Informer Newspaper Publishing

In times of need, every act of kindness brings hope closer to communities.

Through SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, SM Malls nationwide will be accepting cash donations to support families and communities affected by the recent earthquake in General Santos City.

You may send your donations through the channels provided or visit participating SM malls to extend your support.

At SM City Tarlac, you may drop by the Operation Tulong Express Booth located at the Lower Lobby (beside Starbucks) for your cash donations. You may also make your donations directly to the Philippine Red Cross.

Together, we can help bring immediate relief and comfort to those in need.

As more Filipinos embrace active lifestyles, SM Active Hub continues to bring the sport closer to our communities through the country’s largest mall-based pickleball network, now featuring 86 courts across 29 malls nationwide. 🏓

With over 100 tournaments and activations nationwide, plus international pickleball athletes playing at SM courts, SM’s movement continues to grow bigger than ever.

Be part of the growing pickleball community at your most loved SM mall.

📲Read more in the article.
https://gosm.link/SMActiveHubLeadsThePhilippinePickleballBoom

SM Supermalls earns global recognition with two Silver wins at the prestigious ICSC MAXI Awards

Sustainability-driven initiatives Art From All and SM Green Movement gain international recognition for community impact and innovation

SM Supermalls continues to bring purpose-driven initiatives to the global stage after earning two Silver Awards at the prestigious ICSC MAXI Awards, one of the world's most respected recognitions for excellence in marketing and innovation in the retail and shopping industry.

The ICSC MAXI Awards recognized "Art From All: Turning Community Action into Public Art" and "The SM Green Movement: Sustaining Communities Through Responsible Design."

SM Supermalls' Art From All initiative was recognized for transforming sustainability into an immersive and participatory mall experience.

Launched in May 2025, the initiative invited shoppers to donate plastic waste and witness it transformed into large-scale cultural art installations inside the mall. Instead of simply raising awareness, Art From All made sustainability interactive and visible by integrating the experience directly into everyday mall foot traffic.

The initiative encouraged communities to actively engage in environmental action while showcasing how creativity and collaboration can breathe new life into discarded materials.

Meanwhile, SM Green Movement earned global recognition for its long-running sustainability framework focused on reducing the environmental impact of large-scale mall operations.

Designed to address growing pressure on water, energy, and waste systems in fast-growing urban communities, the initiative continues to scale sustainability programs across SM Supermalls properties while encouraging greater environmental awareness among the public.

Presented by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the MAXI Awards celebrate outstanding campaigns and programs from shopping centers and retail brands worldwide that create meaningful impact on communities, culture, and business.

More than celebrating marketing excellence, the recognition reflects SM Supermalls' continued commitment to enriching experiences, whether through championing Filipino creativity, fostering meaningful connections, or encouraging sustainable living.

ADB eyes North-South rail as PH banner project
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times

27 May 2026

ADB eyes North-South rail as PH banner project THE North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project is being pushed by Asian Development Bank (ADB) to become the country’s model for United Nations Decade for Sustainable Transport 2026-2035.

Look: After months of waiting,finally, Pizza Hut reopens at SM CIty with its fresh new look and more welcoming vibes. Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner Up and Ms. Pizza Hut 2025 Kathleen Espinido joins the opening with SM mall and Pizza Hut representatives.

SEC and PNP join forces to combat online investment scams in Central Luzon
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times

25 May 2026

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to protect and empower the investing public in Central Luzon against online investment scams and cyber-related financial crimes.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of MOA between SEC’s Tarlac Extension Office (Tareo) and PNP’s Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 3 (RACU 3).

Tareo Director Richard Laus said the event was part of the SEC Communication, Advocacy and Network (SEC-CAN) campaign.

He underscored the significance of the partnership in empowering communities through education and awareness, saying that through the partnership, SEC Tareo and RACU 3 reaffirm their commitment to intensify efforts against online investment scams and cyber-related financial crimes.

“By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to strengthen public awareness, promote responsible investing and provide communities with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes,” said Laus.

Col. Miguel Guzman, RACU 3 chief, similarly emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in addressing evolving cyberthreats and protecting the public from financial scams.

He said the collaboration represents both agency’s shared commitment to protecting the public, strengthening cybersecurity efforts and ensuring the integrity of financial and corporate activities in the communities.

“As cyberthreats continue to evolve, partnerships such as this are essential in promoting effective coordination, information sharing and enforcement initiatives,” added Guzman.

Under the agreement, SEC-Tareo and RACU 3 will jointly conduct seminars, trainings, consultations and public information initiatives geared toward promoting responsible investing, enhancing cybersecurity awareness and protecting the investing public from fraudulent investment schemes proliferating online across the region.

Both agencies also noted that with the growing prevalence of online scams and cyber-enabled financial crimes, the partnership will serve as a proactive step toward strengthening public trust, awareness and protection in the digital age.

Also present during the signing ceremony who stood as witnesses were Securities Counsel 2 Charito Bañez-Santiago and MSgt. Mark Joseph Pesigan.

SEC and PNP join forces to combat online investment scams in Central Luzon
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times

25 May 2026

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to protect and empower the investing public in Central Luzon against online investment scams and cyber-related financial crimes.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of MOA between SEC’s Tarlac Extension Office (Tareo) and PNP’s Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 3 (RACU 3).

Tareo Director Richard Laus said the event was part of the SEC Communication, Advocacy and Network (SEC-CAN) campaign.

He underscored the significance of the partnership in empowering communities through education and awareness, saying that through the partnership, SEC Tareo and RACU 3 reaffirm their commitment to intensify efforts against online investment scams and cyber-related financial crimes.

“By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to strengthen public awareness, promote responsible investing and provide communities with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes,” said Laus.

Col. Miguel Guzman, RACU 3 chief, similarly emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in addressing evolving cyberthreats and protecting the public from financial scams.

He said the collaboration represents both agency’s shared commitment to protecting the public, strengthening cybersecurity efforts and ensuring the integrity of financial and corporate activities in the communities.

“As cyberthreats continue to evolve, partnerships such as this are essential in promoting effective coordination, information sharing and enforcement initiatives,” added Guzman.

Under the agreement, SEC-Tareo and RACU 3 will jointly conduct seminars, trainings, consultations and public information initiatives geared toward promoting responsible investing, enhancing cybersecurity awareness and protecting the investing public from fraudulent investment schemes proliferating online across the region.

Both agencies also noted that with the growing prevalence of online scams and cyber-enabled financial crimes, the partnership will serve as a proactive step toward strengthening public trust, awareness and protection in the digital age.

Also present during the signing ceremony who stood as witnesses were Securities Counsel 2 Charito Bañez-Santiago and MSgt. Mark Joseph Pesigan.

Tarlac City boosts Muslim cooperatives through training and support program
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times

25 May 2026

THE city government of Tarlac has stepped up efforts to empower cooperatives that will foster inclusive growth and inspire the local cooperative sector through trainings and provision f opportunities.

Conducted through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the move first saw the conduct of an entrepreneurial development training for Muslim cooperatives held in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its Integrated Livelihood Program (ILP).

The training was aimed to equip members of Muslim cooperatives with essential skills in merchandise selling, business management, capital handling, strategy development, and identifying growth opportunities for their livelihoods.

City officials led by Mayor Susan Yap and PESO head Manny Raquiza emphasized that the program highlights the role of entrepreneurship in achieving stable income and broader economic participation for Muslim cooperatives in the local market.

Yap also announced additional support for cooperatives under the DOLE-ILP.

The Tarlac City Muslim Marketing Cooperative (Halal Store) received P500,000 worth of equipment and goods to boost its operations.

Meanwhile, the Tarlac City Calamansi Growers Agriculture Cooperative was granted a P200,000 interest-free cooperative loan to further strengthen its business and farming activities.

“We continue to support programs that will provide opportunities and additional livelihood for our constituents,” said Yap.

She added that the local government reaffirms its commitment to deliver inclusive and productive programs that open doors for all sectors of the community.

Tarlac City boosts Muslim cooperatives through training and support program THE city government of Tarlac has stepped up efforts to empower cooperatives that will foster inclusive growth and inspire the local cooperative sector through trainings and provision of opportunities.

Look: Power of X Pickle Ball Cup by Converge Fiber X hold its 2nd Leg at GolFirst Pickle Ball Court at Bypass Road Tarlac City. The Opening Leg was held in Baguio City last May 21,2026. 3rd Leg will be tomorrow at Nueva Ecija and the 4th and final leg will be in Pampanga on May 24,2026 where all the winners in the said Provinces will be competing for the championship.