SM’s Commitment to Equality and Inclusive Growth

As the nation celebrates Women’s Month, SM Group reaffirms its commitment to equal opportunity and meritocracy, fostering an inclusive workplace that drives sustained growth and long-term success. By championing diversity, SM ensures that talent and performance—not gender—define leadership and career advancement.

Elizabeth Anne “Lizanne” Uychaco, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services and Group Diversity Officer at SM Investments, emphasizes that empowering women through equal opportunities leads to stronger performance and organizational growth. This commitment is evident, with women comprising 64% of SM’s workforce and 58% of senior leadership positions—a testament to a workplace that values inclusion and innovation.

SM Retail also exemplifies this principle, as noted by Leny Hernandez, Senior Vice President for Human Resources, who highlights that women outnumber men in senior management and executive roles. With a 60/40 female-to-male employee ratio, women play key roles in Merchandising, Marketing, and HR, proving that gender balance fuels business success.

The company’s dedication to gender equality has earned international recognition. SM Investments was honored for Transparency and Reporting at the 2024 Philippines Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards by the United Nations, further solidifying its leadership in fostering an equitable workplace.

Beyond the workplace, SM actively empowers women through social entrepreneurship and sustainability initiatives. Projects such as SM Hotels’ Tela Tales campaign and SM Store’s Green Finds Tarp project showcase collaborations with women-led organizations, promoting both economic inclusion and environmental responsibility.

As SM continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in creating opportunities for all, ensuring that inclusivity is not just a corporate value but a driving force for innovation, success, and positive societal impact.