PASAY CITY, Philippines (Jul 2025) — SM Supermalls is working to future-proof micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country through its Business Continuity Planning (BCP) workshops, part of a broader push to make resilience a shared priority.
The initiative, launched in 2024, helps MSMEs create and implement business continuity plans tailored to their operations. These workshops are held in various SM malls nationwide and are open to both SM tenants and entrepreneurs supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
With close to 70 percent of its tenants falling under the MSME category, SM Supermalls sees business resilience not just as operational readiness but as a duty to the Filipino communities and livelihoods that depend on them. The company provides lessees more than just retail space—it also supports their long-term stability through emergency drills, document storage, and practical continuity planning.
Through the program, tenants receive 5GB of free digital storage for essential documents such as permits, insurance policies, and BCPs. This secure storage system allows MSMEs to quickly resume operations after disasters and process insurance claims faster.
SM Supermalls also formalized a partnership with DTI and ARISE Philippines, a UNDRR-affiliated private sector group promoting disaster resilience. The goal is to equip at least 6,000 MSMEs with robust BCPs by the end of 2027.
These efforts are supported by DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise Development Director Emma Asusano, in collaboration with SM Supermalls’ Corporate Resilience Department.
One unique element of the initiative is the SM-DTI Calamity Recovery (CARE) Booth, set up in SM malls in disaster-affected communities. The booth provides MSMEs with immediate post-disaster assistance, helping bridge the gap between public services and private sector needs.
Each BCP workshop walks business owners through the steps of assessing risks based on their operations and location. After the initial sessions, participants have one month to finalize their BCPs, get them approved by management, and submit them to DTI. Since the launch in September 2024, over 1,500 MSMEs have completed the training.
“Resilience is not built overnight. It takes education, commitment, and strong partnerships,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “By helping MSMEs prepare for disruptions, we’re helping ensure that Filipino communities and local businesses can weather any storm.”
To learn more about upcoming BCP workshops and how your business can get involved, visit your nearest SM Supermall or check the DTI website.
