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The Philippine Star
February 4, 2025 | 12:00am
Erwin Pato, SM Investments EVP for treasury, finance and planning receives the Anvil Award from Norman Agatep, VP for external of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, for SM’s landmark Euro Medium-Term Notes Program.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — The SM Group, led by its parent company SM Investments Corp., with SM Foundation, China Banking Corp. and Watsons, earned 13 accolades at the 60th Anvil Awards which recognized the group’s outstanding public relations programs in investor relations, financial communications, branding, social good, sustainability and governance.
SM Investments was awarded Best Public Relations Program for Investor Relations for its strategic communications supporting its landmark Euro Medium-Term Notes (EMTN) Program. SM recently priced a $500 million drawdown out of its $3 billion EMTN program. This marks SM Investments’ largest bond issuance since 2014, providing the group with flexible access to capital amid market volatility.
“The success of our EMTN issuance underscores the strength of investing in Philippine companies. A well-executed PR strategy played a crucial role in achieving positive results, and we are grateful to the Anvil Awards for this recognition,” said Frederic DyBuncio, president and CEO of SM Investments.
SM Investments was also recognized for its 2023 Integrated Report, “Committed to Our Customers,” which went beyond financial disclosures to highlight SM’s commitment to communities, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. In addition, its financial communication campaign, “Behind the Headlines: How SM Became the Pulse of Economic Growth,” and its corporate social responsibility and governance initiative, “The Strategy and Philosophy of CSR and Good Governance,” were acknowledged for effectively communicating the company’s role in economic development and responsible business practices. SM Investments also received an award for its special event, “SM Investments and GCNP Team UP to Empower MSMEs: Nego-Unlad MSME Caravan,” which supported micro, small and medium enterprises.
SM Foundation earned recognition for its We Care newsletter and its initiative “Uplifting Lives Through Social Good,” which showcased the foundation’s efforts in education, healthcare and disaster relief.
Meanwhile, Watsons secured multiple wins, including recognition for its HIMtayan advocacy campaign, which promoted responsible medicine disposal; the Watsons Health Expo, which championed accessible healthcare solutions; Watsons and SM Beauty – Beautycon, which leveraged influencer marketing to engage consumers; and the Watsons Sustainable Art Competition, which fostered creativity and environmental awareness.
China Banking Corp. was also honored for its Brand Refresh initiative, designed to modernize the over-century-old bank’s image and connect with a new generation of customers. The bank’s One China Bank program, which enhanced employee experience and engagement, was likewise recognized.
The Anvil Awards, presented annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, honor outstanding PR campaigns and tools that create meaningful impact on businesses and their key stakeholders.
