SM and DTI partner to train 6,000 MSMEs in business continuity planning

For SM Supermalls, resilience is central to creating sustainable and prepared communities. As part of this effort, the company is focusing on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their vital role in job creation, local commerce, and economic stability.

Nearly 70 percent of SM Supermalls’ tenants are MSMEs, many of whom operate under flexible leasing arrangements designed to meet their specific needs. To support these businesses further, SM launched a Business Continuity Planning (BCP) program in 2024 to help them become more disaster-resilient and better prepared for disruptions.

The initiative provides free access to 5GB of secure digital storage for MSME tenants, allowing them to safely back up critical business documents such as permits, BCPs, and insurance papers. This digital archive helps streamline recovery processes in the event of calamities and ensures businesses can resume operations more quickly.

To expand the reach of the program, SM Supermalls partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and ARISE Philippines, a UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction-affiliated private sector alliance. The goal is to equip 6,000 MSMEs with solid BCPs by 2027. The collaboration involves BCP training sessions held at SM malls, with support from DTI regional offices and the Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).

Another component of the partnership is the establishment of SM-DTI Calamity Recovery (CARE) Booths, which are deployed in malls located in disaster-affected areas. These booths serve as access points for MSMEs seeking post-disaster support and assistance.

BCP workshops have also been held across various SM malls, offering practical guidance on risk assessment, plan development, and implementation. Since the program began in September 2024, over 1,500 MSMEs have participated in the workshops, with more training sessions scheduled in the coming months.

“Resilience is not built overnight, and requires education, commitment, and collaboration across different sectors. Knowing this, SM Supermalls continues to invest in long-term resilience not just for its business, but for the broader ecosystem of MSMEs it supports,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “In doing so, we are reinforcing the fundamental truth that sustainable progress is only possible when communities and businesses are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.”