SM Prime Joins Global Conversation on Building Sustainable Cities for The Future

SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting 

the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los 

Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and 

more resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban 

challenges.

SM’s commitment to sustainability was evident through the participation of its top executives. SM Supermalls’President Steven Tan showcased SM Supermalls’ eco-friendly practices and community-focused programs. 

“Our malls are more than just shopping centers; they are dynamic public spaces, woven into the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. Our comprehensive environmental sustainability programs are deeply inspired by the 

vision of our Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Hans Sy, a tireless advocate for environmental 

sustainability and disaster resilience,” Mr. Tan said.

He added, “At SM Supermalls, we leverage science and technology to develop innovative solutions that are 

seamlessly integrated into the design and operation of our malls. We remain committed to leveraging 

innovation and collaboration to build a greener, more resilient, and more sustainable future for the 

Philippines.”

SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy 

Jessica Bianca Sy, shared the company’s vision of creating sustainable integrated properties that foster lively 

communities. 

National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr. highlighted SM’s role in 

disaster preparedness. He presented “From Risk to Resilience: The Work of the National Resilience Council in Risk Governance” where he introduced the Resilience Local Government Unit Program (RLGUP), NRC’s 

approaches and tools and how risk governance is supported by the sciences.

SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability was further emphasized during a breakout session on creating 

connections and partnerships, hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Lead of 

Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch. Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of World Wide FundFor Nature (WWF)-Philippines, underscored the significance of collaboration: “Any program that aims to 

build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors.”

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and 

sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.