CDA Empowers Cooperatives in SM Supermalls' Weekend Market

Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and SM Supermalls formally sealed their strategic partnership via a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony that took place on Monday, July 1, 2025, at the SM Supermalls Headquarters in Pasay City. The agreement heralds the start of a collaborative effort to empower Filipino cooperatives by providing them with access to high-traffic mall space via the SM Weekend Market— a venue exclusively dedicated to the promotion of local products, homegrown talent, and Filipino entrepreneurship.

Fresh, proudly Filipino produce takes the spotlight supporting local farmers and cooperatives at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Calamba.

The MOA was sealed by Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, and Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, in the presence of important officials from the two institutions. "This is a historic partnership between the private and public sectors," Usec. Raquepo said in his remarks. “We take great pride in this collaboration with SM Supermalls, which represents a powerful step forward in uplifting our micro, small and medium cooperative entrepreneurs. This model partnership will not only provide access to markets, but help elevate the economic well-being of our communities.”

L-R: Royston A. Cabunag, AVP and Lead for MSME and Job Fairs, Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, VP for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls sealed partnership via a MOA signing with CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo and CDA Administrator Asec. Santiago S. Lim, which will empower Filipino cooperatives through the SM Weekend Market program.

Per the agreement, CDA will be sponsoring qualified cooperatives nationwide to join the SM Weekend Market. Consequently, SM Supermalls will provide space in strategic mall locations at a modest fee—only to defray maintenance expenses. "The SM Weekend Market was conceived out of a simple yet potent idea— to provide farmers and local producers, particularly those belonging to cooperatives, an opportunity to sell their produce closer to the people, where they would not otherwise have access," said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations. "Together with CDA as our partner, we look forward to opening more doors and more mall space to co-ops nationwide. This collaboration will bring more communities to prosper, more stories to be shared, and more products made in the Philippines to be showcased."

Farmers display and offer their fresh produce to consumers at the SM Weekend Market, which is a platform by SM Supermalls that brings producers directly to consumers in highly trafficked mall locations.

Consumers have direct access to farm-fresh products at the SM Weekend Market where farmers have dedicated selling areas in some SM Supermalls.

Vibrant exhibits of fresh vegetables grown in the country greet shoppers at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Southmall.

More than a marketplace, the SM Weekend Market is a conscious movement— empowering grassroots businesses, strengthening local food systems, and creating deeper community connections through commerce, culture, and collaboration.