SM Prime, UPLB team up for sustainability scholarship

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to further promote the country’s pursuit of sustainable development.

Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime aims to assist select students pursue undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) – courses geared towards sustainability.

The scholarship will be awarded to students from low-income households in Pasay City intended to provide better employment prospects and help reduce poverty and inequality, which are major obstacles to sustainable development.

Members of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and SM Prime Holdings Inc ink partnership to create scholarships geared towards sustainable development. Present during the signing are (From left) UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources Dean Marlo Mendoza, UPLB College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Ricardo Sandalo, SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr., and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Janette Malata-Silva.

Collaboration for innovation and sustainability

In an interview, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr. shared his optimism about the partnership, citing the impact of education, especially sustainability-related fields of studies, in social and economic mobility.

“The scholarship will enable more students to pursue their studies in areas related to sustainability such as environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By investing in education in these areas, we are preparing a new generation of leaders who will have the knowledge and skills to address the complex environmental and social challenges facing our world today,” Dr. Camacho said.

“It will encourage research and development in areas related to sustainability. By providing support for students to pursue advanced studies, we are creating a pipeline of future researchers and innovators who can develop solutions to pressing environmental and social problems,” he added.

Aside from enabling students to pursue their education without financial burden, the UPLB chancellor believes that the scholarship can produce competent leaders capable of solving complex environmental and social challenges, and create a pipeline of innovative researchers.

He further stressed how fostering collaborations and innovation in sustainability between the academic community and the private sector can lead to new environmentally and socially responsible products, technologies, and services that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo signed the memorandum of agreement alongside UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr. The scholarship formed under the partnership continues SM Prime’s pursuit of sustainable development.

Ripples of social good

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo shared that the partnership between SM Prime and UPLB is a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions towards promoting sustainability and creating a better future for the next generation.

By supporting the education of would-be scholars, SM Prime hopes to create ripples of social good within families and communities, ultimately contributing to the development of a more sustainable and equitable society.

“Improving the well-being of its partner communities and investing in people’s growth have long been among SM Prime’s sustainability pillars woven at the core of its business strategies and operations. As such, SM Prime deems it important to create programs that would provide access to quality education for all, and in the long term, create a pool of proactive human resources who can responsibly carry out and balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of a society’s sustainable development aspirations,” Castillo said.

“SM Prime believes UPLB would be the best partner to support its sustainability initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment while honing new Iskolars ng Bayan leaders committed to knowledge creation and public service,” she also said.

The SM Prime Sustainability Scholarship is open to students from Pasay City, under UPLB's BSHE and BSF programs with an annual gross family income of not more than PhP150,000.00

For more information, interested applicants may contact the UPLB OSG +63 49 536 3209 or email at osg.uplb@up.edu.ph..

SM Active Hub marks First Anniversary with Nationwide Day of Movement

SM Supermalls marked the first anniversary of SM Active Hub with a nationwide activation across its malls, transforming them into the largest playground in the country and the biggest shared space for movement in one synchronized day. Play goes full throttle at SM City Clark as families dive into the energy of SM Active Hub with movement, fun, and connection in one space. Launched a year ago, SM Active Hub set out to change how people experience malls. Not just as places to shop, but as spaces to move, connect, and live fully. This vision scaled across the entire network. Kids take the lead at the Push Bike Competition at SM City Bicutan during the nationwide celebration of the SM Active Hub anniversary. On April 11, SM Active Hub brought “One Day, Every Mall, One Movement” to life. From sunrise to sunset, malls nationwide hosted runs, rallies, and free-play sessions, turning SM into the largest playground in the country for one synchronized day. Main celebrations took place at SM Mall...

SM Supermalls bags top honor at 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

SM Supermalls continues to raise the bar for customer excellence after being named Organization of the Year at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious programs recognizing innovation in business. The win marks the second time SM Supermalls has received the prestigious honor, earning a total of 52 award points across Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie recognitions. The achievement highlights the company’s sustained commitment to delivering meaningful, innovative, and customer-first experiences across its most-loved malls. SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin (third from right) and Senior Assistant Vice President for China Marketing Vivian Chen (second from right) led the company’s delegation in Macao. “On behalf of SM Supermalls in the Philippines and China, we would like to thank the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for this honor. This is a testament to how we continue to evolve and innovate to deliver a truly maxed-out e...

GRWM! Fashion & Lifestyle Fits to Start the Vibe Right in the Metro at SM Supermalls

Every day is a chance to embrace your most honest self. To let your personality shine through and create space for the person who matters the most, yourself! Hey besties, come join us for another fashion & lifestyle moment here in the Metro! Today’s theme: new GRWM essentials you wouldn’t want to miss. Fresh fits? Home picks? Redefine your everyday life with these fresh new concepts curated #AllForYou, and get ready with your most-loved SM Supermalls! Elevated Fits to Start Your Day Step 1: Everyday essentials, but make it fashion! Rise and shine in looks that actually slay, and check out these wardrobe refreshes to help you seize the day. New Balance Featuring its newest store located at Level 2, Building B of SM Podium, New Balance delivers its wide variety of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories designed for both performance and everyday wear. Apple & Eve Opening soon at the Central Walk Lower Ground Level of SM City Fairview, Apple & Eve brings its fir...

All Out Magazine

Search This Blog