Photo source: SM Prime 

The quest for clean seas and oceans demands unwavering commitment, consistent action, and genuine care for our shared planet. 

The ocean takes up about 94% of the entire planet's wildlife, which is also the largest ecosystem on Earth. It covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface and contains more than 97% of the water on the planet.

Clean seas are also vital for human health as oceans, particularly through phytoplankton produce a significant portion of the world's oxygen which is essential for every living creature, whether human, animal, or plant. Our world's bodies of water are also a food source for billions of people, which is crucial for global food security; climate regulation, as it absorbs large amounts of excess heat and carbon dioxide; and the planet's water cycle providing freshwater through evaporation and precipitation.

In the Philippines, SM Prime has emerged as an influence in this global movement, embracing environmental stewardship not just as a responsibility, but also as a core aspect of its corporate identity. 

SM City Tanza volunteers join a Philippine Coast Guard coastal cleanup, demonstrating SM Prime's environmental commitment. Photo source: SM Prime SM's enduring dedication, in line with its Net Zero 2040 initiative to reduce emissions, goes beyond merely protecting coastal ecosystems – it also inspires Filipinos across communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles, transforming collective awareness into actionable impact. This dedication continues to translate into tangible, meaningful results. 

In 2024 alone, SM's mall cleanup initiatives collected and diverted a total of 157,425 kilograms of trash from ending up in our seas, oceans, and other bodies of water, reducing its impact on marine biodiversity and helping preserve our planet's marine ecosystems.

Understanding the intricate relationship between waste and climate change, SM has been helping to address the solid waste crisis not only because it pollutes our waters, but also because it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Landfills filled with organic and plastic waste emit methane, a potent GHG far more destructive than carbon dioxide in accelerating climate change.

Through proactive cleanup activities and robust waste management initiatives, SM helps address this issue head-on, helping reduce environmental harm while mitigating its impact on the global climate.

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

Part of SM Prime's success in its cleanup initiative may be attributed to its employees and countless volunteers, who help ensure that all of its efforts are comprehensive and long-lasting. Photo source: SM Prime

Collaboration lies at the heart of SM's environmental initiatives. Recognizing that achieving clean oceans requires collective action, SM partners with government agencies, local governments, and international organizations. Frequent collaborators include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), various local government units (LGUs), and global groups such as Ocean Conservancy, particularly for the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

ICC 2024 represented a milestone for SM's participation in the initiative, celebrating its 10th consecutive year of engagement while also being its largest to date, activating 15 SM malls nationwide and drawing a turnout of 23,320 passionate volunteers. This record-breaking participation highlights SM's growing influence and underscores the expanding public enthusiasm for protecting our oceans.

Committed to maintaining this momentum, SM continues to sustain its cleanup efforts through consistent engagement. At SM By the Bay, regular monthly cleanup activities have been ongoing since January 2025, demonstrating SM's commitment to lasting environmental care.

Looking ahead, SM invites the community to participate in its upcoming cleanup drives: on June 7, celebrating World Oceans Day and Philippine Environment Month; on September 20, observing International Coastal Cleanup Day; and on November 24, empowering youth participation in the National Day for Youth in Climate Action.

"Everyone has a role to play in achieving a cleaner, healthier planet. For us at SM, we always encourage 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 through our Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) bins found in our malls," said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President.

To know more about SM Prime's initiatives visit their website.