Jobs on the Rise: New Urban Developments Are Driving Employment Growth

Cities worldwide, while diverse in demographics and culture, share a common pursuit of progress through new urban developments. These projects not only enhance convenience amid urban congestion but also stimulate local economies and communities through various socio-economic activities like job creation.

Whether in the form of public transportation, cutting-edge business districts, or towering residential communities, a single new development requires a whole host of jobs from pre-construction, to construction, and completion. These range from real estate developers and planners to construction workers and suppliers – all requiring extensive collaboration for successful project development.

Hudson Yards: Direct and indirect employment opportunities

Photo credit to Following NYC. Featuring ‘Vessel’, a honeycomb-like structure and visitor attraction in the Hudson Yards Development in Manhattan, New York City. 

The cycle of job creation doesn’t stop after completion. A new development also drives indirect employment opportunities generated from industries attracted or related to the development. 

Such is the case for Hudson Yards, New York City’s 28-acre mixed-use development and considerably the United States’ biggest megadevelopment in history. It had created thousands of construction jobs that resulted in transforming Manhattan’s iconic skyline and becoming home to diverse shops, offices, cultural institutions, and hotels and residences. Ongoing operations and management of these facilities are expected to contribute to its large-scale economy, such as hosting over 55,752 workers daily and about $19 billion annually to the city’s GDP. 

Dubai and Songdo IBD: Creating economic opportunities afresh

Meanwhile, cities like Dubai and Songdo International Business District (IBD) generate jobs by creating economic opportunities from the ground up. They used land reclamation as an urban development strategy to address land scarcity and high population density challenges.

Photo credit to Kadir Avşar. A closer aerial view of the Palm Islands. 

Dubai's ambitious projects, including the Palm Islands, the World Islands, and Burj Al Arab, have turned it into an ultramodern metropolis for commerce and tourism. In 2023, it drew over 30,000 new businesses, driving demand for talent in finance, legal, and digital technology sectors.

The Songdo IBD is an ongoing smart city built on reclaimed land in Incheon, South Korea. It’s designed to be an international business and residential hub with sustainable features. As of 2020, the 1,500-acre development hosts about 30,000 residents, 33,000 jobs, and 70% fewer emissions than any other development.

SM’s Integrated City Developments: Empowering local communities and residents

SM Prime contributed photo. An aerial view of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) featuring its iconic Globamaze and thriving network of retail, business, residential, and hotel developments. 

The SM Group, a leading conglomerate in the Philippines, has an ecosystem of interests spanning retail, banking, property, and mall developments across the country, making it the largest employer with over 140,000 employees.

For every SM mall development by SM Prime Holdings, the integrated property developer of the Group, the local economy is invigorated because of the opportunities created by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that comprise about 68% of its mall tenants. For instance, SM City Bataan, SM Supermalls’ 83rd mall, employs about 96% of its mall administration staff who are residents called Bataeños, including two in leadership roles. It also proudly showcases local industries by partnering with homegrown businesses like family-owned brands and locally managed franchises. 

Job security, stable income, and tax revenues contribute to the local workforce’s quality of life; and SM Prime ensures to manifest these waves of progress in its developments, especially in its future plans for smart cities in the Philippines to be spearheaded by its ongoing 360-hectare development in Pasay City.

New urban developments are catalysts for growth, innovation, and avenues for increased prosperity, shaping local economies through job creation and improved lives. The success of these city centers requires a network of opportunities – from its pre-construction supply chain to empowering businesses for individuals to thrive and contribute to the communities.

A school renovation project amplifies the potential of deaf community

 

A dedicated teacher from PSD provides a hands-on lecture inside their newly rehabilitated school building.

Being hearing-impaired is a challenge in itself, navigating a world where communication relies heavily on spoken words. 

  

In the Philippines, this challenge further creates a gap, as opportunities for the deaf are limited, particularly in education and employment. The struggle is intensified as only a few secondary learning institutions are catering to their unique needs, with affordability and facility conditions further hindering their pursuit of skills and knowledge. 

  

A personal advocacy 

Shery Funcion, the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City, is no stranger to these challenges. 

  

Her dedication to the cause began with her college thesis, focusing on job opportunities for deaf learners. Since then, she has immersed herself in various organizations and volunteer activities, gaining firsthand insights into the limited opportunities available to deaf learners. 

  

She eventually became a SPED teacher, before taking on the role of principal in PSD. 

  

"The immersive experience really showed me how important these projects are for our students—kung gaano kahalaga ang pagbibigay ng mga pasilidad sa mga mag aaral lalo na sa mga bingi," she underscored the importance of providing facilities for students with hearing impairment. 

 

A facility that produces opportunities 

The collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City equips students with in-demand skills that will prepare them for employment upon graduation.

In the century-old PSD, their senior high school laboratory building serves as the training ground for students. Its classrooms and halls, no matter how old, have always played their role in honing and preparing deaf students to have solid career prospects after PSD. 

  

Amidst the competing priorities within the school and the broader Philippine educational system, the facility barely had enough funds for the rehabilitation and major repairs it needed. For years, students and teachers worked around issues ranging from dim lighting and leaking roofs to uneven floors. These not only presented structural concerns but also hindered the overall learning experience of students. 

  

"Our deaf learners need special accommodation to fulfill their special educational needs. They need to have a conducive learning environment so we can optimize the activities and learning programs," Funcion stressed. 

  

Funcion further shared that the 2023 collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the social good arm of the SM Group, and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City could not have come at a better time. 

  

 "The rehabilitation of the Home Economics (HE) laboratories is crucial because students need to fulfill their performance tasks. These are vital components of our senior high school program to ensure that they acquire essential skills and competencies for employment post-graduation from PSD." 

  

Through the collaboration, PSD has been provided with the much-needed facilities in dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food and beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. 

  

For Funcion, their Henry Sy. Sr. building serves as a great beginning that will help pave equal opportunities and create a future where deaf students’ abilities will shine within and beyond the four walls of classrooms. 

  

Through the collaboration, PSD has been provided with the much-needed facilities in dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance.

SM Prime invests in future sustainability leaders with scholarship program

Future sustainability leaders. Strengthening its commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship, SM Prime welcomes ten scholars from UPLB, who are taking up degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry.

Inspired by the late Henry Sy Sr.'s belief in the power of education and driven by their commitment to sustainability, leading integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has launched a scholarship program in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

Aptly called the "SM Sustainability Scholarship," the initiative reflects SM Prime's commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship.

Video courtesy of SM Prime

The program will fully support ten deserving students through their undergraduate studies at UPLB, providing them with the opportunity to pursue degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry. These fields align with SM Prime's focus on building resilient communities and fostering a sustainable future.

The scholarship recipients, meticulously chosen for their academic excellence and dedication to sustainability, were formally recognized during a meet-and-greet gathering at UPLB, marking the start of their journey as SM Sustainability Scholars.

SM Sustainability Scholarship. In the photo are the SM sustainability scholars with the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ Office of Scholarships and Grants Director Assoc. Prof. Ariel L. Babierra, Ph.D., College of Forestry and Natural Resources’s Prof. Marilyn Combalicer, College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr, Janette Malata-Silva, Scholarship Affairs Officer Ivy Salarde and SM Prime AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo with the rest of the SM team.

Each scholar will receive a full scholarship covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and a book allowance, ensuring they can focus on their studies without financial worries.

During the gathering, College of Human Ecology (CHE) Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo expressed that the pursuit of sustainability is most effectively undertaken collaboratively.

“CHE is one of the colleges that puts a premium on interdisciplinarity and trans-disciplinarity because we believe that in sustainability, you don’t work in silos. We need to work together and build each other’s skills, know-how, and also our programs together to ensure sustainability,” she said.

“I would also like to thank SM Prime for putting emphasis on this scholarship. SM Prime did not just provide the finances or scholarship. They invested the time to really meet our scholars and provided other support mechanisms to ensure that our scholars thrive in their academic lives. This is also a manifestation of SM’s commitment to sustainability by really developing our future sustainability leaders,” she added.

College of Forestry and Natural Resources’ Prof. Marilyn Combalicer also extended the college’s support to the scholars on behalf of the college’s dean, Dr. Marlo Mendoza: “We hope to continue nurturing such meaningful collaboration and initiatives that enhance our educational experience and initiatives for our students. Rest assured that we will continue providing support to our students in ensuring their growth and success in both academia and beyond.”

SM Prime’s AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo meets the SM sustainability scholars.

Meanwhile, SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications, Rida Reyes-Castillo, echoed that the fundamental values of the company are intricately interwoven with both education and sustainability.

“SM Group’s founder, Mr. Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr. believed that education is a great equalizer, and he envisioned that sending one child to college would create ripples of social good not just for families but for an entire community,” she said. “The improvement of the well-being of the youth and the partner communities is something that we at SM invest in.”

For decades, the SM group has embraced the responsibility to contribute to nation building through social good programs that are geared towards quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response. By helping improve the quality of life of the people in these host communities, social development and investment go hand in hand with business growth to achieve a better future for all.

This is a paid partnership with SM Prime Holdings.

Henry Sy Foundation promotes inclusive education

The Philippines’ Magna Carta for Disabled Persons ensures the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance of persons with disabilities. The country provides educational assistance to people with disabilities from primary to tertiary education, including vocational or technical training.

 

One such school is the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City. For over a century, the school had demonstrated the transformative power of education in empowering and unlocking the capabilities of those with diverse disabilities to live fulfilling lives.

 

Though standing as a testament to the Philippines' long-standing commitment to differently-abled education, the school, one of Southeast Asia's oldest institutions for the deaf, suffers from the effects of time and wear, compromising its ability to fulfill its mission.

 

The school lacked basic facilities and accessibility features: converted classrooms, timeworn corridors, limited space for vocational training, inadequate furniture, dilapidated walls and ceilings, broken tiles and faucets, and dim lighting. It was also prone to flooding due to drainage problems, and it had only one functional toilet with a broken door infested by termites.

 

Revitalizing a legacy

 

In a transformative partnership, the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City joined forces to breathe new life into the Senior High School building and a four-story, 12-classroom structure. This initiative, executed under the DepEd's adopt-a-school program, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in revitalizing educational infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

Teachers conduct lectures on electronics in a more conducive laboratory after the rehabilitation of the school building

 

Previously hindered by infrastructural limitations, the century-old school now features enhanced learning spaces dedicated to various subjects, including dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. A dance studio with a dressing room and a conference room were also refurbished.

Through the social good collaboration, the laboratory for baking and cookery has been equipped with new tools and furniture, helping conduct more hands-on classes.

To enhance safety and accessibility, ramps and railings were installed throughout the campus, ensuring ease of movement for all students. Aside from revitalizing 10 classrooms, the SM group also refurbished the conference rooms, and the lobby with a reception area to provide a comfortable environment.

Differently abled students from PSD focus as they attend their beauty and cosmetology class in their new building.

 

Helping instill good hygiene and encourage healthy habits, a handwashing station, and separate male and female toilets were rehabilitated with clean, functional cubicles, urinals, and PWD-friendly facilities.

 

The covered court was restored with a spacious stage, creating a conducive space for outdoor learning and recreation. 

The rehabilitation of the facilities at the PSD was undertaken, not just to address the physical challenges but also to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive. The project stands as a testament to the SM and Henry Sy Foundations’ continued pursuit of inclusivity and its commitment to empowering differently-abled individuals through education.

SM Foundation school building program head Juris Soliman and SMFI Project Supervisor Ar. Caren Lopez (fourth and fifth from left) with PSD Principal Shery Funcion and SDO Pasay City SGOD Sylwyn Tenorio (sixth and seventh from left) with the team behind the school’s refurbishment.

Yee leads Likha Collab: An All-Filipino Natural Marketplace launch

Left to right: Abdul Paravengal - Pulse63 Managing Director; Czar Carbonel - Magwai Organics founder; Pinky T. Yee, Likha Collab and Pure Essentials Specialist Corp. founder; MG Claveria representative of Human Nature; Trixie Odiamar, Isarog Beautanics founder; Marvin Chua, Wonderhome Naturals founder; and Paulo Campos - Kaya Founders Managing General Partner, and Pulse63 Ventures Founding Partner

  Pioneering a new era of conscious consumerism, Pinky T. Yee, the visionary behind Pure Essentials Specialist Corp (PESC), introduced Likha Collab to the public sphere on Monday in celebration of Earth Day. This breakthrough e-commerce marketplace is designed to collaborate with Filipino micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME’s) in showcasing their products to a wider audience.

 

Partnered with Pulse63, a health-focused business accelerator, Yee conceptualized the marketplace as a vetted space for local entrepreneurs and business owners who champion the cause of sustainability, environmental consciousness, and label transparency, while adhering to regulatory guidelines.

 

Yee expressed her vision for Likha Collab to emerge as the preferred destination for enthusiasts of natural living and advocates of local businesses. The innovative space, she added, was borne out of her “desire to help bring Earth-friendly Filipino-made brands and to transform every Filipino home to conscious and biodegradable living.”

 

According to Abdul Paravengal, Managing Director of Pulse63, Yee’s advocacy towards healthy living and showcasing selected home-grown brands were among the key factors that led them into collaborating with Likha Collab, empowered by their accelerator program.

 

Yee also underscored the importance of label literacy and consumer awareness. “We vet our partner brands rigorously, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies, accurate labeling, and of course, the exclusion of harmful ingredients in their products,” she remarked.

 

In addition to the marketplace, Likha Collab also launched alongside its accompanying Facebook community, Eco Friends PH, to serve as a platform for individuals embarking on their sustainable living journey. The interactive space serves to inspire and facilitate discussions among consumers and like-minded advocates. It also aspires to become an avenue for industry experts from the medical and business sectors to promote awareness and respond to forums.

 

Among the pioneer brands that joined the mission of Likha Collab are Oryspa, Human Nature, Magwai, Wonderhome Naturals, Pure Culture, and Isarog. Additionally, the marketplace also includes LivClean, First Skincare, and First Botanicals as its house brands.

 

"We extend an open invitation to local MSMEs to join us in our commitment to provide homes with products that are free from toxic chemicals, safe for all ages, and beneficial for both the family and the planet," concluded Yee.

 

Join the movement in making better and responsible choices, and explore Likha Collab’s offerings by visiting www.likhacollab.com.

Showcase your moments of Summer Delight with OPPO

 

OPPO invites everyone to make their adventures this season even more memorable by joining the Summer Delight promo. Get a chance to win cool prizes by sharing the best moments of your summertime getaways.

 

Until May 9, followers of OPPO’s official Service Center Facebook page OPPO Care-PH, are invited to send their most extraordinary family vacation photo, embellished with a Summer Delight frame and OPPO Watermark. Participants can download the frame and send their entries through this link. Two lucky winners will each receive a PHP1,000 worth of SM Gift Pass and an Ollie figurine.

 

The Summer Delight Promo is OPPO’s way of encouraging its loyal customers to make the most out of their summer trips and take standout photos using their OPPO smartphones, rounding out its already comprehensive slew of aftersales services

 

Deadline to submit entries is until May 9, 11:59 PM. Winners will be announced on May 13 via the OPPO Care-PH Facebook page and will be notified via SMS for instructions to claim their prize at their nearest OPPO Service Centers for their convenience.

 

Beat the heat and share your moments of Summer Delights! Know more about this promo by visiting OPPO’s official website www.oppo.com.ph or the official Summer Delight promo page and Facebook page.

 

realme 12 5G: The latest device under the realme 12 Series is arriving in the PH on April 25

 

Following the successful launch of the realme 12 Pro+ 5G and realme 12+ 5G, realme Philippines is now set to introduce the newest addition to the realme 12 Series 5G on April 25: the realme 12 5G.

The latest model of the realme Number Series boasts a competitive camera and a stylish design, which is renowned for this series. It also incorporated elements of the luxury watch design introduced in the earlier realme 12 Series 5G models.

This time, the realme 12 5G goes beyond just capturing photos. The device is designed to be a storyteller, combining its camera quality and overall feature set to enable users to create and share stories easily. It's an excellent tool for users to explore new narratives behind the photos they capture.

The realme 12 5G is a versatile device that appeals to individuals with different interests and preferences. Find out why it’s an excellent choice for people who consider their devices an extension of their personality and creativity:

 

1. The high-resolution camera is best for storytellers

realme dedicates its flagship camera technology to the realme Number Series, making it a perfect fit for mobile photographers and videographers who enjoy using smartphone cameras for their storytelling.

The realme 12 5G has a 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait Camera that allows users to take stunning photos even in low-light settings. This is possible using the high-level HM6 Sensor, which captures ample light in every shot.

As a sweet treat for film buffs, the camera also has built-in Portrait Master Filters that can enhance the look of photos and videos. Co-developed by award-winning cinematographer, Claudio Miranda, these filters are Journey, Memory, and Maverick, which have varying tones and colors to produce cinematic visuals in every shot.

 

2. The aesthetics are match-made for Gen Zs

Style and design are essential for yuppies and Gen Zs when choosing smartphones. Thankfully, the realme 12 Series 5G stands out with its beautiful design. The realme 12 5G is available in two gorgeous new colors: Twilight Purple and Woodland Green.

Twilight Purple is a whimsical shade of lavender with a soft tone, while Woodland Green has a deeper tone of green reminiscent of nature and lush forests. Both add a pop of color to the device and the finish is glossy and iridescent, without being susceptible to fingerprint smudges.

Whether the vibe is relaxed or energetic, light or dark, minimalist or maximalist, the realme 12 5G colors are perfect for those looking for a stylish phone that can match their everyday aesthetic and personality.

The design is also composed of three main elements: the eye-catching Polished Sunburst Dial acting as the bed of the camera module that gives a classic sunburst effect; the Polished PVD Edges framing the slim and sleek body of the device, and the diamond-patterned 3D Jubilee Bracelet which subtly ties the whole look together.

 

3. All-around performance for career-driven millennials

Millennials opt for devices with all-rounder features that work together to maximize productivity. The realme 12 5G has all the essentials, including a fast-charging 45W SUPERVOOC Charge with a 5000mAh Massive Battery that reaches full battery capacity in just over an hour, plus a highly efficient MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor.

However, the little things make the realme 12 5G convenient and practical because it has additional features that elevate the overall user experience. One unique feature is the new Riding Mode for “riding” or “traveling” scenarios. The Riding Mode prioritizes three apps: Google Maps, Music, and Google Dialer for easy UI navigation.

At the same time, the device is equipped with a 6.7” 120Hz Sunlight Display with three-for-one functions: a wide FHD+ Resolution, with a high refresh rate that can reach up to 950 Nits of brightness in Sunlight Mode. The Sunlight Display feature ensures users can view the screen even under bright sunlight.

Overall, the realme 12 5G is realme’s latest device that certainly packs a punch. The realme Squad can immediately cop the device and enjoy all its exciting features once it launches, so better tune in to the online livestream launch event on April 25 on realme’s Facebook and Youtube pages.

To keep posted on other announcements about the realme 12 Series 5G, the Squad can also visit the realme official website.