This November, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) celebrates its 20th anniversary of creating vibrant communities for Filipinos. To commemorate this milestone, a three-day trade show was held at the MOA Music Hall from November 22 to 24, 2024. The event showcased the company’s achievements, milestones, and vision, offering visitors an immersive experience of the SMDC lifestyle.
The event opened with a symbolic lock-and-key ceremony led by SMDC executives Grace Evangeline Sta. Ana, Jessica Bianca Sy, and Marking Que, joined by notable guests PNP Gen. Bernard Yang and Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon. Their presence underscored SMDC’s dedication to partnerships that enhance community safety and outreach. Visitors explored interactive exhibits, listened to engaging talks, and enjoyed exclusive anniversary deals, live entertainment, and guided walkthroughs of SMDC’s hallmark features, including grand lobbies, resort-style amenities, and community spaces.
Building dreams, One home at a time
Since launching its first development, Chateau Elysee, in 2004, SMDC has delivered over 183,000 residential units. These homes have redefined urban living by focusing on inclusivity and sustainability. Reflecting on this journey, SMDC Chairman Henry Sy Jr. shared the company’s foundational vision.
“When we started SM Development Corporation, it was driven by a clear need: there were so many Filipinos who dreamed of owning a home but couldn’t find options that made it possible,” he said. Inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial legacy, Sy saw housing as a transformative necessity. “For my father, it was shoes; for me, it was housing. I wanted to create a future where a Filipino family could have a beautiful home without being weighed down by financial stress,” he added.
Over two decades, SMDC’s mission evolved to go beyond affordability. “True homeownership involves creating vibrant communities where individuals and families can find security, make memories, and grow,” Sy explained. This vision has driven SMDC to design developments that integrate green spaces, resort-style amenities, and services that elevate the quality of life.
A sustainable future for Filipinos
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of SMDC’s philosophy. According to Sy, “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.” SMDC’s projects emphasize long-term resilience, ensuring they benefit both residents and the environment for generations to come.
The path to success, however, has not been without challenges. Sy highlighted the difficulty of maintaining affordability in a rapidly evolving market. “We constantly innovate and adapt our approaches to meet the needs of diverse communities,” he said. Education and trust-building with potential homeowners have been instrumental in overcoming these barriers.
Looking ahead, Sy envisions SMDC broadening its reach across the Philippines, offering more diverse housing options tailored to Filipinos’ needs. “We want to continue being a key player in the Filipino dream of homeownership and in building the good life,” he said. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, SMDC is determined to remain at the forefront of urban development.
As SMDC reflects on its 20-year journey, Sy expressed his hopes for the company’s legacy. “I want SMDC to be remembered not just for the homes we built but for the communities we created, where Filipinos could thrive, connect, and build their futures,” he said. Inspired by his father’s vision, Sy’s mission remains to uplift lives and improve the quality of life for Filipinos.
The 20th-anniversary celebration is not only a tribute to SMDC’s accomplishments but a renewed commitment to creating communities that embody the Filipino dream. With steadfast dedication to excellence, sustainability, and inclusivity, SMDC continues to inspire and redefine urban living for the next generation.
