“WE'RE SM. We live by your love.”
The Iloilo City government and SM City Iloilo successfully hosted the annual eco forum, titled “People, parks, pavements and palate” at the mall's Cinema 3 on Sept. 6, 2024
Over 250 stakeholders, including environmental planners, government officials and students, gathered to discuss sustainable practices that were aligned with the city's vision of becoming a top-tier urban center.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas opened the forum, followed by discussions on sustainable tourism that were led by Negros Occidental Heritage Council Chairman Neil Solomon Locsin; sustainable transport, green sidewalks and active mobility, presented by National Economic and Development Authority Supervising Economic Development Specialist Roxanne Yap; and sustainable solutions and circular economy in the food industry by Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo Hotel Manager Gian Carlo Luna.
SM's commitment to sustainability
SM Supermalls' Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group and head of Sustainability and Resilience Liza Silerio, showcased SM's commitment to environment, social and governance principles with a particular focus on resiliency.
SM has invested at least 10 percent of its capital in developing infrastructure that was both environmentally friendly and resilient to natural calamities.
“Imagine cities [that are] built to optimize resource allocation, reduce traffic congestion and improve disaster preparedness. Imagine communities designed with green infrastructure that promotes walkability, reduces the urban heat island effect and enhances biodiversity,” said Silerio. “This is the future we can build if we fully embrace the idea of sustainable infrastructure and development.
Collaboration is key
The highlight of the forum was SM Engineering and Design Development President Hans 'Chico' Sy Jr., who took part in a fireside chat and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in achieving sustainability goals.
Reflecting SM's core values and principles that guided everything it did, Sy amplified the importance of treating others with respect; thus, echoing the golden rule.
He shared: “One of the things we really believe in is 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' Sustainability at SM was never a fad or a trend. It was simply because we needed to do it. It was never something we had to force ourselves to do. It's deeply embedded in our DNA.”
Sy expressed his admiration for Iloilo City's progress, noting the positive feedback from the business community. SM's investments, including a new National University branch, demonstrated its confidence in Iloilo's future.
As advice to the students, Sy also underlined the importance of mastery in one's chosen field.
He said: “Be good at what you want to lead in. You need to really know what you know, and you also have to anticipate that you might not know everything. That hunger for constant learning and testing yourself is key to that ability.”
Sy concluded by focusing on the importance of collaboration. “If everyone were to help each other, I think we could go a long way as a country.”
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