Waves of Change: Thousands Join SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup

On June 7, over 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life came together in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, over 5,000 volunteers with a large statewide coastline cleanup organized by SM Cares, SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility arm. Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines, demonstrating that when a community works together, real change occurs.

This year's theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” struck a chord as volunteers took to the coasts of Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, armed with gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life.

Beyond fostering community collaboration and promoting environmental responsibility, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup initiative played a vital role in cultivating healthier environment, enhancing the overall quality of life for local residents, and contributing to the long-term preservation of marine ecosystems.

Volunteers from SM City Manila assemble at the coastal cleanup site to remove marine waste and protect vital waterways in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

Stepping up for a cleaner tomorrow, volunteers from SM City San Lazaro join the coastal cleanup drive---picking up trash and protecting our shores, one piece at a time.

With gloves on and bags in hand, volunteers at SM City Lucena take part in SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup drive, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Dagupan take action for the environment during the coastal cleanup drive, shoveling sand and debris to help restore the shoreline.

SM City Iloilo volunteers join hands with the local community of Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo in a coastal cleanup drive, working together to preserve the shoreline and promote environmental sustainability.

SM City Davao volunteers are out on the shore, turning dedication into action as they clean up the coast and care for the planet.

Beaming with pride, volunteers at SM City CDO Uptown and Downtown hold up the coastal cleanup banner, standing united as ocean defenders in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it's our turn to give back. This coastal cleanup isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a symbol of our shared duty to preserve biodiversity and inspire action for a sustainable future, while bringing lasting positive impacts to the community by advancing healthier coastal spaces, and uniting people through shared environmental action.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment

A National Movement for the Seas

The cleanup brought a varied group of ocean defenders, including students and instructors, local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), employers, and security and janitorial crews.  SM Cares collaborated closely with local government entities, environmental organizations, youth groups, and coastal barangays to organize cleanups at numerous important sites across the country.

These relationships not only secured the initiative's success, but also demonstrated the value of inclusive, community-driven action.  Volunteers came together to clear tons of rubbish from beaches, raise awareness about marine conservation, and encourage long-term behavioral change toward environmental care.

Students, teachers, and partner organizations join forces with SM Cares during the Coastal Cleanup drive—demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Demonstrating sustained commitment to protecting the environment, SM employee volunteers return to SM by the Bay to help protect the shoreline.

Building an #SMWasteFreeFuture

The June 7 cleanup is part of SM Cares’ broader sustainability vision through its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, which also includes weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY. 

This May 2025, SM employee-led cleanups have mobilized a total of 279 volunteers, collecting over 4,493 kilograms of waste—highlighting their firm commitment to keeping our coasts clean on a weekly basis. These sustained efforts contributed to creating a safer, more enjoyable coastal spaces for customers, while encouraging a stronger culture of environmental volunteerism.

SM Cares' Coastal Cleanup also promotes and aligns with numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14: Life Below Water, by decreasing marine pollution and safeguarding ocean habitats.  It also contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action by developing environmental awareness and encouraging community-led climate resilience, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through partnership with local governments, non-governmental organizations, schools, and communities.

With two more major cleanups planned for the year, SM Cares remains determined in its mission to inspire Filipinos to take action—one shoreline at a time. For more stories and updates on how you can be part of the movement, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media. 

7 Ways SM Supermalls is Making Earth Day, Every Day

SM Supermalls continues to promote the idea that sustainability is more than just a one-day commitment; it's a lifetime.  In honor of Earth Day 2025, SM asks everyone to participate in simple, everyday actions that can make a great difference for the earth.  SM malls have become leaders in greener living thanks to creative programs, eco-friendly infrastructure, and community engagement.

"Our malls are more than shopping destinations—they’re spaces where people and the planet can thrive together, Through programs that are easy to join, SM makes it possible for every visitor to take part in a more sustainable future." ~Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment

Here are 7 sustainable ways SM is turning its pledge into everyday impact—and how you can take part:

1. Plug in Your EV—for Free

With 123 EV charging stations across 69 malls, SM has disbursed over 14,500 kWh of clean electricity to electric vehicle users, with 50 more chargers planned in 2025. It’s free, easy to access, and part of SM’s commitment to low-emission mobility.

An electric vehicle charges at SM North EDSA’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station—one of 123 across 69 SM Supermalls nationwide.

2. Walk into Solar-Powered Spaces

SM currently operates 47 malls and properties with solar installations, generating 27.6 GWh of clean energy in 2024 alone—the equivalent of removing over 4,100 cars off the road. With a goal of 100MWp rooftop solar capacity by 2027, more solar rollouts are planned for 2025.

SM City Tanza powers up with 2,286 solar panels, generating a peak capacity of 1,257.30 kW—part of SM Supermalls' commitment to clean and sustainable energy.

3. Experience Greener Malls with Natural Lighting

From Sky Gardens and skylights that allow natural light to brighten spaces and reduce electricity use, to LED lighting and motion sensor escalators, every corner of the mall is designed with energy efficiency in mind. SM also contributes 110 MW of capacity to the DOE’s Interruptible Load Program.

Natural light streams through the skylights of SM Supermalls, helping reduce electricity consumption while creating a bright, welcoming space.

4. Support a Waste-Free Future

Launched in 2023, SM’s #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign enforces proper waste segregation across all mall tenants through RDC (Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable) bin systems. Internally, SM is also building a culture of sustainability among employees, proving that change starts from within.

SM employees lead by example as they properly segregate waste using the RDC (Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable) bin system—showing that building a #SMWasteFreeFuture starts from within.

5. Turn Trash into Treasure at Trash-to-Cash

Held every first Friday and Saturday of the month, this recycling market has helped exchange over 1 million kilograms of recyclables annually across SM malls nationwide. Visitors can bring paper, plastic, metal, or even old appliances—and exchange them for cash.

Students weighs recyclables during SM Cares’ Trash to Cash, showing that small actions can lead to a greener future.

6. Recycle Smarter with Plastic and E-Waste Collection

Drop off used plastics at 15 participating SM malls and e-waste bins at Cyberzone areas nationwide. So far, these programs have diverted 63,874 kg of plastics and over 11,000 kg of e-waste from landfills—thanks to partnerships with Friends of Hope and Smart/PLDT.

Mall customers drop off used plastic wastes at SM's Plastic Collection Program—proving that small actions can lead to a cleaner, greener future for all.

Unused and damaged electronic items are being let go through SM’s E-Waste Collection located at Cyberzone.

7. Join Coastal Cleanups that Protect Our Seas

In 2024, over 27,000 volunteers across 15 SM malls helped collect more than 157,000 kg of trash from coastlines and waterways. SM also initiates weekly and quarterly coastal cleanups, proving that when communities work together, the ripple effect reaches far and wide.

SM Bataan employee volunteers during the International Coastal Cleanup, working together to help protect our oceans.

From recycling programs to coastal cleanups, solar panels to EV charging stations, every small act adds up. And at SM, Earth Day isn’t just April 22—it’s every day.

SM City Baguio's Rainwater Treatment Facility: A Model for Water Sustainability

SM City Baguio's groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility has treated over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into drinkable water.

Through the July 2023 launch of its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), SM City Baguio is leading the way in water stewardship. Since then, the facility has converted over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater—enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers or seven Olympic-sized swimming pools—into drinkable water for the use of the SM mall's tenants as well as for its own operations. 

This project greatly improves the city's water security and citizen safety by supplying the mall with additional water from the Baguio Water District. Situated in the mall's lower level, the RTF supplies thirty percent of the mall's average monthly need for potable water for food preparation and consumption.

"There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources. And SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources." ~Benjamin Magalong, Baguio City Mayor

The RTF uses a painstaking six-step treatment procedure, and to guarantee peak performance, parameters are checked in real time and equipment is monitored. The city's accredited testing facility regularly tests the processed water, and it continuously passes all water portability requirements.

The rainwater treatment facility (RTF) of SM City Baguio utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process with real-time monitoring, ensuring processed water always adheres to portability requirements.

"This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings' commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve. By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city's water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City." ~Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head

The RTF has an effect that goes beyond the mall. Water haulers have been able to serve more households because they are no longer as dependent on the city's water supply, especially during times of water scarcity that the entire city has experienced.

The rainwater treatment facility of SM City Baguio is a prime example of how companies can contribute significantly to solving pressing community needs by using creative and sustainable solutions.

As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its role as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development.