Accessibility has become one of the defining features of modern travel. Beyond beautiful destinations and exciting attractions, today’s travelers are increasingly looking for places that are welcoming, safe, and convenient for everyone—regardless of age or physical ability.

Left photo: Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls (third from left), Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls (second from left), and other representatives present at the Mabini Awards. Right photo: Joseph Luke Varona, SM Offices Technical Services Head, and Alexis Ortiga, VP and SM Offices Business Unit Head, accept the Bronze Awards for ThreeE-com and FiveE-com at the Apolinario Mabini Awards.

In the Philippines, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) continues to raise the bar for accessibility after receiving 14 distinctions at the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards, recognizing its sustained efforts to create more inclusive shopping, lifestyle, and business destinations across the country.

The latest achievement builds on the company’s 10 awards in the previous cycle and reflects a long-term commitment to designing spaces where persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, families with young children, and travelers with mobility needs can move comfortably and independently.

For travelers exploring the Philippines, these recognitions reinforce the growing availability of accessible malls and public spaces that make every journey more enjoyable.

SM Prime Earns 14 Honors at the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards

SM Prime’s latest recognitions were presented during the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards, a prestigious biennial program established by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) in 1974.

The awards recognize organizations, institutions, and developments that promote the rights, dignity, and welfare of persons with disabilities through accessible infrastructure and inclusive practices.

Receiving 14 distinctions demonstrates how accessibility has become an integral part of SM Prime’s approach to designing and operating its growing portfolio of malls and office developments.

Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusive design, saying that accessibility remains central to how the company plans, builds, and manages its developments.

As Philippine cities continue to grow, this approach helps create environments where every visitor can participate fully and independently.

Why Accessibility Matters in Travel

Accessible infrastructure is no longer considered an optional feature—it has become an essential component of quality tourism.

Whether you’re a local traveler planning a weekend shopping trip or an international visitor exploring the Philippines, accessible facilities make destinations easier and more enjoyable to experience.

Inclusive design benefits a wide range of travelers, including:

• Persons with disabilities
• Senior citizens
• Families with infants and strollers
• Travelers recovering from injuries
• Pregnant women
• Visitors carrying luggage

Features such as ramps, elevators, tactile paving, wider corridors, accessible restrooms, designated parking spaces, and barrier-free entrances help create safer and more convenient experiences for everyone.

For many travelers, choosing destinations with accessible facilities provides greater confidence and peace of mind throughout their journey.

SM Supermalls Continues to Expand Accessibility

The majority of SM Prime’s awards came from SM Supermalls, which earned 12 distinctions recognizing both newly expanded malls and accessibility improvements made to existing properties.

These awards reflect years of investment in upgrading facilities while ensuring compliance with Philippine accessibility standards.

Special Awards on Expansion

Two malls received Special Awards on Expansion for Substantial Compliance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344:

• SM City Bicutan
• SM City Fairview

These recognitions highlight successful expansion projects that maintained accessibility standards while accommodating growing numbers of visitors.

Special Awards for Correcting Deficiencies

Several SM malls were recognized for implementing accessibility improvements that enhanced the overall visitor experience:

• SM City Dasmariñas
• SM City San Pablo
• SM City Telabastagan
• SM City Urdaneta Central
• SM City Tarlac

These awards acknowledge the company’s commitment to continuously improving existing facilities rather than simply meeting minimum requirements.

Bronze Award Recipients

The following SM malls earned Bronze Awards for their accessible features:

• SM City East Ortigas
• SM City Sto. Tomas
• SM City Bacolod North Block Extension
• SM Center Angono

These developments continue to demonstrate how accessibility can be integrated into everyday shopping and leisure experiences.

Silver Award Winner

Among this year’s recognitions, SM City Roxas received a Silver Award, highlighting its strong compliance with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

Inclusive Office Spaces at the E-Com Campus

Accessibility is equally important in the workplace.

SM Prime’s Three E-Com Center and Five E-Com Center, located within the E-Com Campus at the Mall of Asia Complex, both received Bronze Awards.

The E-Com Campus has become one of Metro Manila’s premier business districts, housing multinational companies and thousands of employees.

Its accessible design includes barrier-free features that enable employees, visitors, and clients of varying abilities to navigate office spaces safely and independently.

Combined with sustainable building features and excellent transport connectivity, these developments showcase how accessibility contributes to productive and welcoming workplaces.

Accessibility Benefits Every Traveler

Many people associate accessibility solely with persons with disabilities.

In reality, inclusive design benefits virtually everyone.

Imagine arriving at a shopping mall after a long flight while pulling heavy luggage.

Wide entrances, elevators, ramps, automatic doors, and accessible pathways make moving around significantly easier.

Families traveling with strollers appreciate elevators and spacious walkways.

Senior travelers benefit from handrails and seating areas.

Even shoppers carrying multiple bags enjoy the convenience of thoughtfully designed public spaces.

Accessibility creates a smoother experience for all visitors, regardless of their circumstances.

Understanding Batas Pambansa Blg. 344

Much of the progress in accessible infrastructure can be traced to Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, also known as the Accessibility Law.

Enacted on February 25, 1983, the law requires public and private buildings, transportation facilities, and utilities to incorporate features that improve mobility and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

These include:

• Ramps
• Handrails
• Accessible entrances
• Wider walkways
• Designated parking spaces
• Accessible toilets
• Barrier-free circulation routes

Over four decades later, the legislation continues to shape how new developments are planned while encouraging property owners to improve existing facilities.

Accessible Malls Enhance Philippine Tourism

Shopping malls have evolved into much more than retail destinations.

Across the Philippines, they serve as community hubs where visitors can dine, watch movies, attend events, enjoy indoor attractions, and experience local culture.

For international tourists, malls often become convenient places to:

• Sample Filipino cuisine
• Shop for local products
• Escape the tropical heat
• Access transportation
• Attend festivals and seasonal events

When these destinations are fully accessible, they become even more attractive to a broader range of travelers.

Inclusive infrastructure strengthens the country’s tourism appeal by ensuring more visitors can comfortably enjoy these experiences.

Building Cities That Welcome Everyone

As Philippine cities continue to expand, developers are increasingly recognizing that accessibility is not simply about meeting regulations.

It is about creating communities where every individual feels welcome.

SM Prime’s continued investment in inclusive infrastructure demonstrates how thoughtful design can improve everyday life while supporting tourism, business, and community development.

By integrating accessibility into malls, offices, and mixed-use developments, the company helps foster cities that are more connected, inclusive, and resilient.

A More Inclusive Future for Philippine Travel

Travel should be accessible to everyone.

Whether visiting a shopping mall after exploring a nearby tourist destination, attending a business conference, or spending time with family, travelers deserve spaces that prioritize comfort, independence, and dignity.

SM Prime’s recognition at the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards reflects the growing importance of universal design in shaping the future of Philippine tourism and urban development.

As more destinations embrace accessibility, travelers can look forward to richer, more inclusive experiences across the country—proving that great travel isn’t only about where you go, but also about how easily everyone can enjoy the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Apolinario Mabini Awards?

The Apolinario Mabini Awards are a biennial recognition program established by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. in 1974. It honors organizations and developments that promote accessibility, inclusion, and the welfare of persons with disabilities.

How many awards did SM Prime receive?

SM Prime received 14 distinctions at the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards, recognizing its accessible malls and office developments across the Philippines.

Which SM malls received awards?

Award-winning malls include SM City Bicutan, SM City Fairview, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City San Pablo, SM City Telabastagan, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tarlac, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Sto. Tomas, SM City Bacolod North Block Extension, SM Center Angono, and SM City Roxas.

What is Batas Pambansa Blg. 344?

Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, also known as the Accessibility Law, requires public and private buildings in the Philippines to provide facilities such as ramps, railings, accessible entrances, and designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities.

Why are accessible malls important for travelers?

Accessible malls provide safer and more convenient experiences for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, families with children, and travelers carrying luggage. Inclusive facilities ensure that everyone can comfortably enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment.

What accessibility features can travelers expect in SM malls?

Many SM malls offer ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, designated parking spaces, barrier-free entrances, handrails, and other features designed to improve mobility and convenience for all visitors.

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