5K join SM coastal cleanup, collect 30K kg of waste

More than 5,000 volunteers across the Philippines joined a massive coastal cleanup on June 7 in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, removing approximately 30,000 kilograms of trash from the country’s shorelines.

The effort was led by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, in coordination with local government units, environmental organizations, youth groups, and coastal communities. Cleanups were held simultaneously across Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

This year’s theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” underscored the collective action to preserve ocean ecosystems and combat marine pollution.

“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it's our turn to give back,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment. “This coastal cleanup isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a symbol of our shared duty to preserve biodiversity and inspire action for a sustainable future, while bringing lasting positive impacts to the community by advancing healthier coastal spaces, and uniting people through shared environmental action.”

Participants included students, teachers, local government workers, NGO members, and SM employees—including mall security and janitorial teams—all working to raise awareness about marine conservation and promote long-term behavioral change.

The event is part of SM Cares’ wider sustainability initiative, #SMWasteFreeFuture, which includes weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY. In May alone, 279 SM employees joined cleanup activities, collecting more than 4,400 kilograms of waste.

The program also aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

SM Cares said the effort aims not only to address plastic pollution but also to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and strengthen community resilience through continued collaboration.