DOST, SM sustainable expo brings science-backed technologies for greener, more resilient PH

In an effort to make the country more sustainable and resilient, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), together with the SM Prime Holdings Inc. brought science-backed innovations and technologies closer to the public, through the 2026 Sustainable Expo.

With the theme, “Bayanihan Innovation for a Greener and Resilient Philippines,” this year’s exhibit featured technologies that promote circular economy, sustainable energy and disaster resilience.

“Sustainability is no longer just an environmental aspiration. It is about building a nation that is self-reliant, competitive, equitable, and prepared for the future we will leave to the next generation. It is about strengthening our capacity not only to withstand challenges, but to create the conditions for people, communities, and industries to thrive,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said.

Because DOST believes that challenges like climate change, disaster resilience, food security, resource efficiency, and sustainable economic growth cannot be solved by one organization alone, it signed its first partnership with SM Supermalls in August 2025 to promote home-grown sustainable technologies among industries and local government units (LGUs).

Since one of this year’s focus is smart transportation, Solidum highlighted the agency’s efforts to actively promote electric vehicles (EVs), ensuring that there will be enough charging systems in place across the country.

“National charging infrastructure is really needed to convince people to transition from fuel to electric motors. And indeed, it is recognized that is why when we look at operationalizing electric vehicles, and pushing mobility programs across the country, we need to make sure that we also have charging systems that can be made available locally,” Solidum said.

He said that there are two types of charging systems. One is procured by companies or traders which are installed here in the Philippines and the other one would be based on domestic innovation as a result of research.

However, high cost of electricity remains one of the major concerns of transport operators, making it difficult for them to shift to electric vehicles.

Solidum added that DOST is already talking with the LGUs to provide a proof of concept and encourage the transport operators to transition toward electric mobility.

Moreover, to prove that the SM Prime, as a private partner promoting sustainability, shared its nationwide initiative to provide free EV charging infrastructure.

“We have already covered all of our 90 malls nationwide in the Philippines with free EV charging infrastructure. So that's really widely available. Aside from that, we have also lowered the barrier for many Filipinos who want to transition to a more sustainable mode of transportation. Because we really want sustainability to never be exclusive. We want it to be practical,” Engr. Junias M. Eusebio said.

Eusebio is the SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations.

Among the technologies featured in this year’s sustainability expo which is aligned with DOST and SM’s efforts towards smarter and cleaner transportation is the CharM or Charging-in-Minutes technology.

This is a smart EV charging solution that delivers full charge in under 60 minutes while monitoring voltage temperature for safe and efficient operations. This is designed for malls, offices and EV-ready establishments.

“Sustainability is not something that one company can achieve alone. For us in SM, it is a shared responsibility and it actually perfectly aligns with this year's sustainability expo because of our national footprint… The goal is simple for us to really create solutions that are not only good for the business but also good for the environment and most importantly, good for the community,” Eusebio explained.

With its current partnership with the DOST, SM Prime said it is very much interested in adopting DOST-developed technologies, even aside from those featured in the exhibit.

SUSTEX, or the Sustainability Expo is a collaborative platform led by SM Prime, the DOST and ARISE Philippines to advance science-based and inclusive solutions for a greener and more resilient Philippines.This collaboration is among the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.(By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)