How 27,000 SM employees and volunteers create an impact for a waste-free future

　　Environmental stewardship is more important than ever, and through large-scale coastal cleanup initiatives, communities are rallying together to protect the world's seas and oceans. By partnering with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)， Local Government Units (LGUs)， private sector organizations, and passionate individuals, these efforts continue to inspire thousands of volunteers to take meaningful action, demonstrating the crucial role of collective engagement in preserving marine ecosystems。

Over 155,000 kg of trash are collected in total by volunteers from 16 SM Supermalls nationwide – SM by the BAY, SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Bataan, SM City La Union, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Daet, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Roxas, SM City Legazpi, SM City General Santos, SM City Mindpro, SM City Cebu, and SM Seaside City Cebu。

SM City La Union employees demonstrate their early involvement in making a positive impact for the community from day one。

　　This year, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, held quarterly coastal cleanup events that showcased the power of collective action. With the help of more than 27,000 volunteers, including SM employees, mall tenants, affiliates, and individuals from the public, private, and academic sectors, SM Cares collected more than 155,000 kg of waste, underscoring its commitment to tackling marine pollution and protecting aquatic life through community action。

SM Cares collaborates with local government units, private organizations, and communities to ensure the success of its coastal cleanup programs。

　　Marine pollution remains a pressing global crisis, with millions of tons of waste polluting oceans annually, endangering marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Coastal cleanups play a crucial role in mitigating this problem by removing waste before it spreads further into the seas. Through large-scale coastal cleanup initiatives, SM Cares not only reduces pollution but also raises public awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges。

More than 27,000 volunteers from the public, private, and academic sectors participate in this year’s coastal cleanups, highlighting the power of community-driven action。

　　Beyond cleanup efforts, SM Cares promotes environmental consciousness by empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. These coastal cleanups are part of SM Cares' broader Programs on Environment, which focus on promoting sustainable solutions and tackling various environmental issues. With its commitment to creating a Waste-Free Future, SM Cares continues to inspire community-driven actions for a cleaner, healthier planet。

Employee volunteers from SM Seaside Cebu and SM City Cebu sort through collected waste – amplifying the company’s goal of a Waste-Free Future even during coastal cleanup activities。

　　SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. 

　　To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares。