CDA Empowers Cooperatives Through SM Supermalls’ Weekend Market

“This is a historic partnership between the private and public sectors. 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.” ~Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson

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

On Monday, July 1, 2025, SM Supermalls and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the SM Supermalls headquarters in Pasay City, thereby establishing a strategic alliance.  Through the SM Weekend Market, a venue devoted to exhibiting regional goods, indigenous talent, and Filipino entrepreneurship, the partnership initiates a collaborative endeavor to strengthen Filipino cooperatives by providing them with access to busy mall areas.

L-R: Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President and Lead for MSME and Job Fairs, Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls formalized partnership through a MOA signing with CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo and CDA Administrator Asec. Santiago S. Lim, that aims to empower Filipino cooperatives through the SM Weekend Market initiative.

The MOA was signed by Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, and Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, in the presence of key officials from both institutions. 

Shoppers enjoy direct access to farm-fresh produce at the SM Weekend Market where farmers are given dedicated selling spaces in select SM Supermalls.

Local farmers showcase and sell their fresh harvest to shoppers at the SM Weekend Market, a platform by SM Supermalls that connects producers directly to consumers in high-traffic mall locations.

As part of the deal, CDA would support qualified cooperatives nationwide to take part in the SM Weekend Market.  In exchange, SM Supermalls would offer space in strategic mall locations for a little price, which will only be used to partially offset maintenance expenses.

“The SM Weekend Market was born out of a simple but powerful idea — to give farmers and local producers, especially those in cooperatives, the chance to bring their goods closer to the people, in places they wouldn’t normally have access to. With CDA as our partner, we are excited to open more doors and more mall spaces to co-ops across the country. This partnership will allow more communities to thrive, more stories to be told, and more Filipino-made products to be celebrated.” ~Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls

Lively displays of locally grown vegetables welcome shoppers at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Southmall.

With additional improvements and market rollouts anticipated in the upcoming months, the event signifies the beginning of a statewide partnership between CDA and SM Supermalls.

About the SM Weekend Market 

The SM Weekend Market is a community-driven initiative by SM Supermalls that gives farmers and cooperatives direct access to high-foot traffic locations, helping them sell fresh, abundant harvests quickly and sustainably. By providing accessible weekend selling spaces in designated SM mall areas, the Weekend Market connects local producers with urban shoppers — creating a win-win for both communities and consumers. 

More than just a marketplace, the SM Weekend Market is a purposeful movement — empowering grassroots enterprises, boosting local food systems, and fostering deeper community connections through commerce, culture, and collaboration.