Over 500 volunteers took part in SM’s recent Cleanup Drive to show support for the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program as they dredged the stretch of the Central Park of SM by the BAY, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.
The volunteers began the Cleanup Drive as early as six o’clock in the morning and were able to gather over 1,820 kilograms of garbage. Through this green initiative, the public is made aware of the importance of keeping waterways such as rivers, beaches, and bays, clean and free from litter and commercial refuse.
“We are very grateful that more and more people from different communities around us are joining this activity. Through the years, even expats, tourists, and backpackers participate. We believe that the whole world knows that the Philippines is widely-recognized for having a rich biodiversity in marine life. Because of this, we are committed to stay consistent to make sure more people know about it and what it means for us and our future,” said Perkin So, Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations of SM Mall of Asia.
In attendance at the quarterly Cleanup Drive were representatives from Pasay City Environment Office (PCENRO), non-government organizations, members of the surrounding local community, local interest groups such as running and Frisbee teams, and employee volunteers from SM.
SM by the BAY has been conducting cleanup drives and other similar environmental initiatives since 2015.
“Environmental issues are visible everywhere. Today’s Cleanup Drive participated in by hundreds of people from different walks of life, signifies a pressing need to care and respect the environment. Our coming together here today is an affirmation of our commitment to be responsible members of the community,” said Liza B. Silerio, Program Director of the SM Cares Program on Environment and Sustainability.
As part of their commitment to a healthier environment, SM by the BAY leads the International Coastal Cleanup for Metro Manila, in support of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day, held every third Saturday of September annually.
Other environment and sustainability programs of SM include solar panel rooftop installations which promote the use of clean energy; water recycling treatment for all malls, wherein all recycled water is used back for non-potable and industrial needs; the Automated Weather Stations; the monthly Trash-to-Cash Recycling Market; and the Green Film Festival, to name a few.
As a responsible integrated property developer, SM ensures that its CSR programs serve as a catalyst for positive change in the communities that it supports. To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares or send an e-mail to smcares@smsupermalls.com. For SM by the BAY’s cleanup drive information, you may visit www.facebook.com/SMbytheBAY, send an email to thesmbythebay@gmail.com or contact (02) 556-0364.