TESSIE Sy-Coson, vice chairperson of SM Investments Corporation and Chairwoman of BDO Unibank, was officially conferred the title of adopted daughter and honorary mayor of Iloilo City in a ceremony held Thursday at the Iloilo City Hall around 2 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas lauded Sy-Coson and SM Investments Corporation for their pivotal role in driving the city’s economic transformation.
“Her unwavering contributions and commitment to the city's growth have left a lasting impact, making this recognition truly well-deserved,” Treñas said.
SM’s presence in Iloilo City began in the 1970s with the establishment of its first mall outside Metro Manila along Delgado Street. This was followed by a second branch in Jaro in 1992 and the opening of SM City Iloilo in 1999 in the Mandurriao District, now the largest SM mall in Western Visayas.
These investments spurred job creation and boosted local businesses in the city and neighboring areas.
Over the years, SM’s footprint has expanded beyond retail. Its developments now include BPO buildings, banks, and residential condominiums. One of its key partnerships with the Iloilo City Government involves the redevelopment of major public markets through public-private agreements. These efforts aim to modernize market facilities, making them cleaner, more efficient, and more attractive to both vendors and consumers.
BDO Unibank, SM’s banking arm, also provided financial education to market vendors to help them maximize the benefits of these upgrades.
SM also launched the Kauswagan Residences in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro—a P248-million vertical socialized housing project designed to serve local government employees.
Developed in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the Iloilo City Government, the initiative reflects SM’s compliance with housing balance requirements and its broader commitment to inclusive urban development.
During the ceremony, Sy-Coson shared her personal connection to Iloilo City, recalling her first visit in 1979.
“Not only SM grew, but also Iloilo grew. Through the years, I have seen how Mayor Treñas has been able to develop the city. We are ever ready to support the Mayor in whatever endeavor,” Sy-Coson said.
She also recognized Iloilo City Mayor Treñas and Mayor-elect Raisa Treñas for their leadership and expressed SM’s continued commitment to the city's future.
Sy-Coson’s conferment as Adopted Daughter and Honorary Mayor is a tribute to her long-standing support of Iloilo’s growth and her leadership in initiatives that have contributed to economic progress, job creation, infrastructure improvement, and inclusive housing. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)