Ten outstanding local governance programs were recognized in the 2022 Galing Pook Awards held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace last Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Galing Pook Foundation with its co-presenters SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the DILG-Local Government Academy, and sponsors Cebu Pacific and Airspeed named local government units from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that promote innovation and excellence.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top performing LGUs. He stressed how strong collaboration between the public and private sector can lead to more meaningful and successful programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.

“The recognition that you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive towards improvement and it encourages LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service. It is necessary for us to underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations, such as the Galing Pook Foundation, especially as we bring about meaningful progress in the country.”

Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento expressed his gratitude to all the local executives and LGU teams that participated this year: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of the work that you do, and I’m sure you’ve brought value to many Filipinos all over the country. Our collaborations bring us closer to realizing our shared vision, na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may simple pero kumportableng buhay.”

 The winners of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards were: The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan);

Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province);

Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment (Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal);

Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); and

Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte).

The 10 winners were chosen from 18 finalists and a record field of 196 applications from different LGUs in the country.

Launched on October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards has recognized 329 LGU programs from 200 LGUs in the country that have been promoted for replication to benefit more communities.

Caption: President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recognizes the 10 winners of the Galing Pook Foundation 2022 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace. He commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top performing LGUs. With them in the photo are: Galing Pook Foundation chairman Mel Sarmiento, Local Government secretary Benjamin Abalos, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. 

More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills.

Adamant to provide students with venues where they can fully hone their skills and knowledge, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group—cemented its partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program.

Through this, SMFI builds SM school buildings in grassroot communities, complete with basic furniture and equipment. More so, SMFI integrates specialized features to each SM school building to address the unique needs of their school recipients—some received rooms dedicated as a guidance office, a clinic, a mini-library, and some even got a water tank and a handwashing facility.

To date, SMFI has turned over more than 100 SM school buildings nationwide with the help of its partners, which share the same aspirations for the Filipino learners and teachers. One of which is the SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) - one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. Since the project’s inception, over 90 SM school buildings out of the more than 100 were built through the social good collaboration with SM Prime.

Infrastructure for calamity prone areas

SMFI and SMPH ensure that the SM school buildings incorporate a disaster resilient design to guarantee the safety of the students, teachers, and other school personnel. Emergency lights at both staircases, and fire and earthquake alarm bells are also installed.

Principal Joji Buelvo, school principal of Basud Elementary School (BES) in Sorsogon City, shared the state of their school community before they accepted the fully furnished SM school building from SMFI and SM Prime in 2021: “Ang aming paaralan ay saksi sa maraming kalamidad. Kaya karamihan ng mga classrooms ay may kalumaan na, ang mga kisame ay malapit na bumagsak—talagang hindi na conducive for learning.” 

“But through your [SMFI and SM Prime] donation, our BES learners now have a haven where we can nurture their young minds to be academically-ready and well-rounded members of the community,” Buelvo further expressed.

Addressing classroom shortage

The continuous rapid growth of the country’s population is taking a toll on schools—leaving the students, even the teachers, with overcrowded classrooms which affect learners’ academic performance. 

In 2012, the Banisil National High School (BNHS) in General Santos City received its first SM school building. But being the only secondary school in Barangay Tambler, BNHS records a significant increase in their enrollment per year. With this challenge, SM Foundation decided to provide another edifice of hope for the sub-urban Muslim community in 2021, addressing the growing needs of BNHS learners and teachers.

BNHS then principal Shiela Balbon said, “Yung patuloy na paglobo ng population every year ay talagang naging suliranin namin.”

“Pagpasok ng 2020, nagkaroon ng COVID. So naisip ko baka hindi na matuloy. Pero itong SM Foundation, walang pande-pandemya sa kanila. Talagang desidido silang matugunan yung pangangailangan sa classroom ng mga estudyante,” she added.

“Our salute to our longtime partner, SM Foundation and SM Prime, for being so generous and proactive in providing us with school buildings that are conducive to learning. We are so grateful for your extended support to our school amidst the pandemic,” Balbon concluded.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School project. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide.

SM school building in Sorsogon City

Green space which promotes environmental consciousness.

SM School building in General Santos City

Every classroom in an SM school building is well-ventilated and spacious enough to allow the students to have a better learning experience.

SM Megamall starts to spread sparks of happiness with an out-of-this-world Christmas event

SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter.

Ode to outer space: An out-of-this-world celebration starts at SM Megamall

SM officially ushered the holiday season with an out-of-this-world celebration at the Mega & Bright: Christmas in Space 2022 at the SM Megamall on October 20. 

The mall’s mega Christmas Tree decked in stars and lights was lit, signaling the start of SM’s nationwide Happy Christmas campaign. And starting October 20 until December, SM shoppers can have a glimpse of the universe through SM Megamall’s Mega Space Odyssey. The 3D LED tunnel transports individuals into space and allows them to view it immersively. 

If you missed the SM Megamall Christmas event, there are still more ways to celebrate the joys of the holidays. SM Supermalls has lined up exciting and festive activities just for you and your loved ones! Check out the details below:

More Christmas Tree lighting activities in your favorite SM mall!

Apart from SM Megamall, other premier SM malls will light up their massive 50-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every SM shopper. Check out the dates below so you can drop by your favorite SM mall and watch the lighting of its dazzling trees full of lights, stars, and colorful ornaments.

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark

Witness as your favorite SM mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and watch out for Santa appearances, character meet and greets, and other surprises! Plus, you also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark’s light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays

Christmas won’t be festive without lights. Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and lit parking spaces as they glow at their best. 

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights

SM Supermalls has also created outdoor attractions for that picture-perfect, memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family. At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas. You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the SM mall near you!

Turn Christmas AReality at SM

Don’t miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as SM incorporates the festive season with Augmented Reality. In SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle. You just need to scan the QR code at the SM mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive!

Check out the Happiness Stations

SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decors with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed Tiktok or IG video at your favorite mall.

Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love

Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies! Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty. You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.

Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village

SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos. Check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as it goes live from October 28 to January 5 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience. Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs 

Since it’s the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors. For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.

“This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year’s holiday festivities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

A new light of experiences will bring happiness and kindness to every Filipino as SM Supermalls create more magical memories and opportunities to touch other people’s lives this holiday season. Check out www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.

MORE WAYS TO LOAD. beep™ gives cardholders more ways to top up with its newest digital banking and e-wallet partner Shopee through its ShopeePay wallet feature. Present in the signing ceremony are Martin Yu, Director of Shopee Philippines; Jonathan Juan Moreno, President & CEO of AF Payments Inc.; and Sharon Fong, Chief Commercial Officer of AF Payments Inc.

beep™ operator AF Payments Inc. is bringing commuters another option to top up their card with its newest e-wallet partner ShopeePay. By using ShopeePay for beep transactions, users can enjoy the convenience of reloading in a few taps and even earn cashbacks during special promotions.

“Our priority has always been to provide convenience to passengers. By partnering with a leading e-commerce platform like Shopee, which is widely used by Filipinos for online shopping, we aim to offer flexibility and consistently add value for our users so they keep using their card. Rest assured that beep™ will continue to grow our network of partners to provide the best service to the riding public and Filipino consumers in general,” said Sharon Fong, Chief Commercial Officer of AF Payments Inc.

It’s easy to reload via ShopeePay. Simply open your Shopee app and tap “Load, Bills & Travel.” Under the Travel category, choose “BEEP CARD.” Enter the 16-digit number found at the back of the beep™ card you want to reload and select the Top Up amount. Available denominations include P20, P50, P100, P200, P300, P500, and P1,000. A minimal convenience fee is added for every transaction. Tap Checkout.

Choose ShopeePay as payment option, then tap “Pay Now” and enter your ShopeePay PIN. To complete the process, fetch your load by tapping your beep™ card at any E-load Station located in LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3, and select P2P Bus Terminals.

ShopeePay is the integrated mobile wallet of Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Through ShopeePay, Shopee users can conveniently and securely send money, pay bills, and top-up stored value cards such as beep. To access ShopeePay and maximize its features, vouchers, discounts, and cashbacks, simply download the Shopee app via the App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App gallery, create an account, and activate ShopeePay.

“Since we launched ShopeePay, our mission has always been to provide access to safe, reliable, and convenient digital payments for Filipinos. With our landmark partnership with beep™, we are able to extend this service as well as the rewards our users love and enjoy to beep™ cardholders as well.” said Martin Yu, Director of Shopee Philippines.

beep™ is a stored value card used to pay fares in the three elevated railways (LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3), select buses, and PUVs nationwide, and in partner retail merchants. For other inquiries, contact beep™ via landline at (02) 87379600, Globe Line at 09175121319, or Smart Line at 09985819675.

To be updated on news and promotions, follow the official beep™ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. More information is also available at the website.

Look forward to mas mura brand deals up to 50% off, back-to-back Super Brand Days, and new brand ambassador Toni Gonzaga at the 10.10 Brands Festival from October 1 to 12

Shopee is collaborating with the country’s leading brands to bring Filipinos bigger, better, and mas mura deals on brand favorites with the 10.10 Brands Festival. From October 1 to 12, official brand stores are working with Shopee to offer eager shoppers 50% off brand deals, 15% off daily discounts, and free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend. 

The 10.10 Brands Festival is the second in Shopee’s series of year-end shopping events, giving Filipinos more exciting deals to look forward to and get a head start on their holiday shopping. Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines  enthused, “The 10.10 Brands Festival continues to enliven the promise of offering mas mura prices to Filipino shoppers. We have worked closely with our partner brands in bringing the best of brand deals to create a more meaningful year-end shopping experience.”

Toni Gonzaga joins the Shopee Fam as newest brand ambassador

To drum up anticipation for its 10.10 sale, Shopee welcomes Toni Gonzaga as their newest brand ambassador. Dubbed the Ultimate Multimedia Star, shoppers can look forward to watching the talented performer belt out the “Mas Mura sa Shopee” jingle as she stars in Shopee’s latest TV commercial. Fans will also be treated to entertaining content when they visit the app and Shopee’s official accounts on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Exciting, mas mura brand deals from October 1 to 12

The 10.10 festivities begin as early as October 1, with a wide assortment of official brand stores on Shopee offering exciting discounts for shoppers. The sale kicks off with back-to-back Super Brand Days from October 2 to 9, where users can enjoy up to 50% off on products from leading brands in fashion, electronics, beauty, and home & family essentials.

Unbeatable offers from top brands also await early-bird shoppers with the Big Midnight Sale from 12 midnight to 2 AM on October 10. Users can get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping with limited deals on bestselling wearable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live and OPPO Band B1, as well as trendy fashion and lifestyle items such as the Crocs Crocband™ Flip and Insulated Water Bottle from the widely popular brand Aquaflask.

Shoppers can also expect more exciting deals from other leading brands including: Tiny Buds, realme, Platinum Karaoke, INSPI, Johnson & Johnson, Huggies Philippines, Uni-Care, Cetaphil, Garnier, Unilever, Enfagrow, Nestlé, Lovito, SACE LADY, adidas, Infinix, GameXtreme, TP-Link, Ace Hardware, and Huawei. 

The Big Midnight Sale also allows new parents to enjoy big savings with ₱1 deals on these Pampers Baby Dry Taped Diapers. Meanwhile, beauty lovers can score fan favorites like the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick and this Issy & Co. Brow Refiner, both at 50% off.

Download the Shopee app and discover mas mura deals from leading brands at the 10.10 Brands Festival. Head on to Shopee’s 10.10 page to know more about the latest promos or share your memorable 10.10 moments with the hashtag #ShopeePH1010BrandsFestival.

Lots of Robinsons Easymart and No Brand products for only ₱1.00 this Sept 30 - Oct 3,2022

The MetroMart PISO SALE continues its weekend bargain blitzes this September 30 to October 3 with snacks and other products that can be purchased for only ₱1.00 from Robinsons Easymart and No Brand.

All participating stores of Robinsons Easymart and No Brand in MetroMart's PISO SALE will have products available for only ₱1.00 within schedules of 9AM- 2PM & 3PM-8PM. A full-size loaf of Gardenia Classic white bread,1.5-liter and other sizes of Coca-Cola, potato chips and even cleaning supplies like Zonrox bleach are up for grabs from the Robinsons Easymart roster. 

Say “Annyeong” to popular Korean snacks and drinks like Jjajang Ramen, Injeolmi snacks, dried seaweed snacks, banana milk, flavored tea stick packs, and potato chips from No Brand. 

Please see all items up for grabs:

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“The MetroMart family is excited to be running even more Piso Sales with our supermarket and merchant partners like Robinsons Easymart and No Brand. We want to give the best deals to Filipino homes and families for different kinds of groceries and essentials, including snacks and household supplies.” MetroMart CEO and co-founder Steffano Fazzini said.

New customers of MetroMart can also avail a ₱200 discount for a minimum order of ₱2,000 by using the code "MMNEW" upon checkout on the MetroMart app or website. The promo is valid for one-time use and applicable across all stores and supermarkets, until October 16, 2022.

MetroMart is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include Robinsons Easymart, Robinsons Supermarket, S&R (with or no membership card required), Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, Merrymart, Super8 Grocery Warehouse, Ever Supermarket, UltraMega Supermarket, and over 500+ specialty store retailers like No Brand, Pet Express, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys”R”Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug and AllDay Rx. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in 2 hours! For more updates on MetroMart, like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @metromartph. Order groceries online or download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM

SM Foundation (SMFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group, together with Maxeon Solar Technologies, recently powered up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School (LPES) in Batangas through the Sinag Schools program.

This social good collaboration between SMFI and Maxeon aims to provide clean and renewable energy to schools in grassroot communities by installing solar panels on an SM school building, especially to those that have low operating expenses. 

In addition to the solar panel installation which intends to power positive change in the way energy is consumed in public schools, the program also aims to enhance the understanding of students in terms of energy management and the need to transition to cleaner energy alternatives with lower environmental impacts.

“Through this program, we want to power up the learning and development of young people. We want to help teach young people about solar energy, about renewable energy. We want to power up the next generation to help save our planet,” Maxeon Fab4 General Manager Glenn Everett said.

The SM school building at the LPES, which was donated by SMFI in partnership with SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) in 2017, now boasts 21 solar panels—estimated to produce 6510 watt-p. With the savings on electricity, the school may realign their budget to more efforts and other innovations that will give the students an environment more conducive to learning.

It takes a village to raise a child

SMFI executive director Debbie Sy underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing the learning experience of every student in the country: “We believe that collaboration can drive growth and become a force for good in addressing societal challenges. CSR partnerships can create solutions that improve society by fostering learning, promoting innovation and gaining access to new technologies, such as the Sinag schools program. CSR collaboration can pool resources, both financial and human resources - between multiple organizations which can amplify social good impact.”

“The establishment of an ever-evolving CSR strategy and partnerships will help companies and non-government organizations in developing and implementing crucial social good programs over decades while having procedures in place that integrate social and environmental priorities into CSR core strategy – all in close collaboration with stakeholders,” she further added.

Moreover, Everett mentioned how SMFI and Maxeon share the similar set of values and interest when it comes to helping Filipino learners: “We have this concept of powering positive change in the world. We are happy to be working together with SM Foundation to power up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School.”

“Individually, we can do so much. But together we can do actually more. For us to bring our solar technology and SMFI to bring in their schools, these things are much better together than they would be apart,” he concluded.

Spreading social good all the way

SM Foundation made sure to truly touch the lives of the learners and teachers of LPES as it donated eight desktop computers, 200 bags with school supplies, and more than 160 pcs brand new kinder and elementary books to further promote the love for reading among the students. Clothing items for parents were also distributed.

For more information about this initiative, follow SM Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube: @SMFoundationInc.

Maxeon is headquartered in Singapore. The company designs, manufactures, and sells Maxeon® and SunPower® brand solar panels. Maxeon has sales operations in more than 100 countries, operating under the SunPower brand in certain countries outside the United States. Maxeon is a leader in solar innovation with products that span the global rooftop and solar power plant markets through a network of more than 1,700 trusted partners and distributors. A pioneer in sustainable solar manufacturing, Maxeon leverages a +35-year history in the solar industry and numerous awards for its technology.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School program. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.