SM PRIME Holdings, Inc.’s retail arm SM Supermalls has opened a Government Services Express (GSE) center at SM Center San Pedro in partnership with the San Pedro, Laguna city government, expanding access to public services through a one-stop hub contained in the mall.
“Designed as a centralized one-stop hub, the Government Service Express allows customers to finish multiple government transactions more efficiently in a single location — supporting employees securing employment requirements, entrepreneurs processing permits and clearances, families managing civil documents, and residents accessing healthcare and social protection services,” the Sy-led developer said in a post on its website on Wednesday.
The GSE integrates agencies akin to the Business Permits and Licensing Office, the local government unit, the Philippine National Police, the Local Civil Registry Office, and the National Bureau of Investigation.
SM Supermalls said the project reflects collaboration between the private and non-private sectors in expanding access to government services.
Officials from government agencies and SM Supermalls led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including SM Supermalls Division Head John Jason Terrenal, San Pedro City Mayor Art Joseph Mercado, and Vice-Mayor Nina Almoro.
Individually, SM Supermalls expanded its lively mobility initiative, SM Pedal Power, in May through the establishment of bike-friendly infrastructure, dedicated bike lanes, and accessible bike parking areas as a part of its nationwide push for sustainable mobility.
Participating malls include SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM Center Antipolo Downtown, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Clark, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Rosario, SM City Lucena, SM Seaside City Cebu, and The Podium.
Shares in SM Prime were unchanged at P19 each on Thursday. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales