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SM Cares

Autism Society of the Philippines recognizes SM Book Nook’s heart for inclusion

by Contributor June 16, 2026

written by Contributor

SM Book Nook, the community reading and learning space of SM Cares, has been recognized by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) as Autism Works Partner of the Year. The award recognizes organizations that contribute to advancing inclusive hiring and opening pathways for talent on the autism spectrum to thrive in the workplace.

“We are deeply grateful to the Autism Society Philippines for this recognition,” said Shereen Sy, pioneer of Book Nook for SM Supermalls. “We have always believed that the spaces we curate serve the higher purpose of welcoming its visitors, making them feel valued through the growth they encounter—whether reading through the learning materials on the shelves or finding their calling by helping curious minds find the book for them. This recognition speaks of the kind of community we hope to keep building—one that is warm, open, and inclusive.”

The accolade also highlights Book Nook’s vision that community spaces can do more than simply open their doors—they can become places where people feel seen, valued, and given opportunities to participate, learn, and connect.

Since its launch in 2020, Book Nook has continually grown as a welcoming hub for reading, creativity, and community engagement.

With hubs across the metro, Book Nook has also served as a welcoming space for autism-related activities and inclusive community engagement. These help open more opportunities for individuals on the spectrum to connect, participate, and be part of shared learning experiences. On top of that are inclusive reading sessions, creative activities, and community-centered programs that encourage learning, self-expression, and meaningful participation.

*The first batch of Book Nook Ambassadors, as part of the partnership with the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Autism Works program, demonstrates* *how inclusive community spaces can empower individuals through* *opportunities for meaningful participation and engagement.* *Photo courtesy of Ms. Mona Magno Veluz (Facebook).*

Through its inclusive environment and evolving programs, it has continued to open growing opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to take part in meaningful experiences that foster confidence, self-expression, and belonging.

As SM Cares continues its partnership with ASP and the autism community, Book Nook remains committed to being more than a reading space—it is a place of possibility, where stories, learning, and belonging come together.

June 16, 2026 0 comments

Community

Max Out Your Movie Experience for Good

by Contributor January 28, 2026

written by Contributor

How Your SM Lanang Movie Tickets Help Build Classrooms

Max out your next movie night experience by helping shape a brighter future for Filipino students with your every purchase of SM Cinema Lanang movie tickets.

At SM Lanang, every movie ticket now contributes to building classrooms as part of SM Cares’ “From Reel to Real Stories: HOPE in a Movie” campaign, a nationwide initiative that transforms everyday movie experiences into meaningful support for public school classrooms.

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Generation HOPE, SM Cares kicked off the campaign on December 18, 2025 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and HOPE Founder and Executive Chairperson Nanette Medved-Po during the kickoff of the Hope in a Movie campaign at the SM Cinema Mall of Asia on December 18, 2025.

Through the HOPE in a Movie campaign, every P5 from a moviegoer’s ticket will be set aside to help build 10 public school classrooms over the next three years. The initiative applies to all SM Cinema tickets—whether bought at ticket booths, kiosks, or online—and across all formats nationwide, making participation easy and accessible.

Over the decades, SM Foundation has constructed 403 classrooms and donated 116 school buildings nationwide, alongside digital learning hubs equipped with computers, smart TVs, and essential software to strengthen digital literacy.

As the campaign continues, SM Lanang invites moviegoers nationwide to join this meaningful movement by choosing SM Cinema—turning movie experiences into real stories of hope for Filipino students.

January 28, 2026 0 comments

Community

SM Davao malls join the International Coastal Cleanup Day

by Contributor September 24, 2025

written by Contributor

A total of 370 volunteers from SM City Davao, SM Lanang, and different partners have teamed up to maintain cleaner coastline along Sitio Malamboon, Brgy. Bucana on September 20.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office – Davao, and City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the International Coastal Cleanup Day created positive impact in the community.

A total of 1,473 kilograms of wastes were collected by mall employees along with the volunteers from the Bureau of Fire Protection Davao, Philippine Coast Guard Davao, Barangay Bucana, and other community organizations.

“Together, we’re making a meaningful impact—one cleanup at a time,” said Ms. Monina Tico, assistant mall manager of SM City Davao.

Select SM malls, mostly near the coastal area, participated in the International Coastal Cleanup Day, where individuals, families, and organizations took part in a shared mission to restore coastal communities.

Employees from SM City Davao participated in the collective action for cleaner oceans.

SM Supermalls, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, and DENR, continued to drive active participation in ocean conservation.

The coastal cleanup activities of SM Cares serve both environmental and humanitarian goals: protecting marine ecosystems while mitigating the risks of flooding in neighboring barangays.

Next coastal cleanup activity will be mounted on November 22. Visit the official social media pages of SM Cares and SM Supermalls for further details.

Always contribute to create a lasting impact as cleaner shores mean safer communities.

September 24, 2025 0 comments

Community

Nationwide Global Youth Summit 2025 Empowers Over 40,000 Youth

by Contributor September 18, 2025

written by Contributor

The Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2025 has marked a historic milestone, gathering over 40,000 young leaders, innovators, and advocates nationwide through simultaneous events across SM malls. Organized by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines, the summit highlighted the strength of the Filipino youth as a nationwide movement for change.

From Luzon to Mindanao, students, youth groups, and advocates came together for thought-provoking discussions, keynote sessions, and collaborative activities that amplified the collective voice of the Filipino youth. The summit tackled pressing themes of empowerment, sustainability, innovation, and leadership, reflecting the youth’s role in shaping the country’s future.

Boy Scouts of the Philippines present the scout salute at SM City Bacoor during the Global Youth Summit 2025—honoring youth leadership and unity.

“The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow—they are a driving force for change today. The Global Youth Summit proves what is possible when we empower young people nationwide,” said Royston Cabunag, SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth.

Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, added: “Collaboration across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao has created one of the largest youth platforms in the country. This summit is proof that when given space and support, our youth can lead transformative change.”

While the SM Mall of Asia Arena leg drew thousands of participants and nationwide recognition, the heart of GYS 2025 was its collective nationwide reach—with simultaneous summits held across 17 SM malls.

Each of the 17 provincial summit locations was deliberately anchored on one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that every global goal receives equal importance within a holistic platform that champions innovative and actionable solutions for communities nationwide. In line with this, the provincial legs gave young people in local communities the chance to share solutions and contribute to projects aligned with the respective SDGs.

Youth advocates at SM City Iloilo celebrate youth empowerment during the Global Youth Summit 2025—energized to lead change and uplift communities.

By empowering more than 40,000 Filipino youth across regions, SM Cares and its partners reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and meaningful youth participation on a national scale. The Global Youth Summit 2025 stands as one of the largest youth movements in the Philippines, uniting voices that will shape the country’s future.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.

September 18, 2025 0 comments