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Women MSMEs turn livelihood programs into ‘Automated Tao Machines’

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A group of resilient mothers from a remote mining community in Surigao del Norte turned their livelihood programs into a channel that brings banking services closer to the community. Through BDO Unibank's agency banking channel, Cash Agad, they proved that women can inspire and lead change even in the most remote areas. The Siana Golden Mothers Association comprises mothers from Barangay Siana, Mainit, Surigao del Norte who are beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). In addition to relying on their 4Ps benefits, Siana Golden Mothers was determined to find livelihood opportunities for its members to become successful business owners. The birth of an initiative In 2018, when a nearby mining company offered support to livelihood programs, Minda Ajoc,a devoted mother who worked for years assisting barangay nurses in caring for young children in Barangay Siana, joined hands with fellow mothers to form Siana Golden Mothers. They guided the group throu...

#ColorsInBloomAtSM: A Burst of Color, Culture, and Celebration

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                      🌸✨ Vibrant colors, joyful smiles, and cultural pride! 🎉 The Panagbenga 2025 celebration comes alive with stunning performances, festive outfits, and creative floral displays. #ColorsInBloomAtSM 🌺🌻   This year’s Panagbenga has been nothing short of a color spectacle showcasing Baguio’s arts and culture.  One striking piece is a dynamic lightning bolt, expertly crafted from brilliant yellow and blue tile fragments. This work honors Baguio photographer and artist Kidlat de Guia, who passed away in Madrid, Spain. An onlooker admires the captivating pieces at The Mighty Bhutens Art Exhibit, a key highlight of the event that brings the spirit of the Cordilleras to life. A key highlight of the event, The Mighty Bhutens Art Exhibit, brings the spirit of the Cordilleras to life through its artistry. This display features works by Kabunyan de Guia, Guiller Lagac, a...

SM strengthens pivot to solar PVs in support of DOE’s renewable energy goals

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  SM City Bataan and its 4,060-piece solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have a peak capacity of 2,376,000 kW. As the world continues to grapple with depleting resources, the need for renewable energy has never been more urgent. Malls, as significant energy consumers, have a unique opportunity to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future by adopting renewable energy solutions that can significantly reduce their environmental impact. Understanding this, SM has been continuously ramping up its renewable energy initiatives by adopting solutions that lower its carbon footprint. One such solution is the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which provide clean and renewable energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. This allows SM to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and contribute to a greener environment. Expanding solar power across SM malls As of February 2025, SM is nearing full operations for the solar PV systems installed in...