MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) partnered with SM Supermalls to promote corporate social responsibility for businesses to champion sustainability on its Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX) on Friday at SM Aura in Taguig.

“Businesses must set their sights on real, tangible goals—not pretty brochures, not slogans, but numbers you can measure, promises you can check,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., underscoring the urgency of protecting the environment.

DOST, SM Supermalls partner to empower businesses with sustainable practices

The partnership aims to bring DOST’s scientific expertise and innovation directly to SM tenants, 70 percent of whom are MSMEs. While many small businesses may lack the resources or knowledge to adopt sustainable practices, DOST’s guidance will be crucial, said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

“This is not just SM and DOST,” Tan emphasized. “It’s SM, DOST, and our tenants. With DOST providing knowledge, SM offering the platform, and MSMEs applying innovation, we can create a real impact.”

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Tan told the Manila Times that SM has long been investing in sustainability initiatives, from water recycling in the 1990s to installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. “Sustainability is not just about business—it is a responsibility,” he said. “Somebody has to start, and it is big companies like us that should push the envelope.”