Championing Cleaner Seas: SM Prime's Unwavering Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

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In the relentless pursuit of a healthier planet, SM Prime stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring Filipinos to join the global movement for cleaner seas and oceans. With an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, SM Prime has emerged as a leader in the Philippines, embracing its responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable living.

A Tangible Impact

In 2024, SM's mall cleanup initiatives made a significant impact, collecting and diverting 157,425 kilograms of trash from ending up in our seas, oceans, and other bodies of water. This remarkable achievement not only reduces marine pollution but also helps preserve the planet's delicate marine ecosystems. By addressing the solid waste crisis, SM is tackling a critical issue that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and accelerates climate change.

Collective Strength

SM's success in its advocacy stems from the collective strength and cooperation of its diverse business units. By mobilizing hundreds of dedicated employees and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, SM ensures that its efforts are extensive, impactful, and enduring. The organization's synergy extends its cleanup initiatives from coastal areas to smaller but equally vital water channels like rivers and esteros.

Collaboration and Partnerships

SM recognizes that achieving cleaner oceans requires collective action. The company consistently partners with government agencies, local governments, and international organizations, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), and global groups like Ocean Conservancy. The annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is a testament to SM's commitment, with the 2024 event marking its 10th consecutive year of participation and largest activation to date.

A Record-Breaking Participation

The ICC 2024 event drew an extraordinary turnout of 23,320 passionate volunteers, highlighting SM's growing influence and the expanding public enthusiasm for protecting our oceans. This momentum continues with regular monthly cleanup activities at SM By the Bay, demonstrating SM's commitment to lasting environmental care.

Join the Movement

SM invites the community to participate in its upcoming significant cleanup drives:

- June 7: World Oceans Day and Philippine Environment Month

- September 20: International Coastal Cleanup Day

- November 24: National Day for Youth in Climate Action

Empowering Filipinos

As SM Supermalls President Steven Tan encourages, "Everyone has a role to play in achieving a cleaner, healthier planet. We invite 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."

A Brighter Future

Through its unwavering commitment and collective action, SM Prime is shaping a brighter future for the Philippines and the world. Join SM in its mission to protect the environment and promote sustainable living. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.

Empowering a Nation: SM Job Fairs Spark Hope and Opportunity for Thousands

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In a powerful display of unity and purpose, SM Supermalls once again proved its commitment to Filipino workers by hosting one of the largest simultaneous job fair events in the country. On May 1, 2025, Labor Day, 20 SM malls and locations nationwide came alive with thousands of job seekers, all seeking life-changing opportunities.

A Life-Changing Experience

The SM Job Fairs drew a staggering 14,864 job seekers, with 2,091 successfully hired on the spot. This remarkable achievement reaffirms SM Supermalls' vital role in national employment efforts. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered the keynote message at the Labor Day Job Fair main event at the SMX Convention Center Manila, highlighting the significance of such initiatives.

Real Lives, Real Impact

Across the 20 participating SM malls and venues, heartwarming success stories emerged. From first-time job hunters who landed their dream roles to new opportunities, the on-ground atmosphere was electric with hope. A hired-on-the-spot room attendant shared, “Mabilis ang process ng Job Fair, at saka lahat andito na. Yung mga requirements na kailangan sa paghahanap ng trabaho, nandito na. Malaking bagay po 'yun.”

Partners in Progress

SM renewed its strategic partnership with Jobstreet by SEEK, one of the leading digital employment platforms in the country. This continued collaboration strengthens both physical and online recruitment channels, helping connect more Filipinos to the jobs they deserve.

Government Support

Government booths from the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Pag-IBIG provided on-site support, streamlining the application process for both job searchers and recruiters. Partners praised the seamless logistics, heavy foot traffic, and presence of these government booths.

More Opportunities Ahead

The momentum continues with weekly job fairs lined up across SM Supermalls. Everyone is invited to take their shot at meaningful employment, especially at the SM Group Exclusive Job Fair on May 29 at SM City Dasmariñas. Mark your calendars for these upcoming job fairs:

- May 22: SM City Lucena

- May 26: SM City Caloocan

- May 29: SM City Dasmariñas

- May 30: SM City Legazpi and SM City Trece Martires

Empowering Communities

With every job fair, SM Supermalls strengthens its role as a catalyst for economic empowerment, community development, and sustainable livelihood. Don’t miss your next opportunity—your future starts here. As SM Supermalls continues to play a pivotal role in nation-building, it offers opportunities that transform lives and contribute to the well-being of Filipino communities.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls, a division of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the Philippines' leading developer, operator, and owner of world-class malls. SM Supermalls is dedicated to fostering sustainable and community-centric developments, offering opportunities that transform lives and contribute to the well-being of Filipino communities.

From Trash to Treasure: The Battle for Manila Bay's Future

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In the shadow of Manila's skyline, an army of environmental warriors wages a weekly war against an invasion that threatens our oceans

The sun has barely crested the horizon as they arrive—hundreds of dedicated soldiers in a battle most people never see. Armed with nothing but gloves, trash bags, and unwavering determination, they form a human chain along the shoreline where concrete meets sea. Their mission: to reclaim Manila Bay from the clutches of human carelessness, one piece of debris at a time.

The Silent Crisis at Our Shores

Manila Bay—once celebrated for its spectacular sunsets—has long suffered under the weight of urbanization and consumerism. But beneath the surface of this environmental tragedy, a powerful movement is rising.

"We don't just see trash when we come here," says Maria Santos, an SM employee who has participated in all four of April's weekly cleanups. "We see lost potential, threatened marine life, and a future that deserves better than what we've given it."

Throughout April 2025, an impressive force of 272 volunteers from SM By the Bay converged on these troubled waters week after week. Their collective impact? A staggering 1,147 kilograms of trash removed from the ecosystem—enough to fill a small apartment.

More Than Just Numbers: The Human Element

The statistics tell only part of the story. Behind each kilogram of collected waste lies a personal commitment to change.

For Jaime Cruz, a customer relations officer at SM Supermalls, the weekly ritual has transformed his relationship with consumption entirely. "After you've pulled your hundredth plastic straw from the sand, you never look at single-use items the same way again," he confesses, wiping sweat from his brow. "These cleanups don't just change the shoreline—they change us."

The diverse coalition of participants speaks volumes about the initiative's broad appeal. Executives work shoulder-to-shoulder with janitorial staff. Veteran environmentalists guide first-time volunteers. Together, they form an unlikely but effective environmental task force that transcends traditional workplace hierarchies.

The Ripple Effect: Beyond Cleaner Shores

What happens at Manila Bay doesn't stay at Manila Bay. The ripples of this initiative extend far beyond cleaner shores.

Environmental psychologists have long documented the "behavioral contagion" that follows participation in restoration activities. In simple terms: those who clean up beaches today become ambassadors for waste reduction tomorrow. They influence family members, coworkers, and communities with their new perspective.

"I've started bringing my own containers everywhere," explains volunteer Rosanna Mendoza. "My children now correct their teachers about proper waste disposal. This is how real change happens—it spreads from person to person until it becomes the new normal."

A Synchronized National Effort

While the Manila Bay efforts captured headlines, similar scenes played out across the Philippine archipelago. The SM Cares initiative spans fourteen malls nationwide, creating synchronized impact in coastal communities from Dagupan to Davao.

Each location faces unique challenges. In Iloilo, volunteers battle agricultural runoff. In Davao, they confront industrial waste. Yet the collective message remains consistent: our oceans connect us all, and their protection requires coordinated action.

Answering a Global Call

The weekly cleanups align perfectly with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water. As plastic production continues to accelerate globally—with an estimated 11 million metric tons entering oceans annually—initiatives like SM's represent critical local responses to an overwhelming global challenge.

Marine biologist Dr. Elena Reyes, who provides educational briefings to volunteers, emphasizes the scientific significance of these efforts: "Every piece of plastic removed represents potential salvation for marine creatures. A single plastic bag can kill multiple sea turtles over its lifecycle in the water. These volunteers aren't just cleaning—they're saving lives."

The Road Ahead: From Cleanup to Prevention

While the April achievements deserve celebration, SM Cares recognizes that cleanup efforts alone cannot solve the marine debris crisis. The true solution lies upstream—in reducing waste production and improving management systems before trash reaches waterways.

To this end, the company has integrated its coastal restoration work with broader sustainability initiatives, including plastic reduction policies across its mall operations and consumer education campaigns.

"We're fighting this battle from both ends," explains an SM Cares spokesperson. "We clean up what's already there while working to ensure less waste enters the system in the first place. This comprehensive approach is the only way forward."

Join the Movement

The story continues on June 7, 2025, when SM Cares will host special World Oceans Day cleanups across all participating locations. The public invitation stands open to anyone willing to transform concern into action.

Participating malls include SM By the Bay, SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Rosario, SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM City CDO Downtown, SM City Tanza, SM City Lucena, and SM Center Dagupan.

As volunteer coordinator Antonio Reyes puts it: "We don't need a few people doing zero waste perfectly—we need millions doing it imperfectly. Your first step might be joining us for just one morning. But that morning could change everything."

For Manila Bay and coastlines everywhere, the future hangs in the balance—one volunteer, one cleanup, one kilogram of trash at a time.

For more information on how to participate in the World Oceans Day cleanup on June 7, 2025, visit your nearest participating SM Mall or check SM Cares social media channels.