When the pandemic
put the country in a standstill, many of the everyday yet vital services
Filipinos had access to were revoked—one of which was transportation.
The absence of
public transportation due to social distancing effectively limited every
household's capability to commute for essentials, and many relied on biking as
their lifeline.
Recognizing the
urgency in supporting its customers and surrounding communities during the
challenges of the pandemic, SM Supermalls strengthened the drive for Active
Mobility across all of its malls nationwide. Since then, the mall leader has
become a home and advocate for Active Mobility, remaining consistent in forging
spaces that not only accommodate, but protect bikers.
Because of this
effort, SM has won the trust and confidence of its stakeholders in advocating
for sustainable travel, culminating in a record-breaking 34-win citation at the
2025 Mobility awards.
"What
began as a heartfelt initiative to support bikers during COVID, has now become
an integrated bike program spanning every single SM mall in the country,"
said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin.
"Active Mobility plays a crucial role not just in preserving the
environment but in the enrichment of every Filipino. Thus, SM aims to
continually foster the culture of biking across its properties by creating
beloved places where movement is safe, easy, and inclusive for everyone."
Active Mobility Advances Through Coaction
Through a
collaboration between its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, its
mall operations, and biking communities, SM continues to refine itself as a
bike-friendly space championing maxed-out Active Mobility, cycling, and
inclusive transport.
"It started
with us setting up parking spots exclusive to bikes to ease access for cyclists
picking up essentials in our malls. Then when the volume of cyclists picked up
even as the lockdown eased, we knew we had to do more for them," said Mina
Kahn, SM Division Head and Assistant Vice President for Transportation
Management.
For the mall
leader, this meant improving transport access through sustainable means it
could easily replicate across its properties nationwide. This involved carving
out dedicated spaces equipped with essential tools to safeguard and repair
bikes, protecting bikes from scratches with upcycled tires cushioning racks,
the introduction of intuitive bike lanes for biker safety, and the promotion of
the culture of cycling.
From there,
bike-friendly features have become staples even in recent developments and
renovations with plans to implement more secure bike parking, install more
racks, and clearer cycling lanes around the malls. Cycling groups also found a
conducive haven for activities at SM properties. Biking events were regularly
encouraged and hosted, with surrounding tenants adjusting operating hours to
accommodate cyclists, further promoting biking not just as a mode of
transportation but as a lifestyle and sport one could enjoy.
This in turn
earned SM a total of 34 accolades at the recent Mobility Awards: One Gold, 11
Silver and 22 bronze for nationwide mall efforts in promoting and protecting
cycling as a culture across its properties.
Additionally, the
Department of Transportation (DOTr) cited SM's sustainable approach as a
demonstration of its leadership, innovation and long-term commitment to making
active transport safer and more accessible to Filipinos. Its Pedal Power 2025
program was highlighted for this year's Notable Advocacy Program and the SM
Supermalls Sustainable Mobility and Bike-Friendly program received a citation
for Notable Development by the Private Sector.
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About SM
Supermalls
Celebrating 40
Super Years: A New Era of SM Supermalls, Evolving With You. SM Supermalls, one
of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 89 malls in the Philippines,
marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and serving as a trusted space
where diverse lifestyles and generations connect. As it enters a new era, SM
Supermalls continues evolving with you, redefining the malling experience
through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future
of retail and urban life with inclusive, meaningful experiences for all.
About SM
Cares
As the Corporate
Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching
the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and
environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into
long-lasting, impactful improvement.
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