Cooperative Development Authority Empowers Cooperatives Through SM Supermalls’ Weekend Market Event

 

L-R: Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President and Lead for MSME and Job Fairs, Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls formalized partnership through a MOA signing with CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo and CDA Administrator Asec. Santiago S. Lim, that aims to empower Filipino cooperatives through the SM Weekend Market initiative.

The MOA was signed by Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, and Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, in the presence of key officials from both institutions. “This is a historic partnership between the private and public sectors,” said Usec. Raquepo during his remarks. “We take great pride in this collaboration with SM Supermalls, which represents a powerful step forward in uplifting our micro, small and medium cooperative entrepreneurs. This model partnership will not only provide access to markets, but help elevate the economic well-being of our communities.

”

Fresh, proudly Filipino produce takes the spotlight supporting local farmers and cooperatives at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Calamba.

Shoppers enjoy direct access to farm-fresh produce at the SM Weekend Market where farmers are given dedicated selling spaces in select SM Supermalls.

Local farmers showcase and sell their fresh harvest to shoppers at the SM Weekend Market, a platform by SM Supermalls that connects producers directly to consumers in high-traffic mall locations.

Under the agreement, CDA will endorse eligible cooperatives across the country to participate in the SM Weekend Market. In turn, SM Supermalls will make space available in key mall locations for a minimal fee—intended only to help cover maintenance costs. “The SM Weekend Market was born out of a simple but powerful idea — to give farmers and local producers, especially those in cooperatives, the chance to bring their goods closer to the people, in places they wouldn’t normally have access to,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls. “With CDA as our partner, we are excited to open more doors and more mall spaces to co-ops across the country. This partnership will allow more communities to thrive, more stories to be told, and more Filipino-made products to be celebrated.”

  

Lively displays of locally grown vegetables welcome shoppers at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Southmall.

The event marks the start of a nationwide collaboration between CDA and SM Supermalls, with more updates and market rollouts expected in the coming months.

About the SM Weekend Market

The SM Weekend Market is a community-driven initiative by SM Supermalls that gives farmers and cooperatives direct access to high-foot traffic locations, helping them sell fresh, abundant harvests quickly and sustainably. By providing accessible weekend selling spaces in designated SM mall areas, the Weekend Market connects local producers with urban shoppers — creating a win-win for both communities and consumers.

More than just a marketplace, the SM Weekend Market is a purposeful movement — empowering grassroots enterprises, boosting local food systems, and fostering deeper community connections through commerce, culture, and collaboration.

Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri Captures the Easy, Effortless Lifestyle Hearts of the New Generation

With the rise of home drinking culture and a desire for convenience, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails have found their place among today’s generation. One of the most popular RTDs in the market these days is the Tanduay Flavored Mixes in Daiquiri flavor.

“Drinking culture is fastly changing, and Millennials and GenZ are driving that change. They want something effortless without sacrificing taste, and Tanduay has responded to this demand with our RTD products like the Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri,” said Tanduay R&D Head Janno Gironella, Jr.

On the palate, Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri is like indulging in a glass of fresh, juicy lemonade, with notes of cherry and almond cake. It has enticing aromas of fresh cherries, zesty lemon, and delicious candied almond.

With 15% ABV, it offers just the right amount of refreshing kick. Gironella said that while younger drinkers are adventurous with flavors, they are also more mindful about their alcohol intake.

From House Parties to Quiet Wind-Downs

The popularity of RTDs is not just about convenience; it is also about how people are adapting new style. People would rather meet up at homes than be in crowded places.

“They want something relaxing when catching up or celebrating. Their home becomes the new bar, and Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri blends with this new lifestyle,” Gironella said.

Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri is also the kind of drink that you can easily bring along for a weekend getaway with close friends. It is also a great option for winding down quietly on your own.

Affordable Without Compromising on Taste

Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri delivers the same drinking experience that the iconic brand is known for without having to spend more. It’s the perfect drink for the budget-conscious who still want a flavorful cocktail that doesn’t need a lot of time to prepare.

Just as it’s convenient to enjoy, it is also easy to purchase. Just visit www.shots.ph or Tanduay’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee where you can find the brand’s wide range of rums, RTDs, and other products available. You can also pick them up in leading supermarkets and liquor stores.

DENR'S Save from Extinction Campaign: Let's support to protect our Endangered Wildlife

SM is amplifying its commitment to wildlife conservation with the launch of a captivating new merchandise line dedicated to six of the Philippines’ most endangered species.

At the forefront of this initiative are plushies of the Philippine eagle, Philippine cockatoo, pawikan, dugong, tamaraw, and pangolin—adorable symbols of hope carrying an urgent message: save them from extinction.

But there is more to this exciting campaign than cuddly toys from Toy Kingdom. SM has expanded its offerings to include chic new shirt designs from Kultura and a children’s apparel line from SM Fashion, inviting everyone, from eco-conscious advocates to young animal enthusiasts, to support the cause in style. Merchandise is available in select Kultura and Toy Kingdom branches: SM Podium, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, and SM Makati.

This initiative is a cornerstone of SM’s partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the “Save from Extinction” campaign that was launched in October 2024. Designed to raise awareness and generate much-needed funds to protect the six species vulnerable to extinction, the campaign shines a spotlight on these species, which face critical threats to their survival due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

In the photo: TV host RJ Ledesma, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Marketing Hanna Carinna Sy, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and the fashion show models featuring the “Save from Extinction” merch from the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, among others.

DENR has also partnered with wildlife conservation groups to safeguard these animals, such as the Forest Foundation Philippines, Katala Foundation, Philippine Eagle Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature–Philippines, D’Aboville Foundation, and the Zoological Society of London. Proceeds from every purchase in this collection will directly support the conservation programs of the DENR and its partner NGOs.

Ms. Shakira Yu, BDO FVP
& Head of Branch Experience 

In addition to the merchandise, Banco De Oro (BDO) Unibank, Inc., a key partner in the campaign, is offering donation channels to make it even easier for the public to contribute. The public can easily make donations through BDO ATMs and branches nationwide, as well as through the BDO Online app. All collected funds will go to the partner NGOs dedicated to the conservation of these species.

Cute Model Kids shows
SM Fashion apparel for
"Save The Extinction
Campaign" 

The exclusive “Save from Extinction” merchandise is available at select SM malls. Turn compassion into action and join the fight to save endangered wildlife.

Save from EXTINCTION merchandise 
Partnered with Toy Kingdom, Kultura and SM

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com/save-From-Extinction.

LET'S SUPPORT THIS CAUSE TO SAVE FROM EXTINCTION OF OUR

ENDANGERED WILDLIFE IN 

THE PHILIPPINES. 

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS

ARTICLE. 

The National Resilience Council colloquium thriving for resilient collaboration.

 The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the event “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations.” As a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the interconnected objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments.

As part of the NRC's Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative, the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP) Colloquium featured updates and developments from participating cities and municipalities. Through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery planning, and long-term resilience programs, this strategy allows firms to participate in risk reduction rather than just catastrophe relief. AAC encourages teamwork to create safer, more resilient communities by giving local governments more authority.

National Resilience Council (NRC) Co-Chairman for the Private Sector Hans Sy, in his message of support, reiterates that resilience is a continuous journey and is a collective responsibility to build on progress, promote innovation, and ensure lasting impact.

The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners, with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network. The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.

National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr., NRC Vice Chair for the academe Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ, NRC Co-Chair Hans Sy, and NRC Vice Chair for civil service organizations Austere Panadero listen as participants of the Adopt-a-City Initiative present their progress towards disaster resilience.

Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted their advanced strides. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “I am very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship and resilience.”

At the National Resilience Council (NRC) Colloquium, local government units in the Adopt-a-City Initiative deliver a public narrative and take part in a panel discussion with leading resilience experts.

Public officials take the opportunity to proudly expound on the programs developed together with the support of the National Resilience Council (NRC) and other partners.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines.

The National Resilience Council (NRC) Board launches the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss) at the colloquium together with representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of National Defense, the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies - Philippine network, and the City Mayor of Baguio, Hon. Benjamin Magalong, and Mayor of the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay, Hon. Jaime Villanueva.

More than 150 members, partners, supporters and participants of the National Resilience Council (NRC)’s programs came together to celebrate the achievements of local government units in the realm of disaster risk resilience.

Happy Walk 2025: Stepping Forward & Uniting Community Nationwide

  This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.

The SMX Convention Center in Manila will host this year's event, which is being organized by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI). In order to make the event a true national effort to highlight the talents and aspirations of persons with Down syndrome, simultaneous events will be conducted at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier.

 

Two Happy Walkers take small, but meaningful steps with support and fanfare from the SM community.

More Than Just a Walk: A Movement for Inclusion

For more than two decades, Happy Walk has been more than an event—it is a powerful movement that highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day of joy, unity, and acceptance, where communities come together to celebrate not just differences, but also shared dreams and aspirations.

“Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations,” said Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI Board Member & Head, Happy Walk 2025. 

With the involvement of thousands of volunteers, this event is now more than just a walk—it’s a movement for change.

Participants come together to show love and support for individuals with Down Syndrome.

A Nationwide Call for Participation

With the theme “321 & Beyond”, Happy Walk 2025 is expected to draw thousands of participants, from individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to volunteers, educators, corporate partners, and inclusivity advocates. The event will feature various activities, including performances, inspirational stories, and community-building initiatives that reinforce the importance of inclusivity in society.

“SM Cares has been a proud partner of Happy Walk for years because we believe in the importance of creating a society where everyone feels valued and included. This event is a reminder that inclusivity is not just an initiative—it is a responsibility we all share,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.

SM Prime Chairman Hans Sy, together with SM Cares and DSAPI members, is celebrating the success of last year’s Happy Walk event.

The Happy Walk community continues to grow in number and contribute to a broader movement of inclusivity and empowerment.

Join the Movement: How to Be Part of Happy Walk 2025:

Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares’ social media pages.

About SM Cares:

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, leading initiatives on inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and community development. Through its long-standing partnership with DSAPI, SM Cares continues to advocate for persons with disabilities, ensuring that every SM mall is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.

About DSAPI:

The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Through education, awareness campaigns, and community-building efforts like Happy Walk, DSAPI works to create a more inclusive society.