SM Prime and Iloilo City Partner to Revitalize Public Markets as Cultural Landmarks

From left: SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu speak with a vendor as guests look on.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), in partnership with the Iloilo City Government, marked the opening of the newly redeveloped Iloilo Central Market and Terminal Market, two of the city’s largest and most historic public spaces.

The redevelopment is a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) signed in August 2022. With a total gross floor area of over 62,000 square meters, it broke ground in 2023, with nearly P3 billion invested to transform Iloilo City’s iconic markets into modern, efficient and inclusive centers of local enterprise.

The project was completed at no cost to the city and is managed by the Local Economic Enterprise Office to preserve the public character of the markets. This collaboration reflects SM’s Bold New Era — a commitment to creating spaces that evolve with communities, always All For You.

“This day marks an important milestone in the history of Iloilo City, a new beginning for our vendors and shoppers. Everything is organized, clean, bright and well-ventilated,” said Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu during the opening ceremony. 

Iloilo, named the Philippines’ first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023, is renowned for its culinary heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. The modernization of its public markets bridges tradition and innovation, ensuring that Ilonggo food culture and small enterprises can continue to grow and bring people together.

SM Iloilo Terminal Market (SITM) includes a lifestyle center that has a gross floor area of almost 20,000 square meters, which houses 58 long-term leasable spaces. Meanwhile, SITM’s market section has expanded to house 1,160 vendors from its previous 911 vendors.

“Before, the old market’s condition was really difficult for us. When it rained, everything got wet, and our regular customers found it inconvenient,” said Jedda Navales, a native coffee vendor at the SITM. “Now, with the new Iloilo Terminal Market, we’re finally leveling up.”

On the other hand, SM Iloilo Central Market (SICM)’s community space expands to more than 17,000 square meters of gross floor area that blends heritage and contemporary design highlighted by 61 long-term leasable spaces and communal dining areas, where beloved Ilonggo dishes such as batchoy, pancit molo and fresh seafood take center stage. SICM’s central market section now caters to 850 vendors from the previous 529.

“We’re confident more people will buy our products now that the market is clean, organized, and has parking spaces. Even when we were at temporary stalls, our loyal customers kept finding us. We’re proud to help promote Iloilo through our native roast chicken,” said Evangeline Janeo, owner of Rawit’s Litson at the SICM.

SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim shared the company vision for the project: “Public markets play an essential role in the community and in the lives of local entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, we are helping strengthen both, and we are grateful to the Iloilo City Government for their trust and partnership.”

As the SM Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets reopen, it begins a new chapter in Ilonggo life – one that honors the past while embracing what’s next.

For generations, these markets have been where people trade, share meals, and connect. Their renewal keeps that spirit alive – stronger, cleaner, and ready for the future. It’s part of how SM continues to grow with the communities it serves, always with them in mind. (SM PRIME)

SM Foundation and SM Supermalls Extend Aid to Cebu Through Operation Tulong Express

Over 8,000 affected families in Cebu were given Kalinga Packs through SM Foundation's Operation Tulong Express (OPTE)

Through Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), SM Foundation, Inc. and SM Supermalls continue to bring comfort and care to communities in need. As part of this nationwide relief effort, Kalinga Packs filled with essential goods were distributed to over 8,000 affected families in Mandaue City, Consolacion, and Cebu City, offering hope and support as they recover and rebuild together.

In solidarity with this cause, SM City Mindpro encourages Zamboangueños to extend their compassion by donating to help families in Cebu. A dedicated Operation Tulong Express Donation Box is located at the Ground Level near Campaner Entrance of SM City Mindpro.

Every contribution, big or small, can help empower communities to rise again. Join us in supporting this relief drive and be part of SM’s continuing mission to uplift lives across the nation.

Visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/sm-malls-unite-for-cebu to view the locations of OPTE Donation Box in SM Supermalls nationwide.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

 

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. (SM PRIME)