Government Service Express Expands to SM Center San Pedro

SM Supermalls and its government partners reaffirm their commitment to accessible, people-centered services with the opening of the Government Service Express at SM Center San Pedro. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Pag-IBIG Area Head Sally Banal; Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (CALABARZON) Chief P/Col. Gerald S. Dee; SSS South Luzon Division 1 Vice President Engr. Edwin Igharas; SM Supermalls SAVP Division Head John Jason Terrenal; San Pedro City Mayor Art Joseph Mercado; San Pedro City Vice Mayor Nina Almoro; Laguna Police Provincial Office Provincial Director P/Col. Sando J. DC Tafalia; SM Supermalls AVP South 3 Aurea Angelica Toreja; and San Pedro City Police Station Officer-in-Charge PLT/Col. Reynaldo N. Vitto.

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the City Government of San Pedro and key national government agencies, officially inaugurated the Government Service Express (GSE) at SM Center San Pedro on May 25, 2026—further expanding access to essential public services through a convenient, one-stop hub within the mall.

The newly opened GSE marks the 19th Government Service Express in SM malls nationwide, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ continued commitment to transforming malls into community hubs that go beyond retail—spaces where everyday needs, essential services, and meaningful experiences come together.

SM Supermalls and the City Government of San Pedro formally inaugurated the Government Service Express at SM Center San Pedro, expanding access to essential public services for the community.

The opening was attended by SM Supermalls representatives, local government officials, and partner agencies, marking another milestone in strengthening public-private collaboration and improving access to government services for the community.

Designed as a centralized one-stop hub, the Government Service Express allows customers to complete multiple government transactions more efficiently in one location—supporting workers securing employment requirements, entrepreneurs processing permits and clearances, families managing civil documents, and residents accessing healthcare and social protection services.

The Government Service Express at SM Center San Pedro brings together services from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Local Government Unit (LGU), Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Civil Registry Office, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to name a few, in one convenient and accessible hub.

Beyond Convenience: Supporting the Everyday Needs of Working Communities

More than accessibility, the Government Service Express plays a meaningful role in supporting the daily realities of Filipino workers and families. By integrating agencies like the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Local Government Unit (LGU), Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Civil Registry Office and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) within the mall environment, GSE allows individuals to:

- Process employment and documentation requirements including postal ID, without disrupting work schedules
- Access healthcare and social security services more efficiently
- Secure clearance including fire safety permits and benefits needed for career and livelihood opportunities

Representatives from SM Supermalls, officials from the San Pedro LGU, and partner government agencies officially open the Government Service Express at SM Center San Pedro.

With these government agencies present, communities also gain access to health-related services and programs, contributing to improved well-being while reducing the time and cost typically associated with multiple government visits. Functioning as a modern-day community service hub, GSE complements local government efforts by providing a more accessible, organized, and customer-friendly environment—particularly valuable for urban and working populations who prioritize efficiency and reliability.

Rather than serving as a space for one-time assistance, the SM Government Service Express empowers individuals to move forward—whether through employment, healthcare access, or financial security programs, now all in one place.

The expansion of GSE to SM Center San Pedro highlights the continued strength of public-private collaboration in improving service delivery. By bringing government agencies closer to the communities they serve, SM Supermalls helps reduce barriers and create more inclusive access to essential services. Through initiatives like the Government Service Express, SM Supermalls continues to strengthen its role as the most loved mall—building spaces that serve not just transactions, but people and communities.

Solar Panel Project Helps Both Customers and Communities Nationwide

Amid the current energy state of emergency and as demand for electricity rises during the summer months, SM Supermalls reinforces its energy efficiency practices to serve its customers and surrounding communities undisrupted, on top of sustaining its operations.

SM Group operates the country’s largest rooftop solar panel network nationwide among property developers. Its investment in renewable energy started in 2014 with the very first installation of solar panels in SM North EDSA—long before government mandates on sustainability and the current pressures on alternative sources of power amid the energy crisis. With over 200,000 panels installed across 59 mall properties, covering 65 hectares, this expansive system powers SM’s most-loved malls through a hybrid energy strategy, helping them run more efficiently and sustainably.

Impact to Communities

Collectively, these panels generate 106 MWp of solar power, meeting over 50% of the mall operator’s electricity needs and helping ensure stable operations—from lighting to elevators. By integrating solar energy, SM reduces costs, improves efficiency, and delivers a more reliable, comfortable experience for tenants and shoppers.

This hybrid energy strategy, paired with its adjusted mall operating hours reduces SM’s reliance on the national grid, helping ease pressure on the overall energy supply and free up capacity for households, schools, hospitals, offices, and essential services, in its surrounding communities particularly during peak hours.

SM’s reinforced energy efficiency thrust amid the energy crisis is its latest effort in pursuit of transformative sustainability, action that results in impactful, tangible value to customers and its surrounding communities.

SM Supermalls earns global recognition with two Silver wins at the prestigious ICSC MAXI Awards

 

 

SM Supermalls continues to bring purpose-driven initiatives to the global stage after earning two Silver Awards at the prestigious ICSC MAXI Awards, one of the world’s most respected recognitions for excellence in marketing and innovation in the retail and shopping industry.

The ICSC MAXI Awards recognized “Art From All: Turning Community Action into Public Art” and “The SM Green Movement: Sustaining Communities Through Responsible Design.”

SM Supermalls’ Art From All initiative was recognized for transforming sustainability into an immersive and participatory mall experience.

Launched in May 2025, the initiative invited shoppers to donate plastic waste and witness it transformed into large-scale cultural art installations inside the mall. Instead of simply raising awareness, Art From All made sustainability interactive and visible by integrating the experience directly into everyday mall foot traffic.

The initiative encouraged communities to actively engage in environmental action while showcasing how creativity and collaboration can breathe new life into discarded materials.

Meanwhile, SM Green Movement earned global recognition for its long-running sustainability framework focused on reducing the environmental impact of large-scale mall operations.

Designed to address growing pressures on water, energy, and waste systems in fast-growing urban communities, the initiative continues to scale sustainability programs across SM Supermalls properties while encouraging greater environmental awareness among the public.

Presented by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the MAXI Awards celebrate outstanding campaigns and programs from shopping centers and retail brands worldwide that create meaningful impact on communities, culture, and business.

More than celebrating marketing excellence, the recognition reflects SM Supermalls’ continued commitment to enriching everyday experiences, whether through championing Filipino creativity, fostering meaningful connections, or encouraging sustainable living.

SM Supermalls Expands Nationwide Push for Cycling Through Bike-Friendly Facilities and Active Mobility Initiatives

Since the energy crisis, many Filipinos have been exploring alternative modes of transport and rediscovering the benefits of cycling—whether for daily commutes, quick errands, or weekend leisure rides. All for cyclists across the country, SM is making it sustainable to choose two wheels over four at their most-loved SM Supermalls.

Designed with convenience in mind, many SM malls offer bike-friendly infrastructure and facilities that support riders who prefer a greener way to travel. From safe, dedicated bike lanes and accessible bike parking areas to convenient entrances and cyclist-friendly amenities, SM continues to welcome riders who want to make cycling part of their everyday routine.

Cyclists gather at SM City Olongapo Central as SM reinforces its commitment to making malls more welcoming and accessible to bike communities.

Cyclists arrive at SM Seaside City Cebu as SM continues to design mall spaces that support sustainable transport and active mobility.

“At SM Supermalls, cyclists can also easily stop by to park their bikes, enjoy a meal, run errands, or meet friends before heading back on the road. Whether it’s a quick stop during a weekday commute or a longer visit during a weekend ride, SM malls provide a convenient hub for riders looking to recharge and relax,” Mina Kahn, SM Division Head and Assistant Vice President for Transportation Management. “All SM malls are equipped with bike facilities both indoor and outdoor, with a total of 823 bike parking areas and over 6,400 slots. There is also a total of 92 bike repair stations available across all SM locations, in case of assistance needed.”

Dedicated bicycle parking at SM supports cyclists with safe, convenient facilities that encourage greener modes of transport.

Bike-friendly features at SM make cycling a more practical and convenient option for everyday mall visits.

Empowering Biking Communities

For commuters, cycling can be both a practical and low-cost solution to navigating traffic. It promotes a healthier lifestyle while reducing carbon emissions—making it a sustainable choice for urban mobility.

That is why on top of in-mall features and facilities for cyclists, SM Supermalls also hosts biking activities that further encourage and empower cycling communities while serving as platforms for connection and engagement.

To celebrate World Bicycle Day, SM Supermalls will organize its annual Pedal Power event on June 6 across its nationwide network of most-loved Supermalls. The cycling event assembles and supports cycling communities through community bike rides and bike clinics that aim to build camaraderie and deeper appreciation for active mobility. This year, The Podium will also be hosting a special cycling learning activity through SM Cares’ Book Nook.

As part of the SM Green Movement, SM continues to champion active mobility in support of its broader commitment to building spaces that are accessible, sustainable, empowering, and inclusive for the communities it serves.

Through SM Pedal Power, participating malls across the country are helping make everyday mobility more sustainable and community friendly. These include SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM Center Antipolo Downtown, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Clark, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Rosario, SM City Lucena, SM Seaside City Cebu, and The Podium.

Water Resilience at Scale: SM’s Conservation Efforts in a Changing Climate

 

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has advanced resource stewardship through water circularity initiatives, implementing water conservation measures across its nationwide network of SM Supermalls since the late 1990s.

Embedded in its operations, SM Malls uses innovative water management systems that save water and reduce wastage - drawing less from the national water grid and creating value in an increasingly volatile time.

Macro to Micro: SM’s approach to water conservation

 Against the looming possibility of an extended drought caused by El Niño, saving every drop of water finds greater importance for SM Supermalls. Designed with sustainability in mind, SM Malls use innovative water management systems that not only promote saving water from wastage but also significantly reduce consumption. This helps lessen the use of fresh water resources from national water systems and leave more water for its surrounding communities to use.

 SM ensures sustainable water use through advanced recycling and rainwater harvesting systems. In 2025, sewage treatment plants in its 89 malls recycle an estimated 6.6 million cubic meters of property wastewater for non-potable use. The rainwater treatment facility in SM Baguio innovatively harvests and treats rainwater collected during the wet season and transforms it into water for kitchen and tenant use.

As a key customer touchpoint in water management, faucets also regulate the outflow of water for every use. SM’s investments in "push delay" faucets create sustainable operations to strengthen water conservation. These faucets save water by preventing it from being left running by restricting water flow through a certain window of time.

Technology then paved the way for enhanced conservation, and SM started using no-touch, sensor type faucets in 2015, far before the sanitary restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sensor type faucets help save water by automatically shutting outflow of water once the sensor does not detect a user. Additionally, these types of faucets typically require less water pressure, which also reduces water waste. Significant investments in systems such as sensor faucets also reduce wear and tear on fixtures and equipment, resulting in long-term savings and improved water conservation.

With its implementation, SM saw a 59% reduction in water waste, translating to saving the equivalent of a 1.5-liter bottle of water per user using the faucet over just 7 seconds.

By equipping its most-loved malls with water-efficient fixtures enhanced with technology, SM is protecting resources critical not just to its operations but to its surrounding communities. Under the guidance of the Water for Tomorrow pillar of the SM Green Movement, SM champions sustainable water use, reducing environmental impact and securing access to water for generations to come.