In an inspiring display of unity and environmental commitment, more than 5,000 volunteers across the Philippines gathered on June 7, 2025, to mark World Oceans Day through a massive nationwide coastal cleanup. Spearheaded by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the initiative cleared an astonishing 30,000 kilograms of trash from the country’s coastlines—showcasing the true power of community-driven action.
This year’s World Oceans Day theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” struck a deep chord with volunteers from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as they donned gloves, hoisted sacks, and united under a shared mission: to protect and preserve the oceans that sustain life.
A Symbol of Private Sector Leadership
While coastal cleanups are by no means new, the scale and structure of this initiative underscore a key truth: the private sector has an essential role to play in environmental stewardship.
“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.”
That message resonates beyond the shorelines. Through its broad-based approach and deep partnerships, SM Cares is helping transform the traditional corporate model into one that actively addresses today’s pressing environmental challenges.
A National Movement Anchored in Collaboration
One of the most powerful aspects of this year’s cleanup was its inclusivity. The event brought together a wide array of ocean defenders—from students and teachers to local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), coastal barangays, and even security and janitorial teams.
This diverse coalition worked hand in hand to tackle one of the greatest threats to our marine ecosystems: plastic and waste pollution. SM Cares collaborated closely with local communities and environmental organizations to maximize impact, ensuring that the cleanup was not only effective but also educational—raising awareness and driving behavioral change among thousands of participants.
Sustaining Momentum: The #SMWasteFreeFuture Campaign
The June 7 event is part of SM Cares’ broader sustainability vision, embodied in its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign. Far from being a one-off event, the campaign involves continuous action—such as weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY, where 279 employee-volunteers recently collected more than 4,493 kilograms of waste in May alone.
These regular efforts are helping foster a culture of environmental volunteerism and accountability, both within SM Supermalls and across the wider community. More than just cleaning beaches, the initiative is building a movement.
Aligning with Global Goals
Beyond local impact, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – by directly reducing marine pollution.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by promoting climate awareness and resilience.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering cross-sector collaboration.
By embedding sustainability into its corporate DNA, SM Supermalls is demonstrating that private companies can—and should—be drivers of positive environmental change.
Why Private Sector Initiatives Matter
Environmental challenges such as ocean pollution cannot be solved by government alone. Private sector involvement is critical because companies like SM Supermalls can mobilize large networks, invest resources, and bring visibility to the cause—while modeling sustainable business practices for others to follow.
Moreover, by making sustainability a visible and participatory effort, SM Cares helps shift public attitudes. Every volunteer who joined the cleanup returned home not only with cleaner coastlines but also with a heightened sense of environmental responsibility.
The Road Ahead
With two more major cleanups planned for the year, SM Cares is determined to keep the momentum going—one shoreline at a time.
To be part of this growing movement and learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.