Invasion in Silver: Ateneo Biologists Sound Alarm on Alien Aquarium Fish Threatening Laguna de Bay Ecosystem

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Laguna de Bay, Philippines — A shimmering silver fish, once admired in aquariums, is now at the heart of an environmental alarm ringing across the country’s scientific and conservation communities. In a landmark study published in the Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, biologists from Ateneo de Manila University have confirmed the presence of Barbonymus schwanefeldii—commonly known as the tinfoil barb—in the waters of Laguna de Bay, the Philippines' largest freshwater lake.

What seems like a harmless ornamental species has revealed itself as a potential ecological saboteur.

A Glittering Threat in the Depths

The tinfoil barb, a fast-growing, omnivorous fish native to Southeast Asia (but not the Philippines), is easily recognized by its glistening silver scales and vibrant fins—traits that make it a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. But beneath its dazzling appearance lies a dark ecological threat. According to the Ateneo research team, this alien species, once introduced into open waters, has the potential to outcompete native fish for food and breeding grounds.

The confirmation came after a detailed morphological analysis of a specimen captured in 2024. While previous sightings had circulated anecdotally or in unverified reports, this marks the first scientifically confirmed record of the species in the lake. The researchers warn that this could be the tip of the iceberg.

“Although ours was the first confirmed sighting of B. schwanefeldii in Laguna de Bay, sightings have also been reported in nearby rivers such as in Pagsanjan, Laguna, and elsewhere,” said lead biologist Kent Elson S. Sorgon. “We hope that local authorities can help raise awareness and put in further monitoring efforts—not just for this, but for other invasive species as well.”

The Bigger Picture: An Unfolding Ecological Crisis

Laguna de Bay, already suffering from urban runoff, overfishing, and pollution, now faces a fresh threat that could destabilize its ecosystem even further. The lake is not just a body of water—it is a lifeline for millions of Filipinos, providing fisheries, drinking water, irrigation, and even flood regulation for surrounding provinces and Metro Manila.

If left unchecked, the tinfoil barb could wreak havoc similar to past aquatic invasions such as the spread of tilapia or janitor fish—both non-native species that eventually led to massive disruptions in local aquatic biodiversity. The damage goes beyond fish populations; these disruptions ripple through the entire food web and pose long-term consequences for human communities reliant on the lake.

“The lake is already on the brink,” said environmental biologist Jazreen Nicole G. Parungo. “An aggressive and adaptable species like Barbonymus schwanefeldii could be the ecological tipping point.”

From Pet to Predator: How Did It Get Here?

While it remains unclear exactly how the species was introduced into Laguna de Bay, experts suspect that aquarium dumping—where pet owners release unwanted fish into local bodies of water—could be the culprit. This practice, though seemingly benign, often leads to devastating consequences when non-native species establish themselves in environments unequipped to handle them.

The researchers stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to discourage the release of pet fish into open water systems, as well as stringent regulations on the import and sale of non-native species.

A Call for Action: National Policy on Invasive Freshwater Species

In response to the growing concern, the study's authors urge policymakers to implement a comprehensive national inventory of alien freshwater species, alongside robust biosecurity frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. Current policies remain patchy, and enforcement is limited—especially in rural and peri-urban areas surrounding major lakes and rivers.

“This is not just about one species,” said co-author Mariko Franccesca R. Aboganda. “It’s about a larger issue of how we manage, or fail to manage, our freshwater ecosystems in the face of globalization, unregulated trade, and climate change.”

Preserving Our Lakes, Protecting Our Future

This discovery serves as a timely warning: even the smallest intrusions—like a pet fish—can have monumental consequences when left unchecked. For a country made up of thousands of islands, rivers, and lakes, the Philippines’ aquatic ecosystems are both a treasure and a responsibility.

With this newfound knowledge from the Ateneo team, the silver shimmer in Laguna de Bay is no longer a beautiful mystery—it’s a glimmering red flag.

The question now is whether we act in time—or allow another alien species to silently reshape our natural heritage, one ripple at a time.

A Breath of Fresh Air: SM Supermalls Redefines Retail with a Mission to Clean Urban Skies

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the heart of the urban jungle, where high-rises and concrete often drown out green spaces and breathable air, SM Supermalls is rewriting the story of city living—one mall at a time.

At SM, Shopping Means Sustainability

Gone are the days when malls were just centers of commerce. Today, they are sanctuaries—designed not only for convenience and leisure but also for climate resilience and public well-being. With a deep understanding of the environmental challenges faced by densely populated cities, SM Supermalls has transformed the retail experience into a powerful environmental statement.

From the open-air MOA Sky to the lush Sky Garden of SM North EDSA, SM is breathing new life into our cities—literally. These green spaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re functional, engineered to cool the environment, absorb pollutants, and promote wellness in the most unexpected of places.

Urban Design That Cares for People and the Planet

Imagine strolling through the sprawling arcades of SM Mall of Asia with the sea breeze in your hair and trees lining your path. Picture dining under the stars in SM Aura’s sky garden or resting on a shaded bench surrounded by endemic plants and bubbling water features in SM North EDSA.

These design elements aren’t just aesthetic. They are SM’s answer to the growing demand for breathable, livable cities. By combining architecture with ecology, SM malls offer a refreshing blend of nature and innovation, transforming how we experience urban life.

Pedaling Toward Cleaner Cities

In a bold step toward reducing carbon emissions, SM Supermalls is also championing a cycling culture. With over 5,000 dedicated bike parking spaces nationwide, they’re empowering Filipinos to ditch the car keys for pedals. Not only does this reduce air pollution by up to 90% for short trips, but it also fosters healthier lifestyles and less congested cities.

The movement is catching on fast. Across SM’s properties, communities of cyclists are growing—each ride a step closer to cleaner air and greener roads.

Native Flora for Native Hope

While most urban spaces rely on imported ornamental plants, SM takes it a step further by nurturing native species. These plants are more resilient, require less maintenance, and play a vital role in filtering pollutants and attracting local wildlife. From butterflies to birds, these small havens of biodiversity offer a glimpse into what a truly sustainable city can be.

Rethinking Transit: Making Green Travel Easy

To truly change the urban landscape, it’s not enough to create green spaces—we must also change how we move. That’s why SM Supermalls are reimagining mobility by making public transportation more accessible. With in-mall terminals for buses, jeepneys, and other modes of transport, SM is helping reduce car usage, ease traffic congestion, and cut down on citywide emissions.

The Electric Revolution Begins Here

The future is electric—and SM Supermalls is paving the way. With Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) now available in 69 malls nationwide, SM is giving EV drivers a convenient way to recharge while they shop, dine, or unwind. EVs can slash greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60%, and SM’s infrastructure investments are helping make this future more attainable for everyone.

Data-Driven Action for Clean Air

Perhaps most impressive is SM’s commitment to empowering communities with knowledge. Through a partnership with the Quezon City government, SM has implemented an air quality monitoring system that tracks real-time pollution levels. These readings are publicly accessible, allowing residents, researchers, and policymakers to take action based on real data—an essential step in creating accountability and lasting change.

40 Years of Community, Now 40 Years of Climate Action

This year, as SM Supermalls celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company isn't just looking back on decades of growth—it’s looking forward with bold environmental goals. From pioneering sustainable waste and energy management practices to investing in disaster resilience, SM is proving that a corporation can thrive while caring deeply for its people and the planet.

A Vision Realized, A Future Reimagined

SM Supermalls isn’t simply greening its buildings—it’s greening the future. Every mall visit becomes an opportunity to breathe easier, think clearer, and live better. In an era where urban pollution is one of the greatest threats to health and sustainability, SM’s commitment is a shining beacon—a reminder that progress and preservation can, and must, go hand in hand.

With each tree planted, each bike parked, and each electric vehicle recharged, SM Supermalls invites us to reimagine city life not as a burden on the environment, but as a partner in its protection. And in doing so, they aren’t just transforming malls—they’re transforming the cities we call home.

Community in Action: SM Cares Powers Brigada Eskwela 2025 with Thousands of Volunteers Nationwide

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

SM Supermalls champions bayanihan spirit as it transforms public schools into cleaner, safer, and more inspiring places for learning.

June 9–13, 2025 — Across the nation, a different kind of transformation was unfolding—not in the bustling corridors of malls but in the humble classrooms of public schools. In an awe-inspiring show of unity, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, rallied more than a thousand employee-volunteers to actively participate in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela 2025. The initiative, themed “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela,” saw the heart of SM beating in perfect rhythm with the communities it serves.

From Luzon to Mindanao, the movement was palpable. In 75 SM malls nationwide, teams of dedicated employees rolled up their sleeves, picked up brooms, brushes, and tools—not to serve shoppers this time, but to serve 66 public schools, bringing fresh color, structure, and spirit into classrooms that will soon welcome eager young learners.

A Modern-Day Bayanihan

The sight was both moving and powerful—SM North EDSA volunteers sweeping dusty hallways, SM Center Pasig employees meticulously organizing learning materials, SM City Sorsogon teams repainting chairs with renewed care. At SM City Baliwag, an employee stacked hollow blocks with quiet determination, reinforcing not just a school wall, but a child’s future.

This wasn’t just about cleaning or repainting. It was about presence, compassion, and a collective promise that no child should return to a classroom that doesn't inspire them to dream big.

“We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and through volunteerism and shared responsibility, we aim to help create safe and welcoming learning spaces for students all across the country,” shared Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

Where Corporate Purpose Meets Community Progress

Brigada Eskwela 2025 didn’t just touch the walls of schools—it strengthened the very fabric of communities. In collaboration with DepEd, local government units, school officials, and neighborhood volunteers, the effort highlighted what can be achieved when businesses and communities unite for a cause bigger than themselves.

Volunteers engaged in a spectrum of meaningful tasks:

Cleaning and disinfecting classrooms

Repainting learning spaces and facades

Repairing chairs, desks, and minor infrastructure

Distributing essential learning materials

And most importantly, spreading hope

These acts of kindness, no matter how small, rippled through the hearts of students, parents, and educators—proving once more that every gesture counts when done with love and purpose.

Building Futures, Supporting Global Goals

Beyond the walls of the schools and the days of volunteer work, SM Supermalls’ participation in Brigada Eskwela aligns with its greater mission: contributing to inclusive, sustainable development. This advocacy echoes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Through SM Cares, SM continues to nurture programs that empower the most vulnerable sectors—children and youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women and breastfeeding mothers, and even bike-friendly communities—furthering its role as a community builder beyond commerce.

A Heart for Education, A Home for Every Child’s Dream

SM Supermalls has proven once again that meaningful change doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with a mop, a paintbrush, a hammer—or simply, with people who care.

As students prepare to return to school this academic year, many of them will walk into newly cleaned classrooms, sit on freshly painted chairs, and learn in safe, functional, and inspiring spaces. They may not know the names of the volunteers who made it possible—but they will feel the impact, deeply and daily.

And that is the true essence of community. That is the legacy of Brigada Eskwela 2025.

For more stories on how SM Cares is making a difference, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.

Together, let’s build more than malls. Let’s build futures.