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

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.

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.

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.”

Collaboration is key

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.”