Village Connect
The SM Group, through SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), alongside SM Foundation, China Banking Corporation, and Watsons, proudly secured 13 prestigious accolades at the 60th Anvil Awards. The recognition highlights the group’s excellence in public relations across investor relations, financial communications, branding, social good, sustainability, and governance.
SM Investments stood out as it received the Best Public Relations Program for Investor Relations for its strategic communications supporting its landmark Euro Medium-Term Notes (EMTN) Program. The company’s recent pricing of a USD 500 million drawdown from its USD 3 billion EMTN program marked its largest bond issuance since 2014, demonstrating financial resilience amid market uncertainties. “A well-executed PR strategy played a crucial role in the success of our bond issuance, reinforcing the strength of investing in Philippine companies,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.
Beyond investor relations, SM Investments was recognized for its 2023 Integrated Report, Committed to Our Customers, which showcased the company’s dedication to sustainability and community engagement. Additional wins included its financial communications campaign, Behind the Headlines: How SM Became the Pulse of Economic Growth, and its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and governance initiative, The Strategy and Philosophy of CSR and Good Governance. Furthermore, its special event, Nego-Unlad MSME Caravan, which empowered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), also earned an award.
SM Foundation was honored for its We Care newsletter and the initiative Uplifting Lives Through Social Good, which highlighted its impactful work in education, healthcare, and disaster relief.
Meanwhile, Watsons took home multiple awards, including for its HIMtayan advocacy, which promoted responsible medicine disposal; the Watsons Health Expo, which championed accessible healthcare; and Beautycon, a campaign leveraging influencer marketing to engage consumers. The Watsons Sustainable Art Competition, encouraging creativity and environmental awareness, also received recognition.
China Banking Corporation was celebrated for its Brand Refresh initiative, which modernized the century-old bank’s image, making it more appealing to a younger generation. Additionally, its One China Bank program, which enhanced employee experience and engagement, was also awarded.
The Anvil Awards, organized annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), recognize outstanding PR campaigns and tools that create meaningful impact. With 13 wins, the SM Group continues to set the standard for excellence in public relations, reinforcing its role as a leader in corporate communications and social responsibility.
