SM Recognized with 13 Anvils for Excellence in Public Relations

“The success of our Euro Medium-Term Notes issuance underscores the strength of investing in Philippine companies. A well-executed PR strategy played a crucial role in achieving positive results, and we are grateful to the Anvil Awards for this recognition.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments

Mr. Erwin G. Pato, SM Investments Executive Vice President for Treasury, Finance and Planning, receives the Anvil Award from Mr. Norman Agatep, Vice President for External, Public Relations Society of the Philippines for SM’s landmark Euro Medium-Term Notes Program.

With the help of the SM Foundation, China Banking Corporation, Watsons, and its parent company, SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the SM Group won 13 awards at the 60th Anvil Awards for its exceptional public relations initiatives in investor relations, financial communications, branding, social good, sustainability, and governance.

For its strategic communications promoting its historic Euro Medium-Term Notes (EMTN) Program, SM Investments was recognized as the Best Public Relations Program for Investor Relations. A USD 500 million withdrawal from SM's USD 3 billion EMTN program was recently priced. In the midst of market volatility, this is SM Investments' largest bond issuance since 2014, giving the group flexible access to capital.

SM Investments was also recognized for its 2023 Integrated Report, “Committed to Our Customers,” which went beyond financial disclosures to highlight SM’s commitment to communities, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. In addition, its financial communication campaign, “Behind the Headlines: How SM Became the Pulse of Economic Growth,” and its corporate social responsibility and governance initiative, “The Strategy and Philosophy of CSR and Good Governance,” were acknowledged for effectively communicating the company’s role in economic development and responsible business practices. SM Investments also received an award for its special event, “SM Investments and GCNP Team UP to Empower MSMEs: Nego-Unlad MSME Caravan,” which supported micro, small, and medium enterprises.

SM Foundation earned recognition for its We Care newsletter and its initiative “Uplifting Lives Through Social Good,” which showcased the foundation’s efforts in education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

 

Meanwhile, Watsons secured multiple wins, including recognition for its HIMtayan advocacy campaign, which promoted responsible medicine disposal; the Watsons Health Expo, which championed accessible healthcare solutions; Watsons and SM Beauty – Beautycon, which leveraged influencer marketing to engage consumers; and the Watsons Sustainable Art Competition, which fostered creativity and environmental awareness.

Additionally, China Banking Corporation received recognition for its Brand Refresh program, which aimed to update the bank's image after more than a century and engage with a younger clientele. Additionally acknowledged was the bank's One China Bank initiative, which improved employee engagement and experience.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) presents the Anvil Awards every year to recognize exceptional PR campaigns and resources that have a significant influence on companies and their important stakeholders.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com