Universal Accessibility by Design and Practice Earns SM Group 23 Industry Distinctions

The SM Group reinforces its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity through the experiences cultivated in its spaces with the help of its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares. Because of this pursuit, its properties were recently recognized by the Philippine Foundation For the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc. (PFRD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) for exemplary support for accessibility and upholding the dignity of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

With inclusivity and access as a key pillar in SM’s corporate purpose, inclusive spaces and facilities enhance the SM Group’s portfolio of malls, offices, and retail spaces. It is this universal implementation of accessible environments, and commitment to advance disability inclusion that bagged SM Group industry distinctions from The Philippine Foundation For the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc. (PFRD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, disability-friendly facilities are overseen and supported nationwide with manpower training in line with industry standards to effectively accommodate Persons With Disabilities.

“Every single person entering and engaging in the spaces built by SM deserves to feel welcomed and accommodated,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations and Program Director for Disability Affairs, SM Cares. “Our benchmark for true inclusivity expressed well is when every guest, visitor, and mallgoer can freely move around our spaces while still receiving the support they need when challenges arise.”

SM and SM Cares: Serving to supplement accessibility gaps

For SM Cares, accessibility is a priority—a crucial component of property planning for mobility and manpower training, ultimately contributing to community service. 

The results of this enduring commitment over the years were recognized at the 2026 Apolinario Mabini Awards, where SM’s mall, retail, and office properties received multiple citations for advancing accessibility and creating more inclusive environments for Persons With Disabilities.

Presented by the PFRD, the Apolinario Mabini Awards recognize organizations and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the welfare and inclusion of Persons With Disabilities. 

SM’s largest network of real estate for retail, SM Supermalls, bagged 12 citations with SM Store, SM Commercial Properties Group, and SM Supermarket, taking home ten awards for the Disability Friendly Establishment category.

Among the recipients are SM City Roxas with silver and SM Center Angono, SM City Bacolod North Block Extension, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Sto. Tomas, SM Store J Mall, SM Store Puerto Princesa, E-Com Three, and E-Com Five with bronze. Special awards were also presented to several SM malls, SM Stores, and Savemore branches for initiatives ranging from substantial compliance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 to improvements that addressed accessibility gaps and expanded access for customers.

Additionally, SM Cares was recognized by the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) for its sustained leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing disability inclusion in the Philippines through its Advocate for Equity Award.

The distinction highlights how SM Cares has consistently demonstrated exemplary support in creating accessible and inclusive spaces which enable meaningful participation of Persons With Disabilities in community life. SM Cares was further noted as an instrumental force in promoting awareness, accessibility and equal opportunities for the sector, generously opening mall spaces nationwide as venues for various disability-related events, fostering visibility, and engagement.

"Inclusion is intentional at SM because of our purpose on sharing social equity and our drive of becoming a truly inclusive Mall for All. It is woven into how we train our people, create our programs, and design our spaces. We believe accessibility is about making every person feel welcome, respected, and able to fully participate in the experiences we create every day," said Eusebio. 

DTI Monitors the COVID-19 Protocols Set for Resumed Enterprises in ZamPen

To curtail the transmission of the COVID-19 spread as businesses resumed operations in Zamboanga Peninsula, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) guarantee that the employers and workers properly observe the precautionary health measures in the workplace.

DTI-IX OIC-Regional Director Ceferino Rubio joined the DOLE and local government units (LGUs) in the series of region-wide monitoring of barbershops, salons, dine-in and fast food restaurants which were allowed to resume operations last June 7, 2020.

Initial findings on the inspection conducted among the establishments include the presence of waiting area outside the establishment, foot bath, temperature check and disinfection upon entrance for both employees and clients; filling out of health checklist for employees, safe distancing of 1 to 1.5 meters among employees and clients, and use of PPE for employees.

Rubio stressed that post-audit will also be carried out to focus on the mandatory protocols which shall serve as the basis to issue an outright warning to the establishment on the first instance of violation. Upon receipt, the concerned DTI Office shall forward the individual reports of erring establishments to the proper LGU for appropriate enforcement and monitoring procedures. The concerned office is also expected to recommend to the proper LGU: a.) temporary closure of the establishment should the LGU still find the establishment unable to comply within the following day, and b.) erring establishments may only resume operations once proven able to comply the mandatory protocols.

DTI Region 9 continuously conducts the monitoring in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay and the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela. Monitoring covers those establishments that are already allowed to operate during GCQ for Zamboanga City and MGCQ for the rest of the region.

However, Rubio also stressed that the following establishments are not yet allowed to operate during GCQ: gyms, fitness studios and sports facilities, entertainment, business, politically, and or sports related mass gatherings, libraries, archives, museums, gambling and betting activities, travel agency, tour operators, reservation services, and activities of membership organizations.

To date, DTI IX has already reached and inspected 350 establishments, in which 267 establishments has 183% compliance and 83 establishments with partial compliance.

DTI Investigating Report on Alleged Abuse of PWD Discount Cards—Trade Chief

MANILA—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is currently investigating the report on the alleged abuse of Persons with Disability (PWD) identification cards, following the viral post on social media wherein members of an entire family all had PWD discount cards.

The social media post, showing a photo of a family from Quezon City with members all supposedly having visual impairment and one with psychosocial disability, circulated on social media last 20 June 2020.

"Abuse of privilege in any law ruins the spirit behind it. Such discount is solely meant for actual persons with disability. DTI, through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), is currently investigating the matter," Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

He reported that a group of restaurant owners has reached out to DTI regarding multiple fraudulent usages of PWD ID cards.

Under Republic Act (RA) No. 10754, also known as "An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability", cardholders may avail of at least 20% discount and exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) for certain goods and services, including food establishments, hotels, and recreational centers, as well as for the availment of medical and dental services and the purchase of essential drugs and medicines.

Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group Ruth Castelo added that communications have been made to DTI on this growing concern by members of one of the largest groups of restaurant and food establishment owners around the country.

"We are currently dealing with the matter and will file appropriate action against those found having fake PWD cards," she said.

Sec. Lopez said: "Especially in this time of crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, people should not be abusing their PWD ID cards since many restaurant owners are also facing difficulty in keeping their businesses afloat."

"Further, such action gives undue discrimination to people who actually have disabilities that we do not immediately see," he added.

The trade chief also emphasized that such corruption is not tolerated and must immediately be reported to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).