MANILA, Philippines (Apr 2026) — Picking up plastic bottles from the beach is easy. Knowing what to do with them afterward is the hard part. SM Supermalls is trying to bridge that gap by turning its recent coastal cleanups into hands-on lessons on waste segregation.
In celebration of World Water Day, SM Cares organized cleanup drives across seven malls in six locations, including SM City La Union, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM City Daet. But instead of just bagging everything together, volunteers were taught how to sort the waste they collected.
Why sorting matters
The goal was to show participants exactly what ends up in our oceans and how proper disposal can stop it. During the activity, collected items were categorized on the spot. Volunteers saw firsthand how much of the debris consisted of single-use plastic packaging and beverage containers, materials that often threaten marine life if not managed correctly.
Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director for Environment and Sustainability at SM Supermalls, emphasized that cleaning up is only half the battle. She noted that protecting marine environments requires an end-to-end approach, starting with education and leading to sustained behavioral change.
By focusing on waste analysis, the initiative aims to move beyond one-day events and encourage responsible habits in daily life, such as recycling and proper disposal at home.
Bayanihan for the planet
The cleanups brought together mall communities, local stakeholders, and environmental partners, highlighting the spirit of bayanihan. It wasn’t just about removing trash, but about building a shared sense of responsibility for local coastal habitats.
This effort is part of SM’s broader Waste-Free Future campaign under the SM Green Movement. The company plans to continue these initiatives throughout the year, with upcoming drives scheduled for World Oceans Day in June, International Coastal Cleanup in September, and National Environmental Awareness Month in November.
For those interested in joining future activities or learning more about SM Cares’ sustainability programs, details are available on the SM Supermalls website.
