SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) has earned dual recognition at the Asia CEO Awards 2026, receiving Circle of Excellence honors in Sustainability Company of the Year and Diversity Company of the Year for its environmental initiatives, inclusive workplace policies and responsible hospitality practices.
The recognition underscores the company’s efforts to embed environmental and social responsibility into hotel operations, aligning business performance with broader community and sustainability objectives.
Among its environmental programs, Plate for the Planet seeks to reduce food waste, encourage sustainable dining and strengthen food recovery and donation practices across its properties. SMHCC is also pursuing energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, sustainable procurement, local sourcing and biodiesel use.
Its Tela Tales initiative advances circularity by transforming used hotel linens into new products, extending material life cycles while helping minimize waste.
Meanwhile, Gateway to Gastronomy, implemented across eight hotel properties nationwide, promotes Filipino culinary heritage, regional food traditions and local producers. The initiative supports the Department of Tourism’s Food and Gastronomy Tourism Roadmap 2024–2029, connecting hospitality operations with efforts to strengthen the country’s food tourism sector.
“Sustainability is most effective when it is built into everyday decisions and operating practices,” said SMHCC Vice President for F&B, Quality, and Sustainability Leah Magallanes.
The company’s diversity initiatives focus on equal opportunity, women’s empowerment and community partnerships promoting gender inclusion, accessibility and second-chance employment. Programs include skills training for persons deprived of liberty, Pride Games and participation in Angels Walk for Autism.
These efforts reflect a broader approach to workforce development that recognizes differing needs and experiences while seeking to expand access to employment and professional growth.
SMHCC Vice President for Human Resources and Organizational Development Charmagne Adonis said the company aims to foster an environment where differences are respected and employees have equitable opportunities to grow.
Established in 2009, the Asia CEO Awards recognizes organizations for leadership, innovation and corporate responsibility. SMHCC’s dual recognition highlights how sustainability and workplace inclusion can form complementary pillars of responsible hospitality management.
