Earth Hour 2026: National Lights-Off milestone re-affirms SM’s commitment to shared action

---

An hour for Earth. SM Supermalls switches off non-essential lights in solidarity with Earth Hour, uniting communities in a shared commitment to climate action and a more sustainable future.

SM Supermalls has once again led a meaningful local observance of the global Earth Hour. Through a symbolic lights-off practice held at all SM Malls has re-affirmed its strong commitment toward shared responsibility, environmental awareness, and community action across all of its most-loved malls.

From 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, all SM malls nationwide switched off non-essential lights as mallgoers, tenants, and communities came together to take part in activities that made sustainability more visible, more relatable, and more personal. Through SM Cares, Earth Hour became more than a scheduled observance in the evening—it became a reminder that small choices, when done together through empowered communities, can help build a better future. 

SM City Fairview joins local leaders and community partners in observing Earth Hour 2026, affirming a shared commitment to climate action.

A live acoustic set at SM CDO Downtown Premier marks Earth Hour 2026, using music to bring communities together during the symbolic lights-off hour.

Across SM’s most-loved malls, visitors were also treated to glow-in-the-dark activities, sustainability-themed installations, tenant eco-promotions, youth and community engagement efforts, and social media storytelling activations that encouraged and empowered everyone to think more deeply about energy conservation and the role each person can play in caring for the environment. These efforts reflected SM’s continuing commitment to making sustainability not only informative, but also engaging and community-driven. 

SM Supermalls continues to use its spaces to make environmental action easy and accessible all for Filipinos. Earth Hour at SM was not simply about switching off lights—it amplified the need to sustain conversations on climate action and the need for continued, everyday acts that preserve and protect the environment.

Young kids showcase Earth-themed artworks at the Book Nook in SM North EDSA, highlighting the importance of engaging young minds in environmental awareness.

Runners kick off the Earth Hour Run 2026 at SM City Sto. Tomas, uniting fitness and sustainability in one shared movement.

The SM City San Mateo community marks Earth Hour 2026 with a bike activity that promotes eco‑friendly mobility and collective action for a greener future.

Participants at SM City Baliwag celebrates Earth Hour 2026 by turning movement into momentum for the planet.

This year’s Earth Hour participation also carried record environmental value. 6,079 kwh in energy savings resulted from the one-hour lights-off initiative across malls nationwide. This is equivalent to over 10,400 miles or 16,737 km driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle or 9.5 barrels of oil consumed. 

“Earth Hour reminds us that even the simplest actions, when done together, can create meaningful impact. Here at SM, we continue to open spaces where communities can learn, participate, and take part in protecting the environment—always all for you, and all for the planet,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin.

For SM Supermalls, Earth Hour is one of many ways it continues to encourage greener lifestyles for present and future generations. By turning mall spaces into venues for awareness, participation, and action, SM helps communities see that sustainability is not distant or complicated—it can begin with one hour, one decision, and one shared commitment to care for the planet.

SM Supermalls Empower MSMEs at the 2026 DTI National Food Fair

 For many MSMEs, growth begins with access—and the right platform can change everything. “It all started at a DTI Trade Fair in SM, where we had the opportunity to present our product to Ms. Teresita Sy-Coson—opening doors for us to become part of SM’s Kultura and changing our journey.” shared by Alvin Causing of Project Beans Coffee. “From a small start-up, we’ve grown into a brand enjoyed nationwide and globally because of the right marketplace SM provided. Today, we’re here not just to showcase our products, but to say thank you—because SM didn’t just give us space, they gave us a chance, and that made all the difference.” This reflects the core of the DTI-SM collaboration: turning opportunity into transformation, and visibility into viability.

More than a showcase of Filipino flavors, the 2026 DTI National Food Fair proved to be a powerful engine for entrepreneurship, innovation, and nation-building, as thousands of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) connected with wider markets at Megatrade Halls, SM Megamall from April 8–12.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque lead the official ribbon-cutting ceremony together with DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Bautista and DOA Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr., marking the start of the five-day fair—signaling a unified commitment to empower Filipino enterprises

Backed by the strong partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM Supermalls, the five-day event transformed retail space into a high-impact platform where local businesses don’t just sell—they scale.

A dynamic hub of Filipino entrepreneurship, innovation, and community comes to life at the National Food Fair—hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry and supported by SM for MSMEs, an advocacy program of SM Supermalls—held annually at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall.

A Platform Built for Growth

Beyond exposure, the National Food Fair serves as a launchpad for scaling businesses—combining DTI’s development programs with SM Supermalls’ nationwide retail reach. “From a small coffee shop, we’ve grown into a manufacturing business, and platforms like the DTI National Food Fair at SM Megamall have helped accelerate that journey,” said King Del Rosario of Coffee and Mead Corporation. “The support, accessibility, and stronger sales show how SM provides MSMEs like us the right environment to grow.”

Connecting Regions to the Nation

For regional entrepreneurs, access to national markets is often the biggest barrier—one that the National Food Fair helps break. “Through DTI trade fairs at SM Supermalls, we were able to bring our products from Bicol to a national market,” shared Larry Lee Ong of Orange Country Enterprises. “It opened doors to major buyers and long-term partnerships, helping us scale and grow—proving how SM can transform regional businesses into national brands.” By bridging regional producers to urban consumers, SM enables MSMEs to move from local relevance to national competitiveness.

FAt the heart of the fair is a simple but powerful outcome: real demand. “Demand for our product is already higher than supply, and having a booth at the DTI National Food Fair in SM Megamall gives us the right mix of customers and exposure to sustain that growth,” said Alvin Samson of Easter Joy Rabbit Ventures. “Every time we’re in SM, we sell out—proving the strength of the platform in helping us grow faster and reach new markets.” This demonstrates how strategic marketplaces drive not just awareness—but measurable business outcomes.

  

Culture, Community, and Inclusive Growth

Beyond commerce, the fair highlights the role of MSMEs in preserving identity and creating livelihoods. “We’re not just selling products—we’re sharing our culture,” said Sherly Biase of Basilio’s Kini-ing Food Processing. “Through the DTI National Food Fair, we introduce Cordilleran cuisine, correct misconceptions, and create livelihood for our farmers. With SM, it’s not just foot traffic—it’s the right market that helps us scale and connect to bigger opportunities.” Here, MSMEs become more than businesses—they become drivers of cultural preservation and community development.

A Shared Commitment to Nation-Building

The success of the 2026 DTI National Food Fair underscores the strength of a model built on collaboration:

• DTI providing capability-building and enterprise support

• SM Supermalls offering scale, access, and market integration

• MSMEs driving innovation, resilience, and growth

A moment of unity and purpose as leaders from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), SM Supermalls, and partner organizations and stakeholders come together to champion Filipino MSMEs at the 2026 National Food Fair at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall.

 “This partnership allows us to bring MSMEs closer to the market—hindi lang sa Maynila kundi sa buong bansa,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque. With over 17,000 MSMEs nationwide, SM Supermalls continues to redefine its role—not just as a retail destination, but as a platform for inclusive growth and economic empowerment.

he Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and Indak Guiguinto Folkloric Dance Troupe open the 2026 DTI National Food Fair with a celebration of Filipino culture and heritage. 

Hosted by Karen Davila, the event walkthrough highlights the diversity and potential of Filipino food enterprises.

The 2026 DTI National Food Fair 2026 proves that when public and private sectors work together, MSMEs don’t just participate in the economy, they help build it. At SM Supermalls, your most loved mall, every booth is more than a business, it is a story of growth, a source of livelihood, and a step toward a stronger, more inclusive Filipino economy. Be part of the movement that champions Filipino entrepreneurship. Visit the fair at SM Megamall until April 12 and experience how MSMEs are shaping the future of the local economy.

Proudly local, proudly Filipino—MSMEs showcase their products and stories at the DTI National Food Fair in SM Megamall.

SM Prime: Smarter Water Management for a Resilient Future

 Water is a limited resource, and many Philippine cities face pressure on their supply due to rapid urbanization and climate change. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, prioritizes water efficiency as a core operational strategy to pave the way for a water-resilient future.  

(Photo caption) One of the world’s largest shopping malls, the SM Mall of Asia remains a sustainable marvel thanks to its water-saving solutions.

The result is a portfolio-wide water intensity of 0.44 m³/m²/year, already surpassing water efficiency standards of some of the leading global benchmarks.

For SM Supermalls, every chance to collect and conserve water is explored. Simple low-flow fixtures and the adoption of water-saving technologies prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. Recycling air conditioning condensate and processed water minimizes dependence on fresh water, and innovative approaches that capture portions of floodwater for non-potable use support sustainable water management. 

(Photo caption) Managing water through innovation. SM City Laoag achieves everyday water responsible practices by recycling non-potable water for landscaping and garden irrigation, cleaning, air conditioning systems, and toilet-flushing. 

This efficiency means that for every square meter of mall space, SM Supermalls' water use translates into millions of liters saved annually. 

Beyond equipment and systems upgrades, culturally integrating sustainability values is part of the solution. Water education campaigns for tenant-partners, employees, and mallgoers promote the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement. 

(Photo caption) SM Supermalls was ahead of the Clean Water Act in 2004. SM City North Edsa lessens its dependence on freshwater sources for non-potable uses, optimizing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The mall’s Sky Garden’s 400-meter green roof development is a green space in the dense urban jungle. 

Creating a sustainable mall experience like no other, SM Supermalls believes that investing in efficient and scalable water management systems also means bringing everyone together to ensure water for tomorrow. 

“Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. 

(Photo caption) Water efficiency is nationwide for SM Supermalls. SM Seaside Cebu, the fourth-largest mall in the Philippines, uses recycled water for toilets, cleaning, and landscaping needs.

Every drop makes a difference, and conserving the planet’s valuable resources is communicated through SM Cares’ large and unique community platform, whether in the malls or on social media. The interactive and visually rich content is especially appealing for the younger, digitally active millennial and Gen Z workforce. 

“Our work in the malls is to make sure that we give you the best experience without compromising the needs of tomorrow, but of course, we cannot do it alone. When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small these are, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future,” said Tan. ### 

About SM Green Movement:

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.