Insider Spotlight
The retailer is embedding privacy practices across its operations, positioning responsible data management as a key component of customer loyalty and long-term business resilience.
Why it matters
That focus recently earned SM Retail the National Privacy Commission’s (NPC) Seal of Registration Compliance Excellence Award for the Private Sector during the National Data Privacy Conference.
The recognition is given to organizations that demonstrate transparency and accountability through the visible display of their NPC Seal of Registration across operations and digital touchpoints.
Large consumer-facing companies are increasingly treating privacy not merely as a regulatory requirement but as a strategic business priority. As data collection expands across retail channels, organizations are under heightened scrutiny to safeguard personal information and maintain consumer confidence.
“We are grateful for this recognition from NPC. We understand how critical data governance is in maintaining customer trust and loyalty. This award reflects the collective effort of the different business units across SM Retail to strengthen data privacy compliance and awareness,” president of SM Retail Jonathan Ng said in a press statement.
By the numbers
SM Retail’s privacy initiatives extend beyond compliance measures. The company was also recognized as a finalist for Privacy Initiative of the Year, highlighting programs designed to educate employees through privacy learning channels, modules, and learning sessions. These efforts aim to strengthen privacy awareness throughout the organization.
“These programs promote the responsible handling of personal data as part of everyday work using practical, retail-specific scenarios to make privacy more relevant and actionable for employees,” Ng further shared.
What’s next
SM Retail’s Data Protection Officer, Leyson San Juan, was likewise named a finalist for Data Protection Officer of the Year for the second consecutive year. The latest recognitions build on the company’s Privacy Management Program Award received last year and reinforce its ongoing commitment to responsible data processing.
The honors were announced during Privacy Awareness Week, an annual initiative promoting stronger data privacy awareness in the Philippines. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
