A united commitment for brighter communities!  Jocelyn Remigio, Program Director for Community Development of Global Peace Foundation, Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, together with Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing and Engr. Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, join hands to formalize the partnership for the All Lights Village project. This collaboration brings sustainable energy solutions and community empowerment to underserved areas, illuminating lives one village at a time.

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, has joined hands with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines to support the transformative All Lights Village project. This partnership was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 14, 2025, at the SM Prime Headquarters, marking another significant step forward in promoting sustainable development and empowering underprivileged communities in off-grid areas.

The All Lights Village project, spearheaded by GPF Philippines, is an innovative initiative designed to improve the quality of life for families living in rural areas without access to electricity. By providing solar lighting, educational resources, and livelihood opportunities, the program is creating brighter futures for these communities while championing clean energy solutions and sustainable growth.

A Shared Commitment to Uplifting Communities

Through this partnership, SM Cares will provide spaces in SM Aura, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia for fundraising booths dedicated to the All Lights Village project. Funds raised through these booths will directly support the initiative, enabling more families to benefit from solar lighting, better education, and sustainable livelihoods.

During the MOA signing, Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “SM Cares is proud to support the All Lights Village project and its mission of empowering communities through sustainable development. By providing these families with clean energy and opportunities, we are not just lighting homes but also paving the way for brighter, more hopeful futures.”

Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of GPF Philippines, shared similar sentiments. “This partnership with SM Cares reflects a shared vision of creating lasting change in communities that need it the most. Together, we are proving that even the smallest actions, like providing light, can spark transformative impact.” 

Impacting Lives Through Clean Energy and Sustainability

The All Lights Village initiative has already made a significant difference in rural areas by reducing reliance on harmful kerosene lamps and offering children a safe and well-lit environment for studying. This partnership will enable even more families to access these benefits, creating ripple effects of progress across communities.

The fundraising booths at SM malls will serve as a platform for shoppers to participate in this cause, ensuring that the public becomes an integral part of this life-changing initiative. More details about the booth locations and schedules will be announced soon, inviting everyone to contribute to a brighter tomorrow.

Looking Forward: Building a Better Future Together

This partnership underscores SM Cares’ continued commitment to empowering communities and supporting impactful initiatives that improve lives. The All Lights Village project is not just about providing light—it’s about illuminating opportunities and fostering a sense of hope and unity among the most underserved populations.

For more information about the fundraising activities or how to support the All Lights Village project, follow SM Cares’ social media channels.

About SM Cares

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, focusing on initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and community development. From environmental programs to projects that uplift marginalized groups, SM Cares strives to create meaningful and lasting impacts across the Philippines.

About Global Peace Foundation Philippines

The Global Peace Foundation Philippines is dedicated to promoting innovative solutions for community development, education, and peacebuilding. Through initiatives like the All Lights Village project, the foundation empowers communities to thrive sustainably and collaboratively.

Challenging but still hopeful, though some are having a hard time seeing that glimmer of light, this is what we have been through in the last few months of being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, not only in the Philippines but globally. The effect of the crisis completely altered our normal way of life.
SkinWhite, a pioneering whitening brand stood out by bringing light not just to whiten skin but to bring the light of hope to everyone through its #BeTheLight campaign. This envisioned to champion togetherness with everyone, either by group or individual, to be the beacons of light in these trying times.



#BeTheLight campaign supported the good causes of several individuals and organizations through donation. Selected individuals were Marielle Solomon of Siargao Community Kitchen which aided more than 4,000 families in their community and neighboring barangays,
 

Barangay Holy Spirit PWD Association’s president Sarah dela Rosa whose efforts were recognized even outside their area,
 

Pia Alviola of Project Love who was able to donate more than 2,000 protective equipment to frontliners,
 

Melissa Olit of Aiza’s Community Kitchen reached more than 15,000 beneficiaries,



and Angela Lapinosa’s team for RiceAboveCovid, were able to provide more than 300 help packages.

SkinWhite also reached out to several organizations to work together to #BeTheLight to more people across the country. These organizations were Save San Roque Alliance, an organization that provided meals to families in Sitio San Roque, North Triangle, Quezon City, #SilogForACause, a group who prepared silog meals for frontliners and volunteers, Tulong Kabataan Volunteer Network, bikers turned donors of Life Cycles PH, FoodTray2Go, Act as One PH, Juan Spark Youth Leaders, and Project PEARLS (Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love, and Smiles) who have put smiles on children’s faces amidst the pandemic and the discomfort caused by the enforced quarantine. SkinWhite amplified their efforts by sharing their stories nationwide through social media with the hope that many people will be inspired to join in their causes.

Aside from individuals and organizations, the light also transcended to SkinWhite’s trade partners. The brand’s display rental fees were converted to augment the needs of each of the participating store’s dedicated frontliner employees. Relief packages including essential goods and SkinWhite products were prepared and given to them. Through this, SkinWhite and its trade partners were the light that gave these hardworking frontliner employees more encouragement and motivation during these hard times.

Everyone can share the light, and #BeTheLight.

As the #BeTheLight initiative heralds the value of working hand-in-hand, SkinWhite creatively thought of more ways to have more people on board in the mission to share the light. Different people were asked to write and send words of encouragement and appreciation to our kind-hearted volunteers and frontliners. This is to make them feel that they are not alone in this fight and that they are truly appreciated! These personal messages were included on the daily essential packages which SkinWhite prepared for them.

#BeTheLight aims to have brighter days ahead for everyone

#BeTheLight campaign proved that by coming together, significant and brighter results are sure to radiate among communities and neighborhoods. And just like light, it continues to transcend to everyone. This initiative is a reminder of hope, not only for frontliners, volunteers, and those affected by the pandemic, but for everyone who needs hope as we all bounce back from these trying times.

Now more than ever, SkinWhite will continue to #BeTheLight by giving hope and encouragement to more individuals and organizations to continue on with the cause to bring brighter days ahead!

At Friends of Hope, they seek to empower consumers to make choices  with their purchases that can change our country for the better, Drink HOPE. GIVE GOPE. Help us show the world the power of private companies that act in the public service.