Insider Spotlight
The conferment ceremony, held on Oct. 21, was led by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC) in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC).
Leadership that inspires
The event also honored SMHCC president Elizabeth T. Sy, who received the UNA Presidential Medal and World Changers Award for her leadership in sustainable tourism and heritage preservation—recognitions that underscore SM Hotels’ pivotal role in advancing peace, culture, and environmental stewardship in the Philippines.
Sy’s acknowledgment symbolizes how hospitality can be a force for global good, linking responsible tourism with cultural advocacy and community-driven peacebuilding.
The big picture
“As a company rooted in the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and nation-building, SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation stands in solidarity with the vision and values championed by the United Nations,” Cathy Nepomuceno, SMHCC senior vice president, said in a press release on Nov. 4, 2025.
UNGC founder and president Jenny Pearl Ninalga added, “By anchoring a Peace Center in a Filipino heritage landmark like Taal Vista, we declare that peace is not built in conference halls alone—it begins where history, culture, and community meet.”
Why it matters
Taal Vista Hotel director of operations Brenda Cabuyao reaffirmed the hotel’s vision: “We envision Taal Vista Hotel as a place where meaningful conversations are sparked, where culture and community find harmony, and where every guest is reminded that peace is not just an aspiration—it is an action, lived and shared.”
With its new designation, Taal Vista Hotel cements its role as a living heritage landmark—one where sustainability and peace converge. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
