Public school teachers benefit from continued support from DepEd and BDONB in reaching their financial goals

 Public school teachers benefit from continued support from DepEd and BDONB in reaching their financial goals

PUBLIC school teachers stand to benefit from the continued support from the Department of Education (DepEd) and BDO Network Bank (BDONB), particularly in equipping them with financial knowledge to help them achieve their personal goals.

For many teachers, gaining financial literacy helps them practice financial discipline and make informed decisions on budgeting, saving, and debt management.

On the importance of practical budgeting in particular, knowing where their money goes every month has taken so much stress off teachers’ shoulders already loaded with the daily grind of teaching. This knowledge assists in avoiding debt traps as they are able to manage and prioritize their expenses better.

Saving for future goals also gives teachers tools to start building funds for their imminent needs, including their retirement. 

By being financially knowledgeable, public school teachers can also impart these money management strategies to their students.

"Here in DepEd, we're looking for ways to train our teachers on financial literacy because they can't teach that to their students if they themselves don't know anything about it," DepEd-National Capital Region Regional Director Jocelyn Andaya said. “Our teachers play a very crucial role in teaching financial literacy to our students. It's important that at a young age, they (students) are already taught to be self-sufficient financially and know how to budget and plan for their future.”

Important role on financial literacy. DepEd-National Capital Region Regional Director Jocelyn Andaya said public school teachers play a crucial role in teaching financial literacy to their students.

She added that in partnership with BDO Unibank's corporate social responsibility arm, BDO Foundation, financial seminars are held wherein pockets of teachers are trained—a crucial exercise since financial literacy is already part of school curriculum among elementary and high school students.

“Our next plan is to come up with an instrument to measure what level our teachers are in right now in terms of their own financial literacy. That's where the private sector, such as BDO, can come in to help us not just by having more modules but by also capacitating our teachers. It should be a sustainable thing for us so that we will know the progress in say, three years' or five years' time," Andaya added. 

BDO Network Bank (BDONB)—the community banking arm of BDO Unibank—truly values the role teachers play as the backbone of education and the true heroes shaping the future of the next generation. BDONB said it is deeply honored to have the opportunity to partner with DepEd in supporting and empowering these educators, recognizing that when teachers thrive, so do their students, their communities, and the nation as a whole.

"The teachers are really the heroes. Day in and day out, they're the ones who sometimes spend more time with our children. So it's very important that we support them because it's like supporting our own family. The success of the teachers will depend on the support they get not only from the government but even from the private sector," said Alberto O. Quiogue, BDONB Senior Vice President and Salary Loans Group Head.

Through BDONB's tailor-fit products, services and financial literacy seminars it regularly conducts, it is envisioned that teachers will be better equipped to reach their financial goals.

Quiogue added that teachers with sufficient knowledge and confidence in their own financial know-how will be able to do their jobs very well and not be mentally burdened by money-related problems.

Festive moment. (left photo) BDONB brand ambassador and award winning actor Coco Martin wows the crowd with one of his song numbers during the World Teacher’s Day celebration, as public school teachers (right photo) enjoy the show.

"We believe that a financially sound teacher can function and be very efficient. Teachers who have many financial problems are the ones who get bogged down and can't teach very well because there are many things in their minds," he said. "The financial literacy program is helping them be more efficient. I think the most important thing that we promote to teachers is responsible borrowing and financial wellness. Every time we have an opportunity, we give them a little talk on financial wellness, how to achieve their financial goals by managing their money well, and knowing the difference between a good loan and bad loan.”

Always ready to support DepEd, all year round

But more than the products it offers, community engagements, and seminars it conducts, BDONB said its full support to DepEd’s cause can be gleaned from its unwavering commitment to the agency’s programs all year round, including as one of its corporate partners for the World Teachers' Day celebration and other DepEd activities.

"We at BDO Network Bank, we're always there to support the teachers and the many endeavors of DepEd. Any support that they need, we're all out for them," Quiogue said. "We support the Palarong Pambansa. We have the yearly Brigada Eskwela where we help clean, paint, and fix the schools. There's also a program wherein at the beginning of the year, we give a lot of donations to the students and teachers. We're always there to help them."

BDO Foundation, TESDA and BSP unveil online fin ed modules

BDO Foundation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently launched free online financial education (fin ed) modules for the benefit of millions of technical-vocational learners nationwide. Co-developed by BDO Foundation and the BSP, these modules are now available to the public through the TESDA Online Program at e-tesda.gov.ph.

The first three out of nine modules are expected to help learners with the basics of personal finance – covering topics like financial planning, budgeting and saving, and debt management.

Ceremonial launch of e-learning modules. The launch of the e-learning modules was led by TESDA director general Kiko Benitez, BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, and BSP Financial Inclusion and Consumer Empowerment Sub-sector managing director Atty. Charina De Vera-Yap. (Photos courtesy of TESDA)

TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez lauded the timely launch of the financial literacy modules in time with the celebration of the Financial Literacy Week and emphasized the importance of the continued collaboration between the BSP and BDO Foundation in developing a financially empowered Filipino workforce. “I hope our collaboration will not end with the three fin-ed modules that have been developed so far. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo [at] marami pa tayong gagawing online courses,” said Secretary Benitez.

The fin ed e-learning modules. Financial education learning modules made available to the tech-voc learners nationwide.

The next set of fin-ed modules, now being developed by the BSP and BDO Foundation, cover the basics of investing, fraud and scam prevention, financial consumer protection, digital financial literacy, Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA), and relevant economic indicators.

“By fostering financial responsibility among Filipinos, we can take a step forward to our bigger goals as one nation. This program helps ensure that our future workforce is not only ready to take on their careers but also empowered to make responsible financial decisions that will help safeguard their future,” shared BSP Financial Inclusion and Consumer Empowerment Sub-sector managing director Atty. Charina De Vera-Yap.

The aforementioned nine modules co-developed by BDO Foundation and BSP were initially made available to their partner agencies and the public through the BSP E-Learning Academy (BELA), an online platform that contains courses on personal finance, economics, and central banking. TESDA is the first government partner agency of BDO Foundation and the BSP to make the e-learning modules accessible through its own online platform.

Banking public warned against prevalence of text or SMS hijacking scam

THE banking public should be wary against the prevalence of text or SMS hijacking, a type of scam wherein fraudsters impersonate legitimate SMS senders to dupe recipients into believing that the messages they receive are authentic.

According to reports from law enforcement agencies, illegal cellular sites, also known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity catchers, are using sender IDs of trusted brands like BDO to make scam texts appear legit. 

These spoofed messages usually entice clients with claims of prizes won, free gifts, or claims of account problems. In all these cases, the scammer instructs the client to click on a link included in the spoofed message. 

Once clicked, the fake link will lead to a fake website, wherein the victim will be instructed to enter his/her account details including username, password and One-Time PIN or OTP. After this information has been shared, the scammer will then use these bank credentials to gain access to the victim's bank account and steal their money.

BDO stressed that it will never send messages with clickable links to its clients. Furthermore, the Bank shared the following tips to avoid being scammed by SMS hijacking:

• Never click on links. BDO will NEVER send links. If the message has a link, it’s a SCAM!

• Never share personal information via SMS

• Be wary of unsolicited messages that offer deals that seem too good to be true

BDO also advised its clients to report and forward any suspicious messages to 22567888.

A partner for every Negrense

 

BDO Unibank’s wide footprint in Bacolod and Negros Occidental ensures that people can easily access its wide range of products—whether it’s for their personal savings, loans, investments, or businesses—tailored to each customer’s unique needs, wherever they may be in their financial journey.

Branches as the preferred channel

Negrenses continue to prefer over-the-counter transactions, with 82 percent done through branches as of March 2024, based on the latest data. This underscores the BDO's branch as a vital customer touchpoint, particularly in a province where sugar is the primary industry, supported by agriculture as the main source of livelihood (sugarcane, rice and corn farming, livestock and poultry, fishing and aquaculture); agro-processing related to sugar like sugar mills, refineries, and ethanol production plants; manufacturing, especially food and beverage production; and retail and trade.

Farmers, fisherfolk, and factory workers often choose to go to branches for their banking needs due to trust and familiarity with local bank personnel and the ease of utilizing branch banking methods. They can conveniently find a nearby BDO branch or its community banking arm, the BDO Network Branch (BDONB). Even with in-branch digital channels like Account Assist Kiosks, Service Assist Kiosks, Cash Deposit, and Universal Teller Machine, Customer Relations Officers and Assistants are always ready to help clients who may find the technology intimidating. This approach exemplifies BDO's We Find Ways service philosophy, making Negreses enjoy access to simple, easy, and secure banking through its extensive presence in the region.

Other channels complementing branches

Given their nature of work, farmers and fisherfolk often engage in cash-based transactions. Consequently, they use ATMs more frequently than personal online banking channels to withdraw cash. About 68 percent of all savings-related transactions in Negros Occidental were conducted through ATMs as of March 2024, BDO said. By September 2024, BDO Unibank has a total of 93 ATMs while BDONB has 11 ATMs in Negros Occidental.

For far-flung communities not yet reached by BDO and BDONB branches, numerous Cash Agad partner-agents across Negros Occidental provide basic banking services like balance inquiries, cash withdrawals, bills payment, and cash-in services. 

Your friendly neighborhood Automated Tao Machine. Clients line up to play games in the Cash Agad booth during the BDO Fiesta.

Dubbed the Automated Tao Machine, Cash Agad essentially acts as a neighborhood ATM, wherein point-of-sale terminals are installed in various small businesses such as mini-groceries, water refilling stations, and hardware stores. Customers who need cash and live far from the nearest bank or ATM can visit a Cash Agad partner-agent to withdraw money or use the available services using their BDO ATM. 

As of September 2024, there are a total of 374 active Cash Agad partner-agents in Negros Occidental.

BDO Fiesta well-received in Bacolod 

Filled to the brim. Negrenses flock to Bacolod SMX Convention Center during the culminating activity of the BDO Fiesta.

Following the success of the BDO Fiesta in the Ilocos province, BDO recently hosted an event in Bacolod with the theme Tara na sa BDO! Sa bangko, sigurado. The event was equally well-received, drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Negrenses enjoyed BDO’s secure and tailored banking experience, which included extended banking hours, weekend banking, and on-the-ground activities with lots of prizes, surprises, and a Thanksgiving concert at the Bacolod SMX Convention Center.

BDO’s cash management becomes tool for financial inclusion

A number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Negros Occidental will soon be able to utilize BDO Unibank's cash management services (CMS) not only to efficiently manage their cashflow, but also to serve as an important financial inclusion tool for their own employees.

In an SME Forum titled Usapang Negosyo held recently at the Circle Inn Hotel & Suites in Bacolod City hosted by BDO, SMEs witnessed firsthand how BDO's bundled CMS package consisting of Business Online Banking, payroll and check disbursement will be able to help their businesses run smoothly by leveraging on the bank's online and digital solutions.

But what really piqued their interest was how the payroll of CMS will help them automate their own payroll preparation and delivery. Under this feature, SMEs will open savings accounts for their employees, thus enabling their staff to receive their salary semi-monthly through their accounts.

This will be of great importance to SMEs as a number of them still process their payroll manually. Moreover, most if not all of their employees do not have a bank account yet.

Automatic savings account for their employees

Jamielyn Tampus (left) listens to Grace R. Caguioa, BDO Unibank First Vice President and Head of its Transaction Banking Group CMS-SME Segment, and Severio Caspe Jr., Business Development Officer, about the features of the various cash management services.

"The payroll of CMS is good for our employees because it will also serve as their savings account. All of our employees don't have a bank account yet," Jamielyn Tampus, dealer and operator of EcoOil gas station, said. "It'll make the payroll process convenient and save us some resources. We won't need to use envelopes. And even on weekends, processing the payroll will just be one click away."

Perry Ong, Jr., owner of MOKS Recipes Frozen Foods, echoed this assessment, noting that their employees' money is more secure if deposited in a bank.

Joey De Villa (left), Team Head of BDO's CMS-SME Business Development, explains to Perry Ong, Jr. how BDO CMS will improve the payroll system of Ong’s food manufacturing business.

"What I like about BDO's CMS is our employees' salaries will now go directly to their BDO savings account where their money will be safe," he pointed out. "Manual processing of payroll is very time consuming and also usually includes my weekends. But with the extra free time that I'll now have, I can use that to look for more clients."

Since BDO Cash Management Services include the creation of a payroll account for a client’s employees, that account will have no maintaining balance. 

Seamless payment to suppliers thru check disbursement feature

Another service of CMS that the SMEs lauded was its automated check disbursement feature. This allows clients to prepare, manage and print checks for quick and easy payment.

Anna Liza Santiago (left) shows appreciation on how BDO CMS will improve the check disbursement process of her pharmaceutical business, as explained by Ramon Gonzales III, Business Development Officer of BDO's CMS-SME.   

“It already has a voucher. After I print the check, I can already issue it to my supplier. I'll avoid instances of constantly manually correcting it,” said Anna Liza Santiago, owner of Triple K Drugstore.

Tampus, a newly signed-up BDO payroll client, said that as a dealer and operator of EcoOil gas station, this feature likewise saves her the burden of manually writing checks—a process that is usually prone to errors. 

“I can issue checks wherever I am. I don't need a physical check to sign, I can just do it in the website. It can be printed out and then used to pay a supplier right away,” she said. “I used to issue a minimum of 20 checks in a month. And of course, it's hard to avoid human errors like the spelling and the ensuing corrections. Using CMS checkwriting facilities, will save us more time.”

CMS gives SMEs more time to grow their business

"It is about having the right service accessible to the SMEs, and guiding the business owners on how these tools can improve their day-to-day operations," said Grace R. Caguioa, BDO Unibank first vice president and head of its Transaction Banking Group CMS-SME segment. "Most entrepreneurs do not quantify their time as a valuable resource, so this is where we come in. BDO has CMS SME packages designed to make payments easier and receipt of payments faster—so that they can focus more on growing their business,” she added.  

By also having a venue by which their current and future business needs were tackled during Usapang Negosyo, SME clients also gained an opportunity to be introduced and mingle with each other during the forum. By bringing this network of clients, vendors, and suppliers together, BDO put this supply chain community to work with a chance to further grow.

“One of the key objectives of BDO in holding this forum is to help develop networks. What's important is we work together and develop what we can in our own little communities. We, in BDO, is committed to providing not just our cash management services and financial education, but more importantly help businesses continue to learn from each other and grow," said Carlo B. Nazareno, Senior Vice President and head of Cash Management Services of BDO. "We are here and we will always be here with you to help you scale up your operations and build a resilient supply chain to drive sustainable growth for your businesses and communities.”

Enjoy the latest deals this Christmas on BDO Pay

Tis the season to be shopping to avoid the Christmas rush! Thanks to the convenience of shopping totally cashless and cardless through the BDO Pay app, shopping for Christmas gifts will have a different kind of rush, not the frenetic kind.

BDO Pay, through its Scan to Pay feature, minimizes the hassle in paying for transactions by linking the shopper’s BDO Savings Account, Checking Account or Credit Card with the mobile app. This eliminates the need for 'loading up' their e-wallet account and spending for transfer fees, making purchases faster, easier, and more secure.

Mixing and matching to get the latest deals 

Aside from the convenience of cashless and cardless shopping, BDO Pay lets shoppers enjoy BDO Deals on the app, allowing them to take advantage of exclusive promos, rewards, and rebates available for their cards and accounts. 

For example, shoppers can use BDO Pay to charge their groceries to their bank account; and then charge to their credit card to treat their friends to brunch at the newest restaurant to enjoy a 50% discount or use another credit card or account to book flights and accommodations and enjoy the 0% installment plan.

To mix and match which account to charge for their purchases, shoppers simply need to choose via the BDO Pay app, then Scan or Show the QR code to the partner merchant when paying. 

 

Shopping is more fun with BDO Pay. Avoid the Holiday rush with the convenience of shopping totally cashless and cardless through BDO Pay.

The BDO Pay app enhances your purchasing power by combining the perks of your credit cards and bank accounts with the convenience of digital transactions. To stay up to date on the latest deals, simply browse through the BDO Deals portion on the app. 

For more information on BDO and the BDO Pay app, visit https://www.bdo.com.ph/. Download the BDO Pay app for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

BDO Fiesta well-received in Bacolod

AMONG Filipinos, festival events—or commonly called fiestas—hold cultural significance that bring family, friends, and the entire community together. Fiestas showcase the country's heritage and provide an opportunity for Filipinos to celebrate in unison through parades, lots of food in every household, and festivities all day long.

As part of a fabric of a community, BDO Unibank celebrated its own BDO Fiesta by bringing joy and financial knowledge to the very people it serves, through different products and services that benefit individuals, families, businesses, and communities. 



We are part of the community. BDO personnel gamely facilitate the registration process and address queries from clients on various BDO products and services during the BDO Fiesta held in SM City Bacolod.

BDO Fiesta in the Sugar Bowl

Following the success of the BDO Fiesta in the Ilocos province, BDO went to Bacolod to promote Tara na sa BDO! Sa bangko, sigurado.

Negrenses were treated to BDO’s tailor-fit and secure banking experience that includes extended banking hours, and weekend banking (with some of its branches being open on Saturdays). On-the-ground activities with lots of prizes and surprises as well as a Thanksgiving concert last Nov. 16 at the Bacolod SMX Convention Center.



Glitzy. Celebrities like (from left) Lassy, Tart Carlos, Belle Mariano, Ruru Madrid, Donita Nose, and MC provide the laughs and entertainment to Negrenses who trooped to the Bacolod SMX Convention Center for the Thanksgiving concert as part of the culminating activity of the BDO Fiesta.

"We want Bacolod and the communities in Negros Occidental to know that BDO is here, and that we are present and part of the community," BDO said. "We want to celebrate with them right where they are.”

The Rise of the New BDO Corporate Center Makati

BDO Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson and BDO President and CEO Nestor V. Tan led a time capsule-laying ceremony on November 15, 2024, marking the commencement of construction of the new BDO Corporate Center Makati.

Breaking ground. BDO Unibank Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson (5th from left) and President & CEO Nestor V. Tan (center) led a time capsule-laying ceremony on November 15, 2024 to mark the commencement of construction of the new BDO Corporate Center Makati. They are joined by (from left to right): Lesley Villanueva, President, DATEM, Inc.; Lilit Tumbocon, Partner, DATEM, Inc.; Liberito Espiritu, Chairman & CEO, DATEM, Inc.; Bubut Montejo, SVP of Facilities, Procurement, and Logistics, BDO Unibank; and Jerome Guevara, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, BDO Unibank.

The Makati complex is one of three BDO main office complexes, alongside the existing BDO Corporate Center Ortigas in Pasig City and the nearing-completion structure of BDO Corporate Center Cebu in the Visayas. 

At the Heart of Makati City. Architect’s rendering of the new BDO Corporate Center Makati, designed to foster community connection and environmental sustainability in the heart of Makati City’s business district.

Sustainability contribution is a key priority, which drive practices to not only address environmental concerns, but also enhance human comfort while reducing operational costs and contributing to a more resilient structure which will be enjoyed by generations. All these contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change and create healthier and more inclusive communities. 

Combining five separate plots into a unified business hub comprised of 2 towers and an annex building, the towers feature an innovative exoskeleton structure, allowing open, flexible spaces without the need for conventional pillars. Embodied carbon and whole lifecycle carbon management have been integrated into the design. The lightweight structural system not only reduces the concrete content of the buildings by over 65,000 tons, it also simultaneously improves performance in the country’s seismic environment. In addition, operational energy will be reduced by more than 40 percent, radiant cooling systems drastically reduce energy demands, and over 70 percent of potable water is recycled and re-used on site. 

The overall design includes 75 percent of its rooftops covered in greenery, an urban farm, an auditorium, and event areas – all of which contribute to making the center a positive and inclusive addition to the city. Inside the building, workspaces will encourage collaboration and interaction, with flexible office spaces, trading floors, and business hubs. The center also includes areas for client engagement to facilitate a more personalized approach.

Designed by British architectural firm Foster + Partners, all the structural and environmental engineering, landscaping, and interiors support the vision of a structure that will be carried into the future. Construction is led by DATEM, a Philippine firm known for its experience with green buildings.

The new BDO Corporate Center Makati represents its commitment to creating physical spaces that support clients, employees, and the surrounding community.

BDO, nagbabala laban sa mga ‘vishing’ scam

PATULOY na pinag-iingat ang publiko laban sa tinatawag na "vishing" o voice phishing scam na kadalasang tumatarget ng mga bank depositor o online bank account client para nakawin ang kanilang pinaghirapang pera.

Ang vishing ay isang modus ng scam kung saan ang scammer ay tumatawag upang makumbinsi ang kanilang nabiktima na magbigay ng sensitibong impormasyon tulad ng bank account details. Kapag nakuha na ang nasabing impormasyon, dito na maaaring nakawin ng scammer ang laman ng bank account ng biktima.

Ayon sa BDO Unibank, narito ang ilan sa kadalasang ginagamit na modus ng mga vishing scammer upang mangbiktima:

1. Tatawag sa biktima at magpapanggap na representante ng isang ahensya ng gobyerno, bangko, o di kaya'y magpapadala ng text o direct message para sila na mismo ang tawagan ng napili nilang biktima.

2. Upang makumbinsi ang biktima na sya ay lehitimo, gagamit ang scammer ng impormasyong tungkol sa credit card o bank account ng biktima bilang dahilan ng kanyang pagtawag. Ang mga impormasyong ito ay maaaring makuha ng mga scammer sa mga dokumentong may sensitibong detalye na hindi naitapon ng maayos, o sa mga posts sa social media ng mismong biktima. May mga pagkakataon din na bumibisita o sumasali mismo ang mga scammer sa mga "credit card o bank account groups" sa social media para doon sila maghanap ng mabibiktima.  

3. Gagamit ng pananakot o mabilis at kapani-paniwalang pananalita ang mga scammer upang tuluyang makumbinsi ang kanilang biktima, tulad ng mga katagang "na-hack ang iyong account", "may na-detect na problema sa account mo", "Congrats! Nanalo ka ng...," "Special Offer! Effective only today!," o inaatasan ang biktima na i-activate ang isang offer sa ATM kapalit ng isang reward.  

4. Habang tumatagal ang usapan, tumataas din ang posibilidad na makumbinsi ng scammer ang biktima. Dahil inaakala ng biktima na lehitimo ito at hindi nya makayang putulin ang tawag o ibaba ang telepono, mas malaki rin ang posibilidad na sundin nya kung anomang instructions ang ibigay ng scammer tulad ng pagbibigay ng Card Verification Value o CVV ng credit card, username at password ng online bank account, One-Time PIN o OTP, o ang pag-click sa isang link na ipapadala ng scammer.

Sa lahat ng mga nabanggit na scenario, ang pinakakaraniwan dito ay ang pagmamadali ng scammer sa biktima nila na umaksyon na agad habang kausap ito sa telepono. Dahil dito, maaaring mataranta ang biktima at sumunod sa mga ibibigay na utos ng scammer.

Upang hindi maging biktima ng vishing scam, nagpapaalala ang BDO sa publiko na laging maging mahinahon kung makakatanggap ng text o tawag lalo sa mga hindi rehistradong numero. Dagdag pa ng bangko na kahit na alam ng scammer ang numero, pangalan at trabaho nila, huwag kaagad maniniwala sa binibitawang mensahe o susunod sa mga instruction nito. Marapat na tapusin na ang tawag lalo na kung may pagmamadali, at tumawag sa official customer service hotline ng sinasabing ahensya o bangko, dagdag pa ng BDO.

Ayon pa sa BDO, matapos ma-verify na peke ang nasabing tawag, i-block na agad ang numerong ginamit ng scammer at i-report ang insidente sa Customer Contact Center nito.

Para alamin ang iba’t-ibang uri ng scam at tips kung paano makakaiwas dito, marapat na bumisita lang sa www.bdo.com.ph. #BDOStopScam

SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023. In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.

SM City Baguio's groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility has treated over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into drinkable water.

This initiative supplements the mall's water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city's water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.      

"There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources," said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. "And SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources."

The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards.

The rainwater treatment facility (RTF) of SM City Baguio utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process with real-time monitoring, ensuring processed water always adheres to potability requirements.

"This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings' commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve," said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. "By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city's water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City."

The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city's water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city.

SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.

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 in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

SM Prime: Engineering a sustainable future

SM Prime leads the way in sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy.

Sustainability has become a driving force across every industry. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, sustainability is elevated through a strategic framework that leverages the company’s extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence.

SM Prime’s sustainability journey began in the 1990s, guided by a focus on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, favoring strategies grounded on real-world application rather than flashy, short-term fixes.  Its strategy is built on what truly matters to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both effective and enduring.

In its 2023 Annual Integrated Report, SM Prime introduced its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap with a clear and powerful message: Together for a sustainable future – aligned with its vision of creating and managing innovative, sustainable, and integrated property developments that enhance the quality of life for all.

SM Prime’s sustainability strategy is built on three main goals: (1) Environmental sustainability, (2) Prosperity for all, and (3) Climate resilience.

Building on its sustainability framework of Economy, People, Planet, and Community, SM Prime identified three major goals to pursue: Environmental sustainability, Prosperity for all, and Climate resilience – all aimed to create a future marked by sustainability, resilience, and widespread prosperity by 2030, 2040, and beyond.

Under its environmental sustainability strategy are two significant programs released by the company:  Net Zero by 2040 and #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Net Zero by 2040

SM Prime is committed to enhancing people’s quality of life by intensifying climate action, reducing disaster risks, investing in resilient design, protecting biodiversity, and implementing strategic corporate social responsibility programs, with its main focus on climate action toward a net-zero business. The company has been collaborating with the World-Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines to establish science-based targets in alignment with the global commitment of a net-zero ambition by 2050.

“We understand the magnitude of the challenges we face to achieve our Net-Zero commitment. SM Prime is determined to take action and meet its climate commitments. This is one of our top agendas in sustainability,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime President and CEO.  

SM City Santa Rosa's solar photovoltaic (PV) system has 5,772 panels at 3.088 MWp capacity and has an annual solar energy production of up to 4.292GWh.

#SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Prime launched its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture, in support of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Day of Zero Waste. The program introduces a simple segregation scheme: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC), all aimed at reducing overall waste generation and increasing the waste diversion rate from landfills through sustainable disposal methods. The initiative was launched nationwide for SM employees and across all SM property groups and stakeholders.

SM Prime continues to support existing programs and partnerships that promote better waste management solutions. Initiatives such as SM Supermalls’ Trash-to-Cash recycling market, Plastic Waste Collection and E-Waste Collection programs, and regular coastal and estero clean-up activities effectively engage the community in rethinking their relationship with waste.

To address food waste, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation (SMHCC) has pioneered projects such as The Sustainable Diner with WWF-PH, diverting 198,640 kg of food waste

through bokashi composting and 40,013 kg through biodigesters. SMHCC also launched Tela Tales, a program that recycles condemned linens.

SM Prime gathers the community for a #SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) recently partnered with Globe and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines for the Hapag Movement, aimed at targeting food waste and involuntary hunger affecting millions of Filipinos. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues. We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome. However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion. 

Water stewardship

SM Prime is committed to water stewardship by implementing innovative water conservation and management practices, ensuring that properties developed are more responsive and adaptable to the changing needs of communities.

Through its sewage water treatment plants, wastewater is processed, preventing contaminated water from polluting local waterways and for reuse. The recycled water is utilized in malls for water closet flushing, air conditioning operations and landscape greening.

SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Filtration Facility addresses water security and ensures a safe and sufficient water supply for the operations of the mall and its tenants.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.’s Chairman Henry T. Sy, Jr. receives SM Prime’s 30th Listing Anniversary Plaque from the Philippine Stock Exchange’s President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon.

Prosperity for all

SM Prime’s developments serve as catalysts for socio-economic progress, delivering tangible benefits to all stakeholders. Founded by Henry Sy, the company remains committed to his vision of bringing world-class developments to the Philippines. A vision perfectly exemplified through the Mall of Asia Complex which offers a blueprint for future cities that go beyond commercial success to embrace a holistic approach to urban development.

SM Prime celebrated its 30th year as a publicly listed company last July 23, signifying three decades of service and transformative growth in the Philippine real estate industry.

“True leadership is marked by a solid dedication to collective success. Our journey at SM Prime demonstrates the power of dreaming big and the incredible achievements that follow when you pursue those dreams with determination and hard work.” – JEFFREY C. LIM, SM PRIME PRESIDENT AND CEO