by the dream of creating a better future for their families and communities. 

Yet while many have built remarkable products and businesses, one challenge remains constant—finding opportunities to be discovered.

The Blackout Zone: SM Cares, CHED Turn Experience Into Understanding

SM Cares, in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), brought The Blackout Zone to the CHED Central Office Auditorium at the Higher Education Development Center Building in Diliman, Quezon City from July 21 to 22, 2026.

Developed through SM’s Mall for All drive on inclusivity, the immersive exhibit invited students, educators, and members of the academic community to experience life without sight in a controlled and safe environment. Participants were guided through everyday activities designed to encourage them to look beyond limitations and recognize the abilities, independence, and resilience of people with visual impairments.

Rachel Daquis Named New 1xPlay Ambassador

Volleyball is among the top sports in the Philippines, attracting millions of fans. That is why sports news platform 1xPlay is delighted to announce that Rachel Daquis, one of the biggest stars of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), has become the brand’s new ambassador.

Rachel is deservedly known as the queen of Philippine volleyball. Through her hard work, talent, and remarkable charisma, she has paved the way for an entire generation of aspiring athletes. Her outstanding career includes collegiate championships with FEU, MVP honors at various tournaments, and appearances for the Philippine national team.

Why Indigenous Knowledge Matters More Than Ever in Building Sustainable Food Systems

Women’s Group in the Village of Mlaswat

As global demand for sustainable and plant-based ingredients continues to grow, there is renewed appreciation for the knowledge Indigenous communities have safeguarded for generations. In the Philippines, this offers an opportunity to rediscover sago, not simply as an ingredient in familiar desserts like halo-halo and taho, but as a versatile crop with the potential to nourish communities, preserve cultural heritage, and support more sustainable livelihoods. 

That vision is already taking root in Caraga, where the Manobo community established the country's first sago palm flour enterprise. It stands as an example of how indigenous knowledge can create lasting opportunities, adding value to a traditional crop while strengthening local livelihoods and inspiring the next generation to carry these practices forward. That indigenous production base lines up with the region's broader trajectory, since Asia Pacific held over 50% of global sago revenue as of 2023, with production in countries like Indonesia and the Philippines driving that dominance.

MDPPA reports resilient Philippine motorcycle market in first half of 2026 despite softer June performance

Strong Q1 offsets softer Q2 as motorcycles remain an essential mobility solution for Filipinos

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA) reported total motorcycle sales of 939,528 units from January to June 2026, representing a 3.58 percent increase over the 907,054 units sold during the same period last year.

Despite a more challenging market environment following an exceptionally strong first half in 2025, the industry maintained positive momentum, reflecting the continued importance of motorcycles as an essential mobility solution for Filipinos. 

The industry's first half performance was anchored by a strong start to the year. Sales in the first quarter reached 496,868 units, an 11.6 percent increase over the same period in 2025. While the second quarter recorded 442,660 units, or 4.2 percent lower than the 462,007 units posted during the same period last year, the gains achieved in the opening quarter helped keep overall first half sales firmly in positive territory.