Amid global uncertainties, SM Investments Corp., the parent company of the SM Group, stays true to its commitment in enabling people, businesses and communities to grow together.
Believing that progress is only meaningful when shared, SM plays a vital role as a driving force of opportunity and resilience. Its businesses help empower local enterprises, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainability at every level.
“Success is only meaningful when it uplifts others,” President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio said. “Enabling growth means creating opportunities for our tenants, suppliers, employees and communities. We aim to be a platform for MSMEs (micro, small and midsize enterprises), a conduit for capital and a champion of Filipino enterprise.”
Central to this catalyst role is SM’s support for MSMEs, the backbone of the Philippine economy. By the end of 2024, SM supported over 100,000 MSMEs, providing platforms for growth, scale and sustainability. Through its banks — BDO Unibank and China Banking Corp. — SM extended ¥173 billion ($1.2 billion) in loans to small businesses, fueling jobs and community development.
Small enterprises, local culture
SM’s integrated ecosystem of businesses acts as both partner and catalyst. A good example is Kultura, one of its retail brands, where artisans and entrepreneurs showcase sustainable, handcrafted, culturally rich products on a national stage. Kultura goes beyond commerce, enabling heritage preservation and livelihood.
Within SM’s 87 malls, close to 70% of the tenants are MSMEs. SM promotes their growth through capacity-building, emergency preparedness and digital tools. In 2024, SM launched a Business Continuity Planning initiative, helping MSMEs prepare customized strategies to survive disruptions. Tenants also gain free access to secure digital storage for faster recovery and insurance claims.
Sustainable shopping, green habits
SM encourages sustainable shopping by offering customers over 20,000 eco-friendly products via the SM Store’s Green Finds program. From locally sourced to upcycled goods, these products promote greener choices. SM’s Green Store initiatives improve energy and water efficiency, reduce packaging waste and encourage the use of reusable “eco-bags,” encouraging consumers to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
SM aligns to the Philippines’ low-carbon shift through renewable-energy investments and innovative urban development. It has installed over 96,000 solar panels and expanded energy exploration with the Philippine Geothermal Production Co., targeting up to 400 megawatts of additional capacity.
Its banks have financed more than ¥2.6 trillion ($18 billion) in sustainable projects, including 63 renewable-energy ventures totaling 2,679 MW — demonstrating how financial inclusion supports climate action.
SM’s integrated developments promote sustainable urban living through “15-minute cities” — walkable communities where housing, commerce, education and entertainment are all within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This reduces transport needs and lowers emissions.
With 22 integrated properties nationwide — including malls, residences, hotels, offices and convention centers — SM incorporates resilient infrastructure like water catchments and recycling systems to mitigate climate risks and promote efficient resource use.
Job creation and livelihood
Through the SM Job Opportunities Building Skills program, SM connects job seekers to employers. SM partnered with the Department of Labor to connect over 149,000 Filipinos to job opportunities, while advancing skills and economic mobility.
The SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (Partner in Livelihood) Farming Program allows farmers to pursue livelihood opportunities. Over 30,000 farmers have successfully graduated from the program, many of whom are seasonal suppliers for SM and sellers at the SM Weekend Market.
SM is also investing in the formation of a future-ready generation through its educational institutions and scholarship programs that aim to equip students with the skills, networks and confidence to thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce.
SM continues to weave growth opportunities by facilitating access to markets and supporting sustainability, inclusive finance and community transformation to create value not only for shareholders, but for society as a whole.
