The SM Group continues its commitment to spur local economic growth and homegrown brands through its property arm, SM Prime Holdings Inc. which recently opened its 85th mall in Santo Tomas, Batangas.
Situated at the foot of Mt. Makiling, SM City Sto. Tomas is conveniently located just south of Manila and its opening marks another milestone in the group’s strategic development towards the regions, making it accessible to other nearby growth centers such as Laguna and Quezon, and a gateway to what the city and Batangueños can offer.
This is the fourth mall in the province, following the openings of SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, and SM Center Lemery in 2004, 2006, and 2017, respectively.
“The regions are providing a lot of growth potential for all of our businesses as we continue to expand in many underserved areas,” said SM Investments Corporation President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio.
Santo Tomas City Mayor Arth Jhun Marasigan shared how the opening of SM in their community has paved the way for different opportunities not only for the city itself but also for its residents.
“Many of our residents have found opportunities to open their own business within the mall and its surrounding areas,” said Marasigan.
He added that "the provision of employment brought by its opening has catered to thousands of job-seekers, most especially Tomasinos and, in turn, had an impact on the city’s economy.”
The SM Group said it contributes significantly to the national workforce and new developments like malls and retail stores present employment opportunities for local area residents.
Watsons Philippines, an SM Retail affiliate, has 80 percent of its employees coming from Santo Tomas. Tomasinos also make up a majority of the workforce of SM Supermarket as well as other SM Retail affiliates such as Sports Central Inc., Surplus, and Ace Hardware.
"SM Supermalls is committed to not just being a destination for shopping, but a pillar of community growth and development,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
He noted that “we view ourselves as partners with the areas where we operate, helping create jobs and livelihood opportunities to spur economic progress.”
Local entrepreneurs have leased spaces in the mall to offer local dishes using ingredients that have been sourced within the province of Batangas.
These entrepreneurs are among many Tomasinos who may no longer need to go to Manila or other cities for opportunities and experiences that bring comfort, convenience, and accessibility that SM provides to its communities.
“SM City Sto. Tomas can really serve as a hub for people to relax and have fun together with their friends and loved ones,” said Marasigan.