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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider How equal opportunity drives performance and growth

How equal opportunity drives performance and growth

Published Mar 29, 2025 02:32 am
Lizanne Uychaco
With Lizanne Uychaco as Group Diversity Officer, SM Investments continues to build an inclusive workplace, where women's leadership drives both business success and positive societal impact.

The SM Group credits its sustained growth and long-term success to its commitment to equal opportunity and meritocracy, including empowering women in the workplace.

The firm said it continues to strengthen these principles as part of its core business practices to foster an inclusive workforce that helps fuel its growth.

As the country celebrates Women’s Month, SM Investmets Corporation Executive Vice-President for Corporate Services, Group Diversity Officer and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Lizanne Uychaco said “Empowering women through equal opportunity and meritocracy drives performance and promotes growth of organizations.”

At SM, the commitment to equal opportunity is evident with 64 percent of the workforce being women, and 58 percent of these women holding senior leadership positions. This gender balance is crucial in creating a dynamic and forward-thinking workplace.

According to SM Retail Inc. Senior Vice-President for Human Resources Leny Hernandez, “Retail has a ratio of 60 to 40 (female versus male employees). In terms of females in the senior manager and executive positions, females are twice as many as their male counterparts. We have a number of women in Merchandising, Marketing and HR. That's women-power in Retail.”

SM Investments’ “evidence-based progress” on gender equality was also recognized among the leaders in Transparency and Reporting during the 2024 Philippines Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards of the United Nations.

The firm also understands the vital role that women play in advancing sustainability, not only for the business and its employees, but for the planet as well.

From SM Hotels’ Tela Tales campaign to SM Store’s Green Finds Tarp project, SM’s initiatives and efforts across the group are grounded on supporting and championing social and economic inclusion where they partner with women leaders and women groups that align with the SM value of social entrepreneurship.

As SM continues to evolve and adapt to a rapidly changing world, the company said it remains committed to creating an environment where equal opportunities are available to all, to drive business success while making a positive societal impact—today, and for future generations.

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