SM and DOST Forge Groundbreaking Pact for a Greener Philippines  

In a powerful display of synergy between enterprise and science, SM Prime Holdings and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) formalized a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating sustainability across the Philippines. The handshake between SM’s Henry Sy Jr. and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. during the opening of SUSTEX 2025 was more than ceremonial—it signaled a shared commitment to future-proofing the nation through innovation and collaboration.

Held at SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig, the Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX) 2025 gathered leaders from government, business, and civil society to showcase scalable solutions for climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and green technology. With the theme Innovation for Environmental Stewardship, the event served as a launchpad for the SM-DOST alliance, which promises to bring science-based sustainability practices to the heart of commercial operations and community development.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan emphasized the inclusive nature of the partnership, noting that over 70% of SM tenants are MSMEs. “This isn’t just SM and DOST—it’s SM, DOST, and our tenants,” Tan said. “With DOST providing knowledge, SM offering the platform, and MSMEs applying innovation, we can create real impact.” The initiative will empower small businesses to adopt green technologies such as solar energy, water recycling systems, and waste-to-fuel solutions.

Secretary Solidum echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. “Through partnerships like this, we can accelerate the adoption of science-driven solutions that benefit both industry and community,” he said. DOST will provide technical expertise, research support, and policy guidance to ensure that sustainability efforts are grounded in evidence and accessible to all sectors.

The partnership also includes plans for innovation hubs, educational campaigns, and joint programs to enhance disaster resilience and climate adaptation. These efforts aim to make sustainability not just a corporate responsibility but a shared national movement. By integrating DOST’s scientific leadership with SM’s vast infrastructure and influence, the alliance sets a new benchmark for civic and commercial cooperation.

As the Philippines faces mounting environmental pressures, the SM-DOST pact offers a bold blueprint for inclusive progress. With grassroots empowerment, technological innovation, and strategic alignment, this dynamic duo is poised to make sustainability loud, bold, and accessible—one mall, one community, and one breakthrough at a time.

By Reyland Lopez | PAPI 2025 Highlights シ゚