Behold Bataan

SM celebrates Women’s Month by moving conversation into meaningful action

In line with the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” SM Supermalls celebrated Women’s Month 2026 through a series of collaborative initiatives that sought to elevate conversations on matters that affect women into meaningful actions.

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, and in partnership with United Nations Philippines, the Philippine Commission on Women, the Quezon City Government, and various civil society and youth organizations, SM led a united effort to empower communities in the advancement of gender equality, maternal health, and social awareness.

SM malls served as the convergence point where Youth leaders, women’s advocates, government partners, and community organizations gathered to open dialogues that sought to break down barriers, challenge harmful norms, and create more opportunities all for women and girls everywhere.

“At SM, we continue to create the most-loved spaces where women are empowered to lead, grow, and thrive. Our commitment goes beyond opportunity—it is about building inclusive environments where every woman and girl feels supported, valued, and able to reach her full potential,” said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls and Program Director for SM Cares for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers.

Purple illumination signals start of Women’s Month
Kicking off women’s month, SM Cares launched an advocacy campaign on March 2, with the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe illuminated in purple, the global color symbolizing dignity and justice for women. The lighting served as a powerful visual call to action that launched the month-long advocacy and reinforced public awareness of the International Women’s Day campaign.

Youth leadership at the center of International Women’s Day celebration
The centerpiece of the month-long celebration was the International Women’s Day 2026 Youth Celebration, titled “Youth Rising: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” held on March 10 at the SM North EDSA Skydome. The landmark gathering convened young leaders, advocates, and organizations to engage in discussions on gender equality, climate justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence prevention.

The event featured panel discussions, TED-style talks, and a Challenge and Solutions Lab, with 47 youth organizations and schools such as National University Fairview, Nazareth, and Ortigas; the National Youth Commission; Philippine Science High School Main Campus and Central Luzon Campus, as well as the University of the Philippines Los Baños—all collaborating to develop ideas for advancing equality and justice.

Supporting women’s health through “Gatas ng Buhay”
As part of its Women’s Month activities, SM Cares also supported maternal and child health through the “Gatas ng Buhay” milk-letting activity held on March 20 at SM Fairview in partnership with the Quezon City Human Milk Bank and Quezon City General Hospital.

The program featured expert-led sessions on breastfeeding guidance, newborn care, maternal nutrition, and the importance of human milk banking, while also conducting a simultaneous milk-letting activity to support infants in need.

This year’s milk letting activity yielded more than 18,000 ml of breast milk that could feed around 75 babies in a day—23% higher than the previous year.

Be part of the movement for gender equality—join SM Cares in supporting programs that empower women and girls and help build more inclusive communities. Learn more at https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

About SM Cares
As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.

Other Articles

SM Stands ALL for Down: All SM Malls Unite Nationwide for World Down Syndrome Day

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), SM mounted a unified, nationwide activation through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares. The activation reaffirms SM’s long-standing commitment to becoming a truly inclusive Mall for All where every individual is welcomed, respected, and valued.

Observed every 3/21 to symbolize the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome, the global awareness day became more than a date on the calendar for SM. Through its nationwide reach, SM empowered its surrounding communities through every-day, synchronized advocacy in their most-loved SM Supermalls.

One Mic, One Message — Real Voices, Real Inclusion
At the heart of the nationwide campaign was “One Mic, One Message: For the Down Syndrome Community.”

Special installations of standing microphones were set up in each SM Mall nationwide to invite employees, frontliners, and customers to share one sincere message for the Down syndrome community.

Raw and authentic messages from mall managers to everyday mallgoers affirmed dignity, belonging, and respect for those with Down Syndrome:
“You belong here.”
“You are seen, valued, and respected.”
“This space is for you, too.”

Mall Managers led the closing messages in each location, reinforcing that the commitment to inclusivity begins with leadership and is carried through every level of the organization.

Inclusion in Action: Training, Standards, and Everyday Practice
SM also strengthened its operational commitment through comprehensive Sensitivity Training initiatives for mall teams, tenants, security personnel, janitorial staff, and all customer-facing frontliners.

Watch parties were organized reinforce proper assistance, respectful communication, and dignified support for persons with disabilities. “All for Down” guide posters were also installed in high-visibility employee areas and cascaded to tenants to serve as daily reminders of inclusive service standards.

A Nationwide Movement Continues
The March 21 activations aim to builds momentum toward a much larger, unifying moment: the SM Cares Happy Walk on March 29, expected to gather over 6,000 participants nationwide.

From Luzon to Mindanao, families, advocates, employees, and partners will come together in a collective show of solidarity—further proving that SM’s support for the Down syndrome community is year-round, sustained through programs, safe spaces, and nationwide gatherings that celebrate ability, dignity, and belonging.

Through unified nationwide initiatives like “SM is All for Down,” SM Cares affirms that inclusion is at the heart of how SM builds experiences—for customers, for families, and for future generations.

About SM Cares
As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.

Other Articles

SM and City Government of Balanga Hosts Summer PAWshion Show: Dog Edition

BATAAN, PHILIPPINES — SM City Bataan and the City Government of Balanga warmly welcomed pet lovers, fur parents, and partners to the Summer PAWshion Show: Dog Edition on March 23, 2026, held in collaboration with the City Health Office.
The event gathered the community for a fun-filled and meaningful celebration of pets, highlighting creativity, companionship, and responsible pet ownership. SM City Bataan expressed its sincere gratitude to its partners for choosing the mall as the venue for this vibrant gathering.

“As a Mall for All, SM City Bataan remains committed to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces—not only for individuals and families, but also for our beloved pets,” SM Tenant Relations Officer, Alliah Flores shared. “We are proud to support initiatives that promote pet wellness, strengthen community ties, and celebrate the unique bond between fur parents and their pets.”

The Summer PAWshion Show Dog Edition showcased the charm and style of participating dogs, bringing together joy, creativity, and “paw-sitive” energy among attendees.
SM City Bataan continues to champion pet-friendly programs and events that encourage responsible pet ownership while enhancing the malling experience for all.
For more updates on upcoming events, visit SM City Bataan—proudly the most loved mall and a true Mall for All.

About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 89 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

Other Articles