The country’s largest mall operator SM Group is set to approach 2025 with “cautious optimism”.

SM Investments president and chief executive officer Frederic DyBuncio said the conglomerate is encouraged by the Philippines’ economic growth for the year ahead but higher inflation and the volatility of the peso will remain a risk for the business.

“Any moderation in inflation should trigger a strong confidence rebound. This could create opportunities in consumer-focused sectors in the country and we are poised to cater to these evolving demands,” DyBuncio said in a statement Thursday.

He added the SM Group will continue to expand in 2025, particularly in underserved areas, to stimulate economic activities and contribute to countryside development by bringing in modern retail, financial services, integrated property development, renewable energy, and logistics.

“By investing and expanding to more areas nationwide, SM creates new markets and improves access to these essential sectors, serving more communities and helping stimulate sustained economic activities,” he said.

DyBuncio said the company will also continue to push for sustainable economic development.

“Our focus for 2025 will be to drive purposeful growth, empowering communities and partners through our investments towards a sustainable future,” he added.

Among the green investments of the SM Group are in the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), which produces 300 megawatts of geothermal steam supply; SM Prime Holdings’ partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. to roll out the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact by converting non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel; BDO Unibank’s P898-billion sustainable financing, including providing loans to 59 renewable energy projects; and improving logistics and connectivity through its unit 2GO. 

SM PHOTO