Stories that move markets

When it comes to public relations, SM Group doesn’t just play the game — it sets the standard.

At the 60th Anvil Awards, the conglomerate clinched 13 accolades, proving once again that its PR strategies are as dynamic and impactful as its business empire.

From investor relations to social good, SM Investments, alongside SM Foundation, China Banking Corp., and Watsons, demonstrated a masterclass in strategic communication, branding, and stakeholder engagement.

SM Investments took home the prestigious Best Public Relations Program for Investor Relations for its strategic communications surrounding its landmark Euro Medium-Term Notes Program.

The group’s recent $500-million bond issuance — its largest since 2014 — was a resounding success, thanks in part to a well-crafted PR strategy that reassured investors amid market volatility.

“The success of our Euro Medium-Term Notes issuance underscores the strength of investing in Philippine companies. A well-executed PR strategy played a crucial role in achieving positive results,” said Frederic DyBuncio, SM Investments’ president and CEO.

SM Investments’ 2023 Integrated Report, titled “Committed to Our Customers,” also won big, setting a new benchmark for corporate transparency by highlighting not just financials but also SM’s sustainability and community-building efforts.

Beyond numbers, SM Investments was recognized for its financial communication campaign, “Behind the Headlines: How SM Became the Pulse of Economic Growth.”

By shaping the narrative around its role in driving the Philippine economy, SM proved that financial storytelling can be just as compelling as any brand campaign.

Its governance and CSR initiative, “The Strategy and Philosophy of CSR and Good Governance,” reinforced how corporate responsibility is seamlessly woven into SM’s business ethos.

Meanwhile, its Nego-Unlad MSME Caravan in partnership with GCNP demonstrated how SM uplifts small businesses — a vital segment of the economy.

SM Foundation earned its share of accolades, with its We Care newsletter and Uplifting Lives Through Social Good campaign standing out for their compelling narratives on education, healthcare and disaster relief.