The quest for cleaner seas and oceans demands unwavering commitment,
consistent action, and genuine care for our shared planet. In the Philippines,
SM Prime has emerged as an influential champion in this global movement,
embracing environmental stewardship not just as a responsibility but also as a
core aspect of its corporate identity.
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| As an active participant in the global movement
for cleaner seas, SM Prime is committed to protecting the environment and
inspiring Filipinos to live sustainably. |
SM’s enduring dedication, in line with its Net Zero 2040 initiative to
reduce emissions, goes beyond merely protecting coastal ecosystems–it also
inspires Filipinos across communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles,
transforming collective awareness into actionable impact.
And this dedication continues to translate into tangible, meaningful
results. In 2024 alone, SM’s mall cleanup initiatives successfully collected
and diverted a total of 157,425 kilograms of trash from ending up in our seas,
oceans, and other bodies of water, significantly reducing its impact on marine
biodiversity and helping preserve our planet’s marine ecosystems.
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| SM City Tanza volunteers join a Philippine Coast
Guard coastal cleanup, demonstrating SM Prime’s environmental commitment. |
Understanding the intricate relationship between waste and climate
change, SM has been helping to address the solid waste crisis not only because
it pollutes our waters but also because it contributes significantly to
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Landfills filled with organic and plastic waste
emit methane, a potent GHG far more destructive than carbon dioxide in
accelerating climate change. Through proactive cleanup activities and robust
waste management initiatives, SM addresses this issue head-on, significantly
reducing environmental harm while mitigating its impact on the global climate.
SM’s continued success in its advocacy stems from the collective
strength and cooperation of its diverse business units. This synergy allows the
organization to extend its cleanup initiatives from coastal areas to smaller
but equally vital water channels like rivers and esteros. By mobilizing
hundreds of dedicated employees and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, SM
ensures that its efforts are extensive, impactful, and enduring.
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| Part of SM Prime’s success in its cleanup
initiative can be attributed to its employees and countless volunteers, who
help ensure that all of its efforts are comprehensive and long-lasting. |
Collaboration lies at the heart of SM’s environmental initiatives. Recognizing
that achieving cleaner oceans requires collective action, SM consistently
partners with government agencies, local governments, and international
organizations. Frequent collaborators include the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), various local government units (LGUs), and global
groups such as Ocean Conservancy, particularly for the annual International
Coastal Cleanup (ICC).
ICC 2024 represented a significant milestone for SM’s participation in
the initiative, celebrating its 10th consecutive year of engagement while also
being its largest to date, activating 15 SM malls nationwide and drawing an
extraordinary turnout of 23,320 passionate volunteers. This record-breaking
participation highlights SM’s growing influence and underscores the expanding
public enthusiasm for protecting our oceans.
Committed to maintaining this momentum, SM continues to sustain its
cleanup efforts through consistent engagement. At SM By the Bay, regular
monthly cleanup activities have been ongoing since January 2025, demonstrating
SM’s commitment to lasting environmental care.
Looking ahead, SM invites the community to participate in its upcoming
significant cleanup drives: on June 7, celebrating World Oceans Day and
Philippine Environment Month; on September 20, observing International Coastal
Cleanup Day; and on November 24, empowering youth participation in the National
Day for Youth in Climate Action.
“Everyone has a role to play in
achieving a cleaner, healthier planet. For us at SM, we always encourage
Filipinos to be active participants in environmental preservation by joining
our cleanup activities, segregating waste responsibly at home, and supporting
the SM Waste Free Future campaign through our Recyclable, Disposable, and
Compostable (RDC) bins found in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President
Steven Tan. (SM PRIME)
