In the first half of 2025, over 8,500 volunteers gathered more than 70,000 kilograms of trash.

As the country gets ready for the peak of the rainy season, SM Cares is swiftly increasing its coastal cleanup initiatives to safeguard vulnerable communities throughout the Philippines.

With hands ready to serve, employee volunteers from SM Sta. Mesa join the coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay—proving that small acts of care can create waves of change for our planet.

From January to June 2025, SM Cares mobilized 8,571 volunteers at various SM malls and coastal communities nationwide. Their efforts led to the successful collection of 70,887 kilograms of trash from shorelines and waterways. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to disaster resilience and environmental protection, especially vital during months when clogged waterways and marine pollution exacerbate the effects of heavy rainfall and urban flooding.

SM City Lucena volunteers join hands with the community in a coastal cleanup, creating a cleaner shoreline and a stronger, united future.

“This isn’t just about picking up trash—it’s about saving homes, safeguarding health, and helping communities become more resilient to the floods and diseases that come with the rainy season,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment. “The work we do today has a direct impact on the safety of families tomorrow.”

SM Cares’ coastal cleanup activities aim to achieve both environmental and humanitarian goals. By removing plastic waste and non-biodegradable trash from coastlines, these efforts protect marine ecosystems and help mitigate flooding risks in neighboring barangays. This cleanup prevents waterways from being blocked, which reduces the likelihood of storm surges and the spread of waterborne diseases.

In celebration of SM Supermalls’ 40th Anniversary, SM Cares is inviting the public to participate in its largest cleanup initiative yet. On September 20, 2025, SM Cares will lead the International Coastal Cleanup, aiming to mobilize 40,000 volunteers nationwide across various locations. The main event will be held at SM by the BAY, where individuals, families, and organizations can join together in a shared mission to restore our coastal communities.

Join us in creating a lasting impact—because cleaner shores mean safer communities. Learn how you can be part of the movement to protect our oceans by visiting SM Cares’ official pages at https://linktr.ee/smcares.

Driven by purpose, SM City Davao volunteers take action in a coastal cleanup—showing how collective care can protect and preserve our natural world.

SM City Tanza volunteers lead a coastal cleanup to help protect the community during rainy season—proving that caring for the environment is also caring for each other.

Sustainably SM: Driving Collective Action for a Greener Tomorrow

As a champion of environmental stewardship, SM Cares leads inclusive and innovative initiatives that promote sustainable living, climate resilience, and resource conservation.

By actively engaging communities, partner organizations, and mall-goers, SM Cares fosters collective action to reduce environmental impact and build a greener, more resilient future. Through strong partnerships, innovation, and education, SM Cares leads the way in creating sustainable spaces and inspires everyday environmental responsibility across generations.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of evolving with you, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—continues to lead the way in sustainable development. They integrate green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into their 88 malls across the Philippines. This commitment not only creates inclusive spaces that enrich communities but also supports climate action, ensuring a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.

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