SM’s Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. inspires Iloilo students at eco-forum

“We’re SM, we live by your love.”

Committed to a sustainable Iloilo! SM Engineering and Design Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. ignited a spark of sustainability and resilience at the Eco-Forum: “People, Parks, Pavements, and Palate” at the SM City Iloilo Cinema. His focus on collaboration between the public and private sectors resonated with everyone. Through initiatives like infrastructure investments and knowledge sharing, SM and the Iloilo government are leading the way towards a much greener city. Let us continue to empower students to be environmental champions!

The Iloilo City Government and SM City Iloilo successfully hosted the annual Eco-Forum, “People, Parks, Pavements, and Palate,” on September 6, 2024, at the mall’s Cinema 3.

SM Engineering and Design Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. (center) connects with students in Iloilo at the Eco-Forum titled “People, Parks, Pavements, and Palate,” held at the SM City Iloilo Cinema.

Over 250 stakeholders, including environmental planners, government officials, and students, gathered to discuss sustainable practices aligned with the city’s vision of becoming a top-tier urban center.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas opened the forum, followed by discussions on sustainable tourism led by Negros Occidental Heritage Council Chairman Neil Solomon Locsin, sustainable transport, green sidewalks, and active mobility presented by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Supervising Economic Development Specialist Roxanne Yap, and sustainable solutions and circular economy in the food industry by Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo Hotel Manager Gian Carlo Luna.

(L-R): Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo Hotel Manager Gian Carlo Luna, Negros Occidental Heritage Council Chairman Neil Solomon Locsin, SM Engineering and Design Development President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Supervising Economic Development Specialist Roxanne Yap, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group and Head of Sustainability and Resilience Engr. Liza Silerio, Iloilo City Architect Regina Gregorio, and moderator Dr. Vic Salas

SM’s commitment to sustainability

SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group and Head of Sustainability and Resilience Engr. Liza Silerio, showcased SM’s commitment to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, with a particular focus on resiliency. SM invests at least 10% of its capital in developing infrastructure that is both environmentally friendly and resilient to natural calamities.

“Imagine cities built to optimize resource allocation, reduce traffic congestion, and improve disaster preparedness. Imagine communities designed with green infrastructure that promotes walkability, reduces the urban heat island effect, and enhances biodiversity,” said Ms. Silerio. “This is the future we can build if we fully embrace the idea of sustainable infrastructure and development.”

SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group and Head of Sustainability and Resilience, Engr. Liza Silerio, underscores SM’s dedication to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Resiliency.

Collaboration is key

(L-R): Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas and SM Engineering and Design Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr.

The highlight of the forum was SM Engineering and Design Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., who took part in a fireside chat, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in achieving sustainability goals.

Reflecting SM’s core values and principles that guide everything they do, Mr. Sy amplified the importance of treating others with respect, echoing the golden rule.

He shared, “One of the things we really believe in is: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Sustainability at SM was never a fad or a trend. It was simply because we needed to do it. It was never something we had to force ourselves to do. It’s deeply embedded in our DNA.”

Mr. Sy expressed his admiration for Iloilo City’s progress, noting the positive feedback from the business community. SM’s investments, including a new National University (NU) branch, demonstrate their confidence in Iloilo’s future.

As advice to the students, Mr. Sy also underlined the importance of mastery in one’s chosen field. He said, “Be good at what you want to lead in. You need to really know what you know. And you also have to anticipate that you might not know everything. That hunger for constant learning and testing yourself is key to that ability.”

Mr. Sy concluded by focusing on the importance of collaboration. “If everyone were to help each other, I think we could go a long way as a country.”