Vena Energy Accelerates Green Energy Transition in the Philippines with Dual Groundbreakings for 380 MWp Solar Projects in Ilocos Norte

Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider across the Asia-Pacific region, has commenced construction of two major solar projects in Ilocos Norte, marking another significant step in supporting the Philippines’ clean energy transition.

Groundbreaking and time capsule ceremonies for the Astra Solar and Opus Solar projects were held on 5 May 2026 in Currimao and 6 May 2026 in Paoay, respectively. Together, the projects represent approximately 380 MWp of new capacity and will increase Vena Energy’s total solar footprint in Ilocos Norte to around 480 MWp once operational.

Vena Energy Delivers Second Community Fund Turnover to Quezon Indigenous Peoples

Dr. Carlos Buasen, Jr. - NCIP Region 4A Regional Director; Thelma P. Aumentado - IPMR (Quezon Province); Melecio Rotaquio - Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pigtaanan ne Dumagat Remontado de General Nakar Quezon (PDRGNQ), Inc.; Mia Jarumayan - Vena Group, Head of Business Development - Project Development; IPs: Yolanda Monica, Gloria dela Cruz, Rea Reyes, Orlando Surbano Jr., Lorena Petores, Macario dela Cruz, Brgy. Captain Orlando Surbano Sr., Solita Vertrodis, Leonardo Pranada; Dr. Donato B. Bumacas - Provincial Officer, NCIP Region 4A, QPO 

Largest gathering of advocates for People on the Spectrum in Southeast Asia:

SM Cares and the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) bring together 47,500 advocates nationwide for 2026 ASP Angels Walk with SM

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares and its partners, gathered 47,500 allies and advocates nationwide together at the ASP Angels Walk for Autism last April 26, 2026. The record-breaking attendance this year reflects the growing support for the Autism Community through collective programs and efforts done by SM Cares and the ASP in forging an Autism-OK Philippines. 

SM Coastal Cleanups Go Beyond Trash, Teach Communities to Care

In celebration of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls.

This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems. 

Happy Walk 2026 assembled 10,500 advocates, breaking record as largest gathering for Down Syndrome in Asia

Participants of Happy Walk 2026 at SMX Convention Center - Manila come together in a joyful display of unity and support for individuals with Down syndrome, reinforcing the message that inclusion thrives when communities walk forward as one.

Happy Walk 2026 broke records as the largest gathering of allies for the Down Syndrome community in Asia with 10,500 advocates gathering all over the country as the strongest show of solidarity and empowerment to date.

Earth Hour 2026: National Lights-Off milestone re-affirms SM’s commitment to shared action

An hour for Earth. SM Supermalls switches off non-essential lights in solidarity with Earth Hour, uniting communities in a shared commitment to climate action and a more sustainable future.

SM Supermalls has once again led a meaningful local observance of the global Earth Hour. Through a symbolic lights-off practice held at all SM Malls has re-affirmed its strong commitment toward shared responsibility, environmental awareness, and community action across all of its most-loved malls.

The Ocean Cleanup marks first milestone with Meycauayan plastic Interceptor rollout

The first Interceptor barrier in the Manila Bay region to be operational by June 2026

Global non-profit organization, The Ocean Cleanup, reinforces its commitment to mitigating ocean-bound plastic waste from the Manila Bay region, with the deployment of its first Interceptor™ barrier in the Philippines, set to be in the Meycauayan River by June 2026. 

This follows the recent announcement of Interceptor deployments in the entire Manila Bay region, as part of The Ocean Cleanup’s global initiative, the 30 Cities Program, which aims to accelerate efforts to intercept and remove ocean-bound plastic pollution from rivers globally by up to one third, by the end of the decade.