In celebration of World Water Day, SM
Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares,
organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven
participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to
environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved
malls.
This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste
segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and
communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It
also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to
recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems.
The coastal cleanup activities took place across
SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM
City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together
communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert
waste away from the ocean.
During the cleanups, collected waste was
carefully sorted and categorized, allowing participants to see firsthand
the types of materials commonly found in coastal areas—from plastic packaging
and beverage containers to other discarded items that threaten marine life and
coastal habitats.
By focusing on waste analysis and segregation,
raised awareness on the impact of improperly managed waste and encouraged
Filipinos to adopt more responsible environmental practices in their daily
lives.
These coastal cleanup activities form part of SM
Supermalls’ broader environmental sustainability programs, aligned with the
SM Green Movement and the company’s Waste-Free Future campaign.
“Protecting our coastal and marine environments requires a more
proactive, end-to-end approach with the cleanups starting with education,
deepening awareness, and sustaining collective action,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and
Program Director for Environment and Sustainability of SM Supermalls. “By
helping communities understand the importance of proper waste segregation and
responsible waste management, we hope to inspire long-term behavioral change
that benefits both people and the planet.”
The initiative also highlights the spirit of bayanihan,
bringing together mall communities, environmental partners, and local
stakeholders in a shared effort to care for the environment.
As SM Cares continues to strengthen its
sustainability programs throughout the year, the public is encouraged to
participate in upcoming environmental initiatives, including World Oceans Day
Cleanup Drives in June, International Coastal Cleanup activities in September,
and National Environmental Awareness Month initiatives in November.
Through
sustained efforts like these, SM Cares continues to empower communities to take
part in protecting the environment—all for Filipinos, and all for the
planet.
To learn more about SM Cares’ environmental
initiatives and how you can take part in upcoming programs, visit
https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
