Some malls restore regular hours, retain energy-saving measures

MAJOR mall operators are set to restore regular operating hours across Metro Manila this month even as the national energy emergency declared in March remains in effect, while continuing to participate in government-led energy conservation efforts.

The retail units of Ayala Land, Inc., SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and Robinsons Land Corp. announced that their malls will resume standard operating schedules beginning this week, according to advisories posted on their official social media pages.

Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls said their regular schedules will take effect on June 22, while Robinsons Malls will begin implementing its revised operating hours on June 19.

The return to normal schedules follows several months of shortened operations after mall operators adjusted opening hours in response to the state of national energy emergency declared by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in March amid concerns over energy security linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Under the temporary measures, malls generally opened at 11 a.m., an hour later than their usual 10 a.m. schedule.

Despite the resumption of regular operating hours, mall operators said they will continue supporting the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Oras Natin sa Efficiency (O.N.E.) campaign, which promotes energy conservation measures among businesses and consumers.

As part of the initiative, participating malls switch off non-essential lights from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Saturday.

Starting June 22, Ayala Malls will operate from 10 a.m. daily. Its malls will close at 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and at 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

SM Supermalls will likewise open at 10 a.m. daily, with stores closing at 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Meanwhile, Robinsons Malls will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, while its supermarkets will open earlier at 8 a.m. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales