MANILA, Philippines — SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), the listed holding company of the Sy Group, announced yesterday its support for the United Nations Global Compact Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
As a supporter, the Sy-led conglomerate joins over 3,000 other business leaders around the world.
Established by UN Global Compact and UN Women, the WEPs promote gender equality in the workplace. These principles offer guidance to businesses on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.
SMIC’s pledge of support follows SM Supermalls signing on as a supporter in March 2021, marking National Women’s Month.
This developed as SMIC likewise appointed Elizabeth Anne “Lizanne” Uychaco as its first group diversity officer.
In her new role, Uychaco, who is currently the senior vice president for Corporate Services at SM Investments, will work with different companies of the SM Group.
Her role is to ensure that the group embraces gender equality and champions inclusion.
“We celebrate diversity and inclusion in SM Group as it reflects the broad individualities in the communities we serve. Moreover, diversity and inclusion ensure innovation in our businesses,” she said.
The group, she said, recognizes that people are unique individuals.
“We explore more options, generating a wider range of user-centric services and offers,” Uychaco said.
At present, Uychaco sits as director in various companies of the SM Group such as Belle Corp., NEO, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Brownies Unlimited, ACE Hardware Philippines, Philippines Urban Living Solutions to name a few.
She also leads the Felicidad Sy Sunshine Place, a place that offers programs for seniors.
Uychaco previously signed on as an individual supporter of the UN WEP in 2021.
The SM Group places importance on women empowerment as seen in the number of women leaders in the company.