VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) has been named a Circle of Excellence awardee in two categories at the Asia CEO Awards 2026: Sustainability Company of the Year and Diversity Company of the Year. The recognitions underscore the company’s continuing efforts to foster an inclusive workplace, advance environmental responsibility, and integrate these principles into its hospitality operations.
Established in 2009, the Asia CEO Awards is regarded as one of the largest business awards events in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It honors outstanding leaders and organizations for excellence in leadership, innovation, corporate responsibility, and organizational achievement.
The Diversity Company of the Year reflects SMHCC’s commitment to building a workplace where people of different backgrounds, identities, and abilities are respected and given equitable opportunities to thrive. Guided by its inclusive work setting culture, the company advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through initiatives such as the SM Equal Opportunity Policy, Women’s Empowerment (WE) Alliance, and partnership with SM Cares.
These efforts extend beyond the work setting through programs such as Pride Games, Skills training for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), and participation in Angels Walk for Autism. By supporting accessibility, gender inclusion, and second-chance employment, SMHCC continues to create opportunities for individuals to participate, develop their capabilities, and contribute to society as a whole.
“Diversity and inclusion must be reflected in how people are treated, the opportunities available to them, and the way they can participate and grow. Through our policies, employee initiatives, and community partnerships, we aim to foster an environment where differences are respected and everyone is empowered to contribute and thrive,” said SMHCC Vice President for Human Resources and Organizational Development Charmagne Adonis.
The Sustainability Company of the Year distinction highlights SMHCC’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. At the center of these efforts is Plate for the Planet, SMHCC’s initiative to reduce food waste, promote sustainable dining, and strengthen food recovery and donation practices across its operations.
Complementing this program are initiatives focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, sustainable procurement, local sourcing, and biodiesel use. Through Tela Tales, the company also repurposes used hotel linens into new products, extending the useful life of materials and supporting circularity in its operations.
Further strengthening SMHCC’s sustainability agenda is its award-winning Gateway to Gastronomy campaign, which supports the Department of Tourism’s Food and Gastronomy Tourism Roadmap 2024–2029. Implemented across eight hotel properties nationwide, the campaign celebrates Filipino culinary heritage through destination-inspired menus and stories that highlight local ingredients, producers, and regional traditions. The initiative demonstrates how culinary storytelling can support local livelihoods, preserve food heritage, and advance more sustainable forms of tourism.
SMHCC Vice President for F&B, Quality, and Sustainability Leah Magallanes reiterates that “Sustainability is most effective when it is built into everyday decisions and operating practices. From reducing food waste and recovering surplus food to improving resource use and repurposing materials, we continue to pursue practical initiatives that support environmental responsibility across our hotels.”
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
 has been named a Circle of Excellence awardee in two categories at the Asia CEO Awards 2026: Sustainability Company of the Year and Diversity Company of the Year. The recognitions underscore the company’s continuing efforts to foster an inclusive workplace, advance environmental responsibility, and integrate these principles into its hospitality operations.){kind=link}