SMIC unit bags privacy award

SM Retail, the retail subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation, was awarded by The National Privacy Commission (NPC) with the Privacy Management Program Award during the recently concluded National Data Privacy Conference in Parañaque City, recognizing the company’s consistent and structured efforts in upholding data privacy standards across its operations.

The Privacy Management Program Award is given to organizations that demonstrate effective implementation of privacy policies, proactive risk management, and clear accountability structures in line with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

SM Retail was cited for its internal training initiatives, integration of privacy practices into day-to-day operations, and for embedding Data Protection Officers within its business units. These measures have contributed to building a strong data protection culture among employees and improving safeguards for customer information.

 “An effective data privacy management program hinges on strong leadership, active stakeholder engagement, dedicated privacy champions in critical DPA areas, embedded DPOs within the business, and practical, layman-friendly training rooted in real-world scenarios,” said Honeylin Castolo, vice president of SM Retail.

The Privacy Management Program of SM Retail conducts Data Privacy Awareness training on top of the continuous cybersecurity education for its employees. As the program empowers SM employees to evaluate and assess security risks, this translates to a more secure shopping experience for SM customers. 

SM Retail won the Privacy Management Program Award during the recently concluded National Data Privacy Conference in Parañaque City. 

“This was made possible by the efforts of our Data Privacy Compliance Team led by Leyson N. San Juan, the data protection officer of SM Retail, Inc. and the full support from our different business units,” Castolo shared.

The Data Privacy program of SM Retail is closely monitored by rating agencies as part of SM’s Environmental, Social, and Governance performance. This underscores how data privacy is not only important to our customers. It is also a strategic driver that impacts SM Retail’s long-term value and reputation.

Leading by example

“SM Retail effectively implements its data privacy program, reflecting not only our compliance with the Data Privacy Act but also our proactive efforts to lead by example across the retail industry. By making data privacy a fundamental part of how we operate, we hope to reinforce our reputation as a brand that our customers can continue to trust,” Castolo said.