8 RETAIL NEWS CAPSULE PHILIPPINE RETAILING
SM Cares , PLDT , and Smart join hands to promote responsible e-waste disposal
Making proper e-waste disposal accessible and convenient for Filipinos nationwide
To strengthen its efforts in promoting the responsible disposal of electronic waste , SM Cares , the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls , recently tapped PLDT Inc . ( PLDT ) and its wireless unit Smart Communications , Inc . ( Smart ), two of the leading telecommunications providers in the country for a strategic partnership that will expand SM ' s Electronic Waste Collection ( EWC ) Program and drive further positive change in electronic waste management in the country . The partnership was launched to the public last April 22 , 2024 .
In a short message , Joaquin L . San Agustin , SVP of SM Supermalls for Marketing , underscored the need for the responsible disposal of electronic waste to help minimize its impact on human health and the environment . He also thanked PLDT and Smart for partnering with SM for the initiative . “ Through this partnership , our goal is to promote and expand the reach of the E-Waste Collection Program , leveraging our combined expertise and resources to drive positive change in electronic waste management in the country .” He added .
To reinforce the initiative ’ s sustainability messaging , SM , PLDT , and Smart unveiled new designs for the bins that will be used to collect the e-waste , which are made from 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons . Shown above are the new bin designs , taken during the launch of the partnership . The e-waste bins will be available at SM Malls nationwide , particularly in Cyberzone areas .
Launched in 2021 , the Electronic Waste Collection ( EWC ) Program encourages tenant and customer participation in the responsible disposal of electronic waste or e-waste which is considered hazardous , while also promoting decluttering in households and bringing to light conscious consumerism .
Since 2021 , a total of 11,600 kg of e-waste has been collected through the program , diverted from ending up in landfills and causing harm to humans and the environment to the designated facilities where they are disposed of responsibly .
This partnership between SM Supermalls , PLDT and Smart is the latest initiative under SM Supermalls ’ solid waste management program , which is also in line with SM Cares ' Programs on Environment .
Aside from this , SM Cares spearheads initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community , including programs on Persons with Disabilities , Women and Breastfeeding Mothers , Senior Citizens , and Children and Youth , as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative . smsupermalls . com , 04 / 23 / 24
“ Recognizing the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption , our brands , PLDT Home and Smart , have been actively promoting e-waste collection and recycling as part of their sales , marketing , retail operations , and customer engagement activities . We are thus grateful to have found a like-minded partner in SM , as this joint initiative significantly expands our reach and makes e-waste collection and circularity solutions even more accessible and convenient to our customers and the general public ,” said Melissa V . Vergel de Dios , Chief Sustainability Officer at PLDT and Smart .
4 more Metro stores to be built in Visayas
Metro Retail Stores Group Inc . ( MRSGI ), the listed retail company of the Gaisano Group , has commenced construction of four new supermarket stores in Cebu and Leyte as part of its continuing expansion in Visayas .
In Cebu , MRSGI is adding Metro Supermarket in Barangay Tayud , alongside Metro Value Mart locations in Barangay Poblacion and Barangay Tangke . Expanding beyond Cebu , MRSGI extends its reach to Leyte with a Metro Supermarket in Barangay Marvel , Isabel .
“ We are excited to embark on this journey with the residents of Cebu and Leyte , and we are committed to being a trusted partner in their journey towards progress and prosperity ,” he said .
MRSGI currently operates a network of 64 stores throughout the country . It has 42 branches located in the Visayas , offering various formats including Metro Supermarket , Metro Department Store , Super Metro Hypermarket , and Metro Value Mart .
As part of its strategic growth plan , MRSGI said it is also actively seeking opportunities to expand its presence in Luzon to provide quality products and services and to serve more communities across the country .
philstar . com , 04 / 28 / 24
The company said these expansions signify MRSGI ’ s commitment to serving diverse communities across the Visayas region and enriching local economies .
“ Investing in these communities is not just about business ; it ’ s about creating lasting relationships and making a positive difference in people ’ s lives ,” MRSGI vice president of store network development Benedicto Miranda said .