SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) received the Gold Award in the Transformation Category at the 2026 ESG Edge Impact Awards for its SM Waste Free Future initiative. The Transformation Category celebrates businesses and organizations that have significantly improved and evolved overall sustainability performance and operational models over time. 

From Vision to Transformation 

Through a collaborative ecosystem of stakeholders working toward a common goal, the shared commitment of a waste-free future reflects the SM way of creating meaningful and lasting impact. The launch of SM Waste Free Future in 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia marked the start of the group-wide initiative on waste circularity and standardized waste segregation across SM properties. 

At the core of the initiative is the belief that lasting waste reduction begins with everyday behavior. Applying the theory of change, the program started with observations of daily waste generation and an assessment of existing segregation systems. This was followed by the deployment of the three-bin waste system: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) bins, which make segregation easier and more accessible, helping reinforce positive daily habits over time. 

The 2024 nationwide launch of SM Waste Free Future

Early days of employee engagement and awareness-building. 

Closing the loop, however, requires more than improving waste management practices. In 2025, a year after its launch, SM Prime achieved an 80% diversion rate for non-hazardous waste away from landfills. Achieving this level of diversion means sustained commitment and strategic investment in the program. 

A key enabler is SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI), a waste-to-fuel facility in Consolacion, Cebu, that transforms disposable waste into alternative fuel for major cement manufacturers such as Holcim and APO Cement, advancing both waste diversion and circularity goals by keeping materials in productive use. 

SGECI’s expanded ecosystem includes Asia Brewery, PetValue, Nature Springs, and Concreat to recover, process, and repurpose waste materials generated across SM properties and smaller businesses in the area. It has processed more than 6,000 metric tons of waste in 2025, helping divert valuable resources away from landfills. 

Through SGECI, SM Prime invests in critical waste infrastructure to help the country address its waste challenges. 

Turning circularity into movement 

Behind every framework, however, lies the collective action critical to any program. SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, leverages its social media presence to engage communities, especially the youth, in active participation toward a waste-free future. Last year's International Coastal Cleanup had 48,000 volunteers – the largest gathering of coastal warriors to date.  

“Creating a waste-free future requires everyone to play a role—from employees and partner-tenants to local governments, communities, and customers,” says Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls VP for Compliance and Sustainability.

 “It is always a challenge at the start, but I’m proud of how far we have come. By working together, we can turn waste challenges into opportunities for positive environmental impact,” said Silerio.  

SM Prime representatives with Engr. Liza B. Silerio (left middle), SM Supermalls VP for Compliance and Sustainability; Dr. Louernie de Sales (right middle), SM Prime VP for Sustainability and President of SGECI; Ms. Katrina Dalusong (leftmost), Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Director for Group Sales; and Philippine Daily Inquirer Business Section Editor, Ms. Tina Arceo-Dumlao (rightmost).

Championed by the SM Green Movement, the SM Waste Free Future continues to advance SM Prime's circular economy practices by bringing together employees, tenants, partners, and communities behind a shared vision of responsible waste circularity. 

“This recognition reflects the power of collaboration in attempting to do what is impossible. The award belongs to everyone who has contributed to the journey. It demonstrates that when we unite behind a common purpose, we can achieve transformation at scale,” says Louernie de Sales, SM Prime VP for Sustainability and President of SGECI. 

The spirit of resilience, family, and community came alive as young athletes took center stage at the IRONKIDS Davao 2026 race on March 21. In its second year of partnership with IRONKIDS, RLC Residences continues to champion its vision of nurturing future generations—not just within its developments, but across meaningful real-life experiences.

The Davao leg marked the first race of the 2026 IRONKIDS series, bringing together once again the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team, first-time participants, and returning young athletes in an event filled with energy, determination, and heart. More than a competition, it became a celebration of growth—both for the children on the course and the families supporting them every step of the way. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WuF3Z63cW/  

The Pride in Racing at Home

For our Davao-based athletes, racing on home soil made the experience even more meaningful.

“It is very special and exciting, especially since it is happening here in Davao City. I’m proud to be a Davaoeño,” shared parent Rey Ko, whose sons Gavin and Greyson are both members of the RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team. 

Gavin placed 18th in the 9-10 years old category, while Greyson ranked 12th in the 6-8 years old category.

Another parent also emphasized the pride that comes with representing their hometown. 

“Doing triathlons is not new to Amir and Cyrus, but because of the pride that the race will be in Davao, we had extra loads of swimming time, biking time, and even running time,” shared their mother Fatima Buensuceso. 

Amir finished 6th among the 9-10-year-old participants, while Cyrus ranked 11th among the 6-8-year-olds. 

RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team member Amir Buensuceso finishing the race at IRONKIDS Davao 2026. 

For Rey, there’s pride in seeing their children represent their community.

“As parents, we are very proud of them, especially as Davaoeños representing the RLC Residences Davao athletes,” she said.

Meanwhile, Gavin found joy not just in racing, but in the experience of being part of something bigger.

“Davao is very clean and safe. I really like the festivals, how supportive the people are, and the food is very yummy,” he said, capturing the vibrant spirit of the city.

Making Families Stronger through Sports 

Beyond the race, the event highlighted how sports can strengthen family bonds.

“The training becomes our family bonding,” shared Fatima, recalling how her kids motivated her to become a triathlete as well, and how this led them to align their schedules to train with one another. 

“Everything just comes easy,” she said of their setup. “What I like about this is that the two of them really support me as much as I support them,” she added. 

For Rey, her sons’ passion for the sport also had a positive influence on their family. 

“As a family, we became closer. We met new friends, we always support our child’s training, and we became stronger as a family,” she shared.

Greyson and Gavin Ko wearing their finisher medals alongside their parents, Rey and Mark, at IRONKIDS Davao 2026. 

This reflects the heart of RLC Residences’ Raising Little Champions initiative—a movement that goes beyond athletic performance, focusing on character-building, confidence, and connection. 

Members of RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team, most of whom are residents of RLC Residences properties, have access to spaces designed to support active lifestyles within their own residences.

For those based in Metro Manila, they regularly hold in-house training sessions at The Trion Towers in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig under the guidance of professional coaches Ronald Molit and Alexander Martin. 

But for those living in the provinces, Molit and Martin continue to remotely coach and monitor their performance, making sure that they remain closely connected to the program and that distance does not limit their development and sense of belonging. 

This setup enables RLC Residences to stay true to their commitment to build a strong community among parents, children, and coaches with the shared goal of raising little champions. 

Lessons Learned Beyond the Race

For many families, the lessons learned through sport go far beyond the finish line.

“To develop discipline, perseverance, and determination—these are important for their future. Especially for us women, we need to be strong. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll want to achieve something bigger,” shared another parent Maridel Takei, whose daughter Ami, a member of RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team, placed 7th in the 9-10 years old category. 

RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team member Ami Takei during IRONKIDS Davao 2026.

Parents echoed the importance of focusing on growth over results.

“I always tell her, every race is an experience—it doesn’t have to be about winning,” said another Davaoeño parent Yne Pablo, reinforcing the values of resilience and continuous learning.

Her daughter, Xyrene, finished 34th among participants in the 9-10 years old age group. 

RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team member Xyrene Pablo with her mom Yne, posing with Bob the Bear before IRONKIDS Davao 2026 race day. 

Fatima shared this sentiment: “It's very hard if you put pressure on winning without them enjoying what they're doing. If they enjoy what they are doing, for sure, it will lead them to winning the race.”

Some families also shared excitement about the evolving nature of the race. With new routes and fresh challenges, each IRONKIDS event brings something unique for young athletes to look forward to—further fueling their passion for the sport.

“It’s another race with a new route, so it was something exciting and it was something that we really prepared for and looked forward to,” Fatima said. 

Building Communities Where Champions Grow

Through initiatives like Raising Little Champions and its continued partnership with IRONKIDS, RLC Residences remains committed to building environments where children can thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially. From thoughtfully designed amenities to community-led activities, these spaces extend beyond the home, shaping well-rounded individuals and stronger families.

As the IRONKIDS 2026 series continues in Subic and Cebu, the Davao leg stands as a powerful reminder: when children are supported by their families and communities, they grow into champions—not just in sport, but in life.

Because sometimes, becoming a champion does not end in the finish line—it continues beyond the race. 

In a city where movement and momentum define daily life, MIRA by RLC Residences rises at the center of life’s opportunities. Soon to rise at the heart of Quezon City, this pre-selling development offers future residents the advantage of being close to everything that matters — making everyday living seamless, efficient, and uncompromising. 

Artist’s perspective of MIRA, an RLC Residences condominium development that blends comfortable living spaces with connected city living at the heart of Quezon City.

“MIRA connects families to where they need to be. Its central location puts future residents at the center of life's opportunities. There’s no compromise. Families who will live here don't have to choose between work, school, and daily life. They are placed at the center where everything connects,” said Katrina Tordilla, AVP and Head of Business Development of RLC Residences. 

Situated near major roads and key transport hubs, MIRA provides connectivity to workplaces and business districts in Metro Manila. Some closest to its vicinity include Araneta City, Eastwood City, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, and Ortigas Center.

Its proximity to well-known schools and universities also adds to MIRA’s practicality as a home and an investment. Students can easily get to the Technological Institute of the Philippines, located less than a kilometer away from home. Ateneo De Manila University, Miriam College, and UP Diliman–which are all less than 5 kilometers away–and other schools can also be accessed through various transportation stations nearby MIRA. 

With daily essentials all within easy reach, families can spend less time in transit and more time on what truly matters. Robinsons Easymart at Aurora Escalades is within walking distance, while nearby retail destinations such as Ali Mall, SM Cubao, and Gateway Mall are easily accessible. Even lifestyle and entertainment hubs like New Frontier Theater and Araneta Coliseum are just minutes away—making concerts, family outings, and spontaneous nights out effortlessly within reach.

MIRA’s location offers easy access to major roads, transport hubs, schools, and other vital establishments.

With MIRA, the address itself becomes a daily advantage, transforming routine schedules into smoother, more manageable experiences. 

Beyond its central location, MIRA offers spacious homes that adapt to growing families and evolving lifestyles. With layouts ranging from 26.5 sqm studios to 78 sqm two-bedroom flats with balcony, each residence is designed for lasting comfort.

Moreover, thoughtfully planned layouts maximize space, light, and functionality, creating homes that feel both expansive and practical. MIRA also boasts of large open spaces that let you soak in the Quezon City vibe easily. 

“The podium amenity floor is designed with 57 percent open space, ensuring residents are not confined to their units. Instead, families can enjoy expansive open areas, fresh air, natural ventilation, and panoramic views of Quezon City,” Tordilla added. 

For investors, MIRA presents a compelling opportunity. Quezon City remains well-positioned to sustain long-term rental demand, supported by its concentration of commercial hubs and major transport links. This connectivity is set to be further enhanced by the MRT-7, which is targeted to commence full operations by 2027.

In its Q3 2025 market insights, Colliers Philippines cited Quezon City’s strong economic fundamentals and thriving enterprise base as key indicators of long-term competitiveness and investment appeal—factors that reinforce the value of residential developments like MIRA.

With its prime location and quality development standards, MIRA offers both lifestyle appeal and enduring investment potential.

At MIRA by RLC Residences, residents don’t simply live in the city — they live exactly where opportunity happens. Truly, it is a home at the center of life’s opportunities. 

Learn more about MIRA by visiting rlcresidences.com.

Since its launch the SM Green Movement has demonstrated the power of strategic, collective action in effectively tackling environmental challenges to achieve one goal--the protection and preservation of the planet's resources for present and future generations. 

Even before the industry mandate on sustainability, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) recognized that meaningful sustainability can only be achieved through long-term, consistent, community driven efforts. This understanding guided the development of programs designed to evolve alongside stakeholder priorities and shareholder responsibilities. 

Leveraging on the scale and reach of its nationwide network of supermalls, SM Prime embedded sustainability efforts within malls operations, actively engaging customers, tenants and communities in its environmental journey. 

This "micro to macro" approach strengthened the SM Green Movement unifying efforts under a practical and scalable framework built on three core pillars of environmental action: waste management, water stewardship, energy efficiency and renewable energy.  

“What began as simple actions—reducing waste, conserving water, and adopting cleaner energy—has grown into an interconnected ecosystem involving partners, tenants, employees, and millions of mallgoers nationwide,” said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. “By turning everyday habits into systemic results, the SM Green Movement extends beyond corporate spaces and into the heart of Filipino communities.”

Focusing on three core pillars: Water, Waste, and Energy

At the core of the waste pillar, SM works closely with recycling partners and SM GUUN — the circularity platform of the SM Green Movement — to divert paper, plastics, multi-layer packaging, compostables, and other materials away from landfills and back into productive use.

SM Prime’s water stewardship is anchored in long-term water management systems and conservation practices that promote a water-resilient future.  SM Supermalls pioneered water recycling in retail spaces, with early sewage treatment plants and low-flow fixtures that reduced consumption across properties.  

Energy management is another cornerstone of the SM Green Movement where efficiency and renewable generation converge to reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and reliability in SM properties. The 100MWp celebrations in SM City North Edsa are a milestone of the program’s expansion of solar generation capacity across malls nationwide — a visible demonstration of how clean energy supports both climate action and everyday mall experiences. 

Shared Responsibility, Lasting Impact 

What unites these three pillars is the belief that sustainability thrives when communities are invited into the conversation and, when scaled collectively, can reshape systems. For SM Prime, sustainability is not just a corporate mandate but a shared journey that requires awareness, participation, and collective action.  

With measurable progress, growing partnerships, and visible results across waste, water, and energy portfolios, the SM Green Movement is laying the foundation for lasting change, one where sustainability becomes part of everyday life for Filipinos and communities across the archipelago. 

“The SM Green Movement reflects our vision to scale simple, everyday acts into systemic impact,” said San Agustin. “By advancing energy, water, and waste initiatives together in our malls, we safeguard communities and build a more sustainable future.” 

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) continues to lead the way in sustainable property development, delivering low-carbon office spaces and climate-smart retail environments through energy efficiency initiatives, on-site renewable solutions, and strategic long-term partnerships.

A sustainable future for all. The iconic SM Mall of Asia, the world's 6th largest mall, has become a sustainable retail shopping destination. Its physical and economic resilience stands as a testament to SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable business strategies.

From efficiency to impact

SM Prime has implemented programs such as lighting upgrades, improved air conditioning and ventilation systems (ACVS), and optimized building management systems since the 1990s —significantly reducing emissions, proving that energy efficiency delivers environmental and economic benefits. In 2024, SM Supermalls reduced electricity use by 38%, avoiding 156,736 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and saving ₱2.3 billion. 

In the recently concluded 5th Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards of the Department of Energy (DOE), SM Prime’s business units, namely, SM Supermalls, SM Offices, and SM Hotels, was awarded multiple Certificates of Excellence. 

This success reflects collaboration among engineering teams, service providers, tenants, and customers, driven by the company’s leadership and commitment to the SM Green Movement.

Renewable energy milestones

Guided by its goal of Net Zero by 2040, SM Prime is making decarbonization practical, reliable, and scalable. At SM City North Edsa, it recently celebrated a milestone for clean energy in the country, with 59 properties generating a combined 100 megawatts (MW) of on-site renewable energy—one of the largest solar capacities among property developers in the Philippines.

A historic 100MW milestone. At Quezon City, the SM North Edsa, the first Philippine mall to use clean energy with rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, continues to deliver SM Prime’s people-centric sustainable retail spaces.

Today, more than 50% of energy use across SM Supermalls comes from renewable sources, supported by partnerships with Aboitiz Renewables, TotalEnergies, Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation, and leading solar providers. This collaborative approach empowers communities while building a safer and more sustainable future.

Working with WWF-Philippines, SM Prime has committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is working towards its near and long-term targets.

Retail architecture working with nature

At the heart of SM Prime’s energy strategy is the creation of sustainable, resilient spaces that enrich experiences for the community. Across its malls, SM integrates passive design elements—high ceilings, large atriums, skylights, open spaces, and natural ventilation—reducing daytime energy consumption while offering brighter, breezier, and more welcoming spaces for relaxation, dining, and shopping. 

Technology meets nature. In SM City East Ortigas, natural light brightens the food hall, and retrofitted lighting produces significant energy savings. 

Smart solutions such as motion-sensor escalators, solar-powered outdoor spaces, and energy-conscious cooling systems make SM Supermalls a top retail destination for tenant-partners and customers alike.

Shared climate benefits for all

“Customer expectations evolve quickly. When our leaders first initiated this project, it was in the early days of learning about the impact of our consumption on the planet. Now, brands – whether big luxury labels or small and medium enterprises – are looking for partners who invest in circularity and ESG impacts,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. 

As SM Prime continues to scale its energy programs, its SM Green Movement builds a resilient energy infrastructure to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space for its communities.  

“We are committed to making our malls as energy efficient as possible by implementing advanced technologies and best practices. SM Supermalls will keep expanding its sustainability efforts to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of life for both the planet and the communities we serve,” said Tan.