SM City Mindpro and ZPPSU Seal Partnership for a Greener Future Through Trash-to-Cash Campaign

Formalizing the partnership between SM City Mindpro and Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU), a MOA signing was held at the university grounds on October 17 for the Trash-to-Cash Campaign of SM.

Strengthening its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, SM City Mindpro formalized a partnership with the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on October 17, 2025 at the university grounds.

 

The collaboration underscores the shared advocacy of both institutions to promote environmental awareness and proper waste management practices through SM’s Trash-to-Cash Recycling Market, a long-running sustainability initiative that encourages waste segregation and recycling among communities. 

Leading the ceremony were Dr. Nelson Cabral, University President of ZPPSU, and Engr. Rommel Bellen, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Mindpro, who represented the mall’s management team.

 

In his message, Engr. Bellen emphasized the importance of empowering young people to take the lead in driving environmental change.

“By joining hands with ZPPSU, we are empowering the next generation of changemakers: students, educators, and future innovators – to lead the way toward a cleaner, greener Zamboanga,” Bellen said. “This partnership reminds us that environmental stewardship thrives when everyone takes part – the government, private sector, academe, and the community. Together, we can create ripples of change that reach far beyond the walls of our campus and our mall,” he added. 

The partnership aims to engage the university community in SM’s Trash-to-Cash initiative by promoting recycling practices, setting up collection points, and integrating sustainability into student-led activities and projects. Through this collaboration, SM City Mindpro and ZPPSU hope to inspire lasting behavioral change among the youth while reducing the city’s solid waste footprint.

 

The Trash-to-Cash Recycling Market is a nationwide environmental program of SM Supermalls held every first Friday and Saturday of the month. It provides customers and partner institutions a convenient venue to exchange recyclable waste materials such as papers, plastics, and metals for cash, promoting responsible waste disposal and circular economy principles.

This partnership marks another milestone in SM Cares’ initiative, reinforcing the company’s role as a catalyst for positive environmental impact and community collaboration.

With collective efforts between SM City Mindpro and ZPPSU, a more sustainable and eco-conscious Zamboanga Peninsula is within reach – one recyclable at a time.

SM Hotels Diverts more than 300 Tons of Food Waste Through Plate for the Planet, Eyes 80% Composting by 2040

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), has diverted 323 tons of food waste through its “Plate for the Planet” program since its 2019 launch in Pico Sands Hotel and Taal Vista Hotel. This is equivalent to the amount of waste produced by more than 500 Filipino households in an entire year.

A buffet spread at Taal Vista Hotel reminds diners to ‘Take only what you can eat,’ part of SMHCC’s Plate for the Planet initiative that reduces food waste and promotes sustainable dining practices.

Plate for the Planet, SMHCC’s Sustainable Diner program, integrates circular economy principles into daily hotel operations. The initiative tracks the journey of food from sourcing to serving, starting with green procurement and support for MSMEs and local farmers, showcasing heritage and regional cuisine, encouraging responsible consumption, reducing plastic use, and managing food waste effectively.

SMHCC kitchens are equipped to minimize waste through accurate forecasting, mindful production and cooking techniques that optimize inventory and preserve freshness. Composting plays a central role in the program, with food waste converted into soil-enriching material used to grow vegetables, herbs and fruits that return to the table for guests to enjoy—completing the loop from plate to farm and back again.

“Plate for the Planet is now active across ten of our hotel properties and three convention centers. This reflects our commitment to closing the loop on food waste, reducing our carbon footprint, and bringing guests closer to the farm-to-table experience,” said Peggy Angeles, Head and Executive Vice President of SMHCC.

These SMHCC properties include Taal Vista Hotel, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Pico Sands Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Conrad Manila and Park Inn by Radisson branches in North EDSA, Clark, Davao, Iloilo and Bacolod and Lanson Place Mall of Asia, SMX Convention Center Manila, Aura and Megatrade Hall.

Industry benchmarks highlight SMHCC’s progress. According to a WWF Philippines pilot study on food waste management in SMHCC hotels, hospitality properties typically generate an average of 300g waste per cover, with plate waste often accounting for the largest share.

SMHCC properties have consistently maintained food waste levels below this benchmark, averaging 150–200g, demonstrating how structured systems and staff engagement can deliver measurable results.

Aligned with its sustainability roadmap, SMHCC targets composting 80 percent of its food waste by 2040. Its strategy also includes expanding partnerships with local producers and MSMEs to promote inclusive sourcing and integrating more local produce into menus.

This initiative supports the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ efforts to reduce food waste and landfill contributions, helping mitigate methane emissions from decomposing organic waste.

As the hospitality sector faces climate and waste challenges, Plate for the Planet demonstrates how targeted interventions can reduce environmental impact while reinforcing SMHCC’s leadership in sustainable and resilient hospitality practices.

About SM Green Movement

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come. (SM PRIME)

Together for Our Oceans: June 7 Coastal Cleanup

In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, will once again mobilize thousands of volunteers across the country for its annual Coastal Cleanup Drive, set for June 7, 2025. This year’s theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” serves as a powerful reminder of the oceans’ role in supporting life—and our shared responsibility to protect them.

Students actively participate in coastal cleanup drive, reinforcing their role as environmental stewards and contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Held simultaneously in multiple coastal locations nationwide, the initiative is organized in partnership with local government units, environmental organizations, NGOs, community groups, SM employees, security and janitorial personnel, and affiliates. It is part of SM’s broader environmental commitment through the #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, which also includes year-round plastic waste reduction efforts, recycling markets, and e-waste disposal drives.

Students take action for a cleaner coastline during coastal cleanup drive at SM by the BAY.

In addition to the weekly cleanups already taking place at SM by the Bay, the World Oceans Day event marks one of three major coastal cleanups planned by SM Cares for 2025.

Students from NU Nazareth School take action for a cleaner coastline during coastal cleanup drive at SM by the BAY.

“As part of our commitment to the environment, we believe in community action to protect our oceans and waterways. Ultimately, we want to raise overall awareness on marine pollution, contribute to preserving biodiversity, and help in inspiring responsible waste management practices among Filipinos. The World Oceans Day Coastal Cleanup is more than just a one-day event—it’s part of our ongoing pledge to build a better, cleaner world,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment.

Through active participation in the coastal cleanup, employees demonstrate a shared commitment to environmental initiatives and fostering a culture of collective responsibility.

Participating SM Malls and Communities

NCR: SM by the BAY (cleanup site), SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa

South Luzon: SM City Rosario, SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM City Lucena, SM City Tanza

North & Central Luzon: SM Center Dagupan

Visayas: SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo

Mindanao: SM City Davao, SM CDO, SM CDO Downtown

Join the Movement

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up now through the SM Malls Online App: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/SMCOASTALCLEANUP2025. Stay tuned to the official social media pages of participating SM malls for site-specific schedules and updates.

This World Oceans Day, let’s celebrate the wonder of our oceans—and ensure that what sustains us today will continue to do so for generations to come. (PR)