GMA CEO in SM's Green Retail Agenda

MANILA, Philippines - Media and entertainment personalities, business leaders, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and environmental advocates attended SM Supermalls’ recently-concluded Green Retail Agenda, an annual event aimed at helping mall tenants foster sustainable methods relating to sound ecological strategies advantageous to commerce and trade.

Lawyer Felipe Gozon (photo), GMA CEO and PCCIVP for the Environment gave an introduction to SM Supermalls environmental thrust via a speech titled, Green Philippine Islands of Sustainability. Environmental champions Reese Fernandez of Rags to Riches, Miss Earth Philippines 2006 Cathy Untalan and My Shelter Foundation’s Illac Diaz, likewise, gave interesting inputs on eco-friendly practices.

Other special guests included Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who gave a presentation on the Underground River of Palawan, giving the audience more reason to vote it as one of the Natural Wonders of the World; as well as Sen. Miguel Zubiri and UK Amb. Stephen Lillie, who both gave inspirational talks.

The Green Retail Agenda is part of SM Cares, a program which SM hopes would help encourage the creation of green businesses through discussions on new trends, materials, policies and energy efficient practices.

This year’s theme is empowerment by sustainability. The one-day conference highlighted SM’s initiatives as a steward of the environment, emphasizing the social, economic, and environmental benefits of Green Retail.

Green Retail Agenda is a project of SM Prime Holdings in partnership with the DENR, World Bank, Epson, Firefly Lighting, Meralco, NARU technology Inc. and National Geographic.