Marking 20 years, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), under chairman Henry Sy Jr.’s leadership, has evolved from making home ownership accessible to becoming the head in creating vibrant, sustainable communities that embody the Filipino dream.
Inspired by his father, the late Henry Sy Sr., who revolutionized access to quality footwear in the Philippines, Henry Sy Jr. adopted the same transformative approach to housing.
“When we started SMDC, it was driven by a need. So many Filipinos dreamed of owning a home but couldn’t find options that made it possible,” Sy said.
His father’s early experiences working in the family’s sari-sari store instilled in him the importance of practical and reliable investments tailored to the needs of everyday Filipinos.
“For him, it was shoes. For me, it was housing,” he added. “I wanted to create a future where a Filipino family could have a beautiful home without being weighed down by financial stress.”
Sy reflected on how a mission to make homeownership attainable evolved into a greater purpose — creating spaces where individuals and families could grow, thrive, and build better futures.
“True homeownership involves creating vibrant communities where people can feel secure, make memories, and truly belong,” Sy said.
In line with this vision, SMDC integrated resort-style amenities, green spaces, and thoughtfully designed services into every development, enhancing residents’ quality of life and positioning the company as a pioneer in community-centered urban living.
Sy has guided SMDC through the challenges of maintaining affordability without compromising quality in a rapidly evolving market, using a forward-thinking approach that has allowed the company to continuously grow, adapt, and respond to the ever-changing needs of Filipino families.
“We’ve had to constantly innovate to keep our homes within reach while building trust with potential homeowners,” he noted.
Looking ahead
As SMDC embarks on a new chapter, Sy envisions the company creating sustainable communities nationwide, committed to building accessible and eco-friendly homes that ensure developments are built to last and meet the needs of both current and future generations.
“We’re investing in green technologies, energy-efficient features, and eco-friendly materials not just because they’re good for the planet but because they create healthier, more vibrant communities,” Sy said.
Sy envisions continued growth across the Philippines, expanding diverse housing options while strengthening community engagement. “Our commitment to building sustainable, inclusive communities will only grow stronger. We aim to ensure that the voices of our homeowners guide our work,” he added.
Reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave, Sy envisions SMDC being remembered for building homes and cultivating stability, connection, and pride within communities.
“I hope our legacy lives on in people’s lives, those who say, ‘This is where I started, where I found stability and belonging,’” he said.
As SMDC celebrates 20 years, the company’s mission — guided by Sy’s visionary leadership — remains focused on purpose and impact, establishing SMDC as a cornerstone of the Filipino dream of homeownership and creating communities that will endure for generations.