SM, OCENR, CENRO Leads International Coastal Cleanup in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 19 September 2026 – Demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, SM Cares, through SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro, in partnership with Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office – Zamboanga City (CENRO) successfully conducted the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2026 along R.T. Lim Boulevard on September 19.

The initiative gathered 1,145 volunteers from various local and national government agencies, uniformed personnel, non-government organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, civic groups, private companies, and community members, all united by a common goal of protecting the city's coastal environment and promoting responsible waste management.

Through the collective efforts of the participants, a total of 1,076.4 kilograms of marine litter and waste materials were collected from the coastline, helping prevent debris from reaching the sea and threatening marine ecosystems.

The annual International Coastal Cleanup serves as a global movement that highlights the importance of preserving oceans, shorelines, and waterways while fostering environmental awareness and volunteerism among communities.

“Today's cleanup is a powerful reminder that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. We are grateful to all our partners and volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to this meaningful cause. Through collective action, we can create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities for future generations,” said Engr. Rommel Bellen, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Mindpro.

The activity showcased the strong collaboration among government agencies, environmental advocates, educational institutions, and the private sector in advancing environmental conservation efforts in Zamboanga City.

As part of SM's ongoing sustainability programs, the coastal cleanup reflects its commitment to creating positive environmental impact through initiatives that encourage community participation, proper waste management, and environmental responsibility.

SM Supermalls in Zamboanga extends its sincere appreciation to all partner organizations, volunteers, and stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the International Coastal Cleanup and reaffirmed the community's shared commitment to protecting the environment. 

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About SM Cares

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.

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)