WINNING | SM Hotels advances sustainability, workplace inclusion

Insider Spotlight

• SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. strengthens sustainable hospitality operations through food waste reduction, renewable energy and resource efficiency initiatives
• The company promotes workplace diversity, equal opportunities and community inclusion through employee policies and partnerships
• SMHCC earns two Circle of Excellence distinctions at the Asia CEO Awards 2026 for sustainability and diversity
  
  
  
  

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is integrating environmental sustainability and workplace inclusion into its hospitality operations, strengthening resource management, employee development and community engagement across its hotel portfolio.

The hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. was named a Circle of Excellence awardee in two categories at the Asia CEO Awards 2026: Sustainability Company of the Year and Diversity Company of the Year.

Sustainability strategy 

The initiatives demonstrate how hospitality operators can address environmental challenges while expanding opportunities for employees and communities.

SMHCC operates 10 hotel properties with more than 2,600 rooms and over 42,000 square meters of leasable convention space.

Its sustainability strategy centers on Plate for the Planet, which aims to reduce food waste, encourage sustainable dining and strengthen food recovery and donation practices.

Other initiatives cover energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, sustainable procurement, local sourcing and biodiesel use.

Through Tela Tales, the company repurposes used hotel linens into new products, extending their useful life and reducing material waste.

“Sustainability is most effective when it is built into everyday decisions and operating practices. From reducing food waste and recovering surplus food to improving resource use and repurposing materials, we continue to pursue practical initiatives that support environmental responsibility across our hotels,” SMHCC vice president for food and beverage, quality, and sustainability Leah Magallanes said in a press statement.

Gateway to gastronomy campaign

SMHCC also connects sustainable tourism with local economic opportunities through its Gateway to Gastronomy campaign.

Implemented across eight hotel properties, the initiative supports the Department of Tourism's Food and Gastronomy Tourism Roadmap 2024–2029.

It promotes Filipino culinary heritage through destination-inspired menus featuring local ingredients, producers and regional traditions.

Workplace diversity

SMHCC advances workplace diversity through its Equal Opportunity Policy, Women's Empowerment Alliance and partnership with SM Cares.

Its community programs include Pride Games, skills training for persons deprived of liberty and participation in Angels Walk for Autism.

These initiatives support accessibility, gender inclusion and second-chance employment.

The company seeks to provide equitable opportunities for people of different backgrounds and abilities, extending its inclusion efforts beyond employees to communities. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma