CDA EMPOWERS COOPERATIVES THROUGH SM SUPERMALLS’ WEEKEND MARKET

  PHILIPPINES – Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and SM Supermalls have officially sealed a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on Monday, July 1, 2025, at the SM Supermalls Headquarters in Pasay City. The agreement marks the beginning of a joint effort to empower Filipino cooperatives by giving them access to high-foot-traffic mall spaces through the SM Weekend Market — a platform dedicated to showcasing local products, homegrown talent, and Filipino entrepreneurship.

L-R: Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President and Lead for MSME and Job Fairs, Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls formalized partnership through a MOA signing with CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo and CDA Administrator Asec. Santiago S. Lim, that aims to empower Filipino cooperatives through the SM Weekend Market initiative.

The MOA was signed by Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, and Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, in the presence of key officials from both institutions. “This is a historic partnership between the private and public sectors,” said Usec. Raquepo during his remarks. “We take great pride in this collaboration with SM Supermalls, which represents a powerful step forward in uplifting our micro, small and medium cooperative entrepreneurs. This model partnership will not only provide access to markets, but help elevate the economic well-being of our communities.”

 Fresh, prou Filipino produce takes the spotlight supporting local farmers and cooperatives at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Calamba.

YOUR GUIDE TO CDO'S THRILLING FIRSTS AT SM SUPERMALL

Discover new ways to dine – only at SM.

PHILIPPINES – Craving for some mouthwatering seafood? How about freshly brewed coffee, ready to go? This month, it’s all about what you want—check out these newly opened food and beverage spots heading your way.

You have all the reasons to make life more rewarding with these new firsts. From indulgent  dining to quick coffee breaks, you deserve nothing but the best to satisfy your cravings.

Have a truly fulfilling day and give yourself limitless possibilities to live the good life with SM Supermalls—right here in Cagayan de Oro City.

Fresh Eats Straight from the Sea at Zubaibai Seafood Restaurant

Experience a unique dining experience with Zubaibai Seafood Restaurant—a bold new take on Filipino culinary traditions perfect for every seafood lover.

This pork-free restaurant offers flavorful dishes with a modern twist, including their signature Balangay Seafood Boil: a hearty platter of fresh seafood served in a custom-built Balangay-style boat—honoring Filipino heritage in a festive spread. Each dish is carefully plated with built-in burners, keeping the food deliciously hot and freshly cooked right at your table.

Indulge in the sea’s bounty, and experience a burst of flavor with this beachside-inspired dining escape at Level 5, SM CDO Downtown.

SM SUPERMALLS LEADS THE CHARGE IN IMPROVING URBAN AIR QUALITY

PHILIPPINES – There’s nothing quite like strolling through a mall with breathtaking views, expansive arcades, and lush greenery. At SM Supermalls, shopping isn’t just about transactions—it’s about enjoying spaces designed for comfort, sustainability, and a healthier environment. More than ever, SM’s commitment to green infrastructure is shaping urban air quality while creating a more livable city for everyone.

Designing for people and the planet

SM Supermalls prioritizes people-centric design, creating welcoming spaces that balance nature with modern convenience. The SM Mall of Asia’s arcades and the MOA Sky, for example, offer open, breezy walkways, encouraging leisurely strolls and even outdoor dining and entertainment. Meanwhile, SM Aura and SM North EDSA’s Sky Garden—the first in an SM mall—integrates lush vegetation and water features to reduce indoor heat, improve air quality, and create cooling effects in dense urban areas.

SM North EDSA houses the first Sky Garden in an SM mall, highlighting endemic plants and water features that bring nature onto a rooftop.

 

The SM MOA Sky showcases greenery and open-air spaces that promote cleaner, cooler urban living.

COMMUNITY AT WORK: SM CARES JOINS BRIGADA ESKWELA 2025

 PHILIPPINES – In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela initiative, SM Supermalls mobilized thousands of volunteers across its malls nationwide from June 9 to 13, 2025, to help prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carried the theme, “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.”

Driven by the spirit of bayanihan, SM employee volunteers join Brigada Eskwela to help public schools prepare for the new academic year—fostering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces where students and communities can thrive. SM employees in action—offering their hands and hearts to help schools gear up for another inspiring year of learning. SM North EDSA volunteers sweep hallways for Brigada Eskwela—helping create clean, focused spaces where students can learn and grow.

SM PROUDLY CELEBRATED LOCAL MSMES AT DTI WEDDING FAIR AT SMX AURA

 

DTI kicked off the Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025 at SMX Aura headed by DTI Sec. Cristina Roque, bringing together MSMEs from across the country in a celebration of love, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

PHILIPPINES – Love, tradition, and local entrepreneurship shared the spotlight at the Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025, held from June 27 to 29 at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the three-day event successfully showcased over 100 Filipino MSMEs, celebrating Filipino creativity while driving real business opportunities in the events and wedding industry.

The fair welcomed industry professionals, wedding planners, creatives, and couples preparing for their big day to explore everything from couture bridalwear and floral arrangements to photography, catering, travel services, and more. The highlight of Day 1 was a runway fashion show featuring Filipino bridal designers, who elevated traditional fabrics and sustainable design for the modern bride. Day 2 and 3 featured talks and interactive exhibits spotlighting creative industries—from graphic design and stationery to music and event production—showing how weddings can reflect both personal stories and cultural pride.

Filipino bridal designers wowed the crowd with modern, sustainable, and culturally rooted creations at the Wedding Fair Fashion Show—proudly highlighting Tatak Pinoy talent.

“Through partnerships like this, SM Supermalls remains committed to helping build the future of Filipino MSMEs by providing entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their work, nurture local talent and creativity, and strengthen economic resilience.” shared Joaquin San Agustin, EVP of SM Supermalls.

MSME designers wowed guests with their collection of bridal gowns, groom’s suits, and entourage wear—featuring silhouettes that range from classic romance to modern minimalist, all crafted with Filipino finesse.

ART INVADES SM SUPERMALLS WITH “ART FOR ALL”!

 PHILIPPINES – SM Supermalls continues its unwavering support for Filipino artistry with the nationwide launch of Art for Everyone—a month-long celebration of creativity, culture, and community across 18 malls this July.

Building on the remarkable success of the 2024 Art Market, which earned the prestigious Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, SM Supermalls continues to elevate its commitment to championing the local art scene. Last year’s Art Market featured over 1,200 Filipino artists and showcased more than 4,000 artworks, providing a platform that not only celebrated local creativity but also offered meaningful support to emerging and established artists alike.

 

The overwhelming success of the event sparked renewed enthusiasm within the community, with many of last year’s participating artists eager to return, a testament to the event’s impact and SM’s growing role as a catalyst for Filipino creative expression.

Ilonggo artists (T-B) Joel Ferraris and Joy Fernando at last year’s SM Art Market in SM City Iloilo.

SM PRIME: CREATING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PLASTIC-FREE COMMUNITIES

 PHILIPPINES – According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the global production of plastics is forecasted to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050, with severe environmental, social, economic, and human health consequences.

 

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) remains committed to creating thriving, sustainable cities.

 

With a waste-free future as part of its environmental strategy, SM Prime encourages the observation of International Plastic-free Day on May 25 and its call to rethink single-use plastics (SUP) for one day. Moreover, SM Prime celebrates the group-wide strides made to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.

The Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable-labeled bins support SM's waste-free future initiative and align with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.

 

A group-wide movement for the EPR Law

The SM group, working with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is pursuing a group-wide strategy to comply with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s EPR Act of 2022.

 

Formally known as Republic Act 11898, the EPR law requires companies to take responsibility for the recovery of their plastic packaging products and to pursue waste management programs.