Daily Newsmakers

While access to quality healthcare continues to be hampered by challenges, medical missions have become an increasingly vital source of support for low-income communities. Through time, they have gone beyond providing medical care and have taken up a new role: transforming the lives of individuals and communities. The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) recognizes just this, so it has made its mission to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from various hard-pressed communities.  Just recently, the medical mission team headed to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Northern Luzon and provided services to thousands of low-income families. Two of them are Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin.  

Women of today have shown how formidable and tenacious they are by breaking through multiple glass ceilings at work, at home, and in society all in the name of gender equity. This relentless path to gender equity has been paved by women who wholeheartedly embrace their individuality day in and day out, and who constantly strive to become their best selves.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to further promote the country’s pursuit of sustainable development. Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime aims to assist select students pursue undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) – courses geared towards sustainability. 

Metro Manila’s forecast of becoming a global power city is challenged by the consequences of rapid urbanization. The UN-Habitat lists the effects of climate change, natural disasters that hamper urban infrastructures and city competitiveness, unequal livability, job creation, and poverty reduction.   Is there a way out of Metro Manila’s challenges? Architect and urban designer Chintan Raveshia, and urban  planner and sustainability consultant Tony Chan of Singapore-based Arup emphasize urban development should also consider people’s aspirations, its changing needs and expectations, and the national identity of the residents.

Mang Inasal , the country’s grill expert, has launched the new Buddy Fiesta, the small version of the best-selling Family Fiesta group meal that features a bilao of chicken and pork inasal favorites with a platter of Java Rice.

SM Supermalls, in collaboration with its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units and partner schools and organizations joined the rest of the world in celebrating Earth Day at SM malls nationwide on April 22, 2023.

XTREME Appliances, one of the fastest-growing appliance brands in the Philippines, has announced  the opening of its first branch in Robinsons malls. This exciting development marks a significant  milestone for the company as it continues to expand its footprint across the country.

Mang Inasal  Extra Creamy Halo-Halo was enjoyed by customers across the Philippines during the celebration of Mang Inasal National Halo-Halo Blowout last April 16.     “We thank all our beloved customers nationwide for making the Mang Inasal National Halo-Halo Blowout a success,” said Mang Inasal Business Unit Head Mike V. Castro. “It is a heartwarming sight to witness families and barkadas getting together for our special one-day event. We’ve seen happy faces in our stores while they enjoy their favorite dessert and it’s a great validation for us to keep on giving our customers the best halo-halo they deserve, especially this summer season.”

In celebration of the International Day of the Forest, Forest Foundation Philippines announced that it will scale up its grant program through its 2023 - 2026 Results Framework. The new framework aims to enable a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to forest protection, restoration, and conservation in the Philippines. The 2023 - 2026 Framework is a four-year program that will empower organizations and individuals to protect and sustainably manage forests for land productivity, water, and biodiversity, while improving forest-related climate action. In addition, the framework will continue and expand Forest Foundation Philippines’ grant program to conserve and protect four focal landscapes in the country: the Sierra Madre, Palawan, Samar & Leyte, and Mindanao.

Wait for it! Exciting food brands and destinations are coming to the City of Firsts.