SM Coastal Cleanups Go Beyond Trash, Teach Communities to Care

 In celebration of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls.

This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems. 

The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away from the ocean. 

During the cleanups, collected waste was carefully sorted and categorized, allowing participants to see firsthand the types of materials commonly found in coastal areas—from plastic packaging and beverage containers to other discarded items that threaten marine life and coastal habitats. 

By focusing on waste analysis and segregation, raised awareness on the impact of improperly managed waste and encouraged Filipinos to adopt more responsible environmental practices in their daily lives.

These coastal cleanup activities form part of SM Supermalls’ broader environmental sustainability programs, aligned with the SM Green Movement and the company’s Waste-Free Future campaign. 

“Protecting our coastal and marine environments requires a more proactive, end-to-end approach with the cleanups starting with education, deepening awareness, and sustaining collective action,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director for Environment and Sustainability of SM Supermalls. “By helping communities understand the importance of proper waste segregation and responsible waste management, we hope to inspire long-term behavioral change that benefits both people and the planet.”

The initiative also highlights the spirit of bayanihan, bringing together mall communities, environmental partners, and local stakeholders in a shared effort to care for the environment.

As SM Cares continues to strengthen its sustainability programs throughout the year, the public is encouraged to participate in upcoming environmental initiatives, including World Oceans Day Cleanup Drives in June, International Coastal Cleanup activities in September, and National Environmental Awareness Month initiatives in November.

Through sustained efforts like these, SM Cares continues to empower communities to take part in protecting the environment—all for Filipinos, and all for the planet. 

To learn more about SM Cares’ environmental initiatives and how you can take part in upcoming programs, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

BEST NEW Firsts in Cebu: Little Escapes Made Just for You

 

This month, Metro Cebu welcomes you with feel-good flavors, playful finds, and cozy new spots to enjoy. With the long weekends giving more time to unwind, it’s the perfect chance to explore something new—whether you’re craving a quick bite, refreshing your routine, or simply slowing down.

In this bold new era of SM Supermalls, evolving finds are waiting for you–where everything is thoughtfully chosen to match the way you live from hanging out with friends to relaxing solo. From dining to lifestyle, these new experiences are here to make everyday moments in the spaces you already love even more special, because we truly got it all for you here at SM Supermalls.

Where Delight Awaits You in SM City Cebu

In the heart of the city, SM City Cebu keeps things exciting with spaces and experiences that feel fresh. Its expanded mix features curated brands, exceptional dining, and premium finds—all handpicked to fit the way you shop, connect, and relax. From carefully selected lifestyle picks to specially chosen finds, here are a few worth checking out to make your next visit even more memorable.

Smart Home Innovations

• Dyson - This first in Cebu is ready to turn your everyday chore into something you’ll actually look forward to! Step into a world of sleek design and smart technology here at SM City Cebu—where tasks, from cleaning to hairstyling, will feel less like a chore and more like a treat. From effortless hair styling to powerful home must-haves, we’re all about making your life smoother, smarter, and a little more stylish.

Italian Favorites

• Cibo - Craving the kind of comfort only a perfectly twirled forkful of pasta can give? We’ve got you. At Cibo in SM City Cebu, you’ll find Italian classics made the way they should be—fresh, flavorful, and timeless. From hearty pastas and wood-fired pizzas to refreshing salads and signature desserts, consider your taste buds officially on a holiday—no passport required!

Bookworm Picks

• Fully Booked x Kinokuniya - Open a new chapter at the Second Level of SM City Cebu with the first-ever Fully Booked x Kinokuniya in Cebu. Step into a world of stories and ideas—where Japanese-language titles, bestselling novels, and timeless classics meet creative journals, unique stationery, and lifestyle treasures. Every shelf invites you to discover something new, spark your imagination, and take inspiration home with you.

Your Gateway to the Unexpected at SM Seaside City Cebu

With its stunning seaside views, SM Seaside City Cebu sets the stage for experiences that feel a little out of the ordinary. From standout dining with breathtaking backdrops to unique stores and activities that will make your long weekend even more exciting, each stop is here to bring something unexpected to your day. Check out these picks worth discovering on your next day out.

Authentic Bites

• Co. Limited – Craving a little thrill on your plate? The wait is over—Co. Limited is bringing the vibrant flavors and energy of Thai street food to Cebu for the very first time. Opening September 30 at SM City Cebu, get ready to savor bold bites and an experience you won’t forget. With a fresh pairing of elevated touches, every bite is chosen to keep your taste buds on their toes from zesty salads to sizzling stir-fries! Peep this crave-worthy eat at the Upper Ground Level, Seaview Wing. 

Style Stop

• Issy – Effortless beauty makes its first mark in Cebu at the Second Level, Seaview Wing—bringing makeup and skincare essentials that are easy to use, versatile, and endlessly chic. From everyday staples to bold statement shades, each piece is chosen to let you play, experiment, and discover your own kind of glow.

From flavorful firsts to lifestyle picks, Cebu’s newest experiences are here to bring you more curated ways to enjoy your day. Whether it’s a day out with friends or a quick solo trip, there’s something new waiting for you here in this #NewEraOfSMSupermalls.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!

Prioritize your safety during natural calamities by knowing what to do - and doing it

 The Philippines has long been considered calamity-prone and vulnerable to disasters. In fact, it placed third among all the highest-risk countries worldwide, according to the World Risk Report of 2018.

A big contributor is the country’s geographical location and make-up. As an archipelago, the Philippines is composed of many small islands and is surrounded by water. It is also located within the Typhoon belt and the “Ring of Fire” and between the Eurasian and Pacific tectonic plates. Thus, natural occurrences such as typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, are almost always a disaster waiting to happen - literally.

Just recently, the Visayas and Mindanao regions suffered from the devastating effects of Typhoon Odette. Taal Volcano’s last eruption was only in 2020, and it affected more than 736,000 people. Filipinos constantly experience a barrage of natural disasters, and yet, a study from the Harvard

Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) in 2018 shows that 47.5% of all the respondents said they have not done anything to prepare themselves for a disaster within the past five years, and only 36% feel prepared enough.

November 2013. Tacloban, Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan, known as Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, was one of the most intense tropical cyclones on record.

Still, there seems to be hope in encouraging Filipinos to start prioritizing their safety and investing in disaster preparedness. In the same Harvard study,4 many of the respondents said if they had enough funds and resources, they would definitely be willing to prepare ahead. This shows that, in spite of it all, Filipinos do want to be ready.

So, what can we as individuals do to make sure that we are well-equipped when the next typhoon, earthquake, or volcanic eruption hits? The first step is to know your location well. Is it prone to flooding? How far away is it from the nearest volcano? Is it close to a fault line? All this information can be found with just a click of a button, thanks to digitalized documentation efforts led by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). (Link: https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/gisweb-hazard-maps) 

Once you have assessed your location’s vulnerabilities, now you can actively prepare yourself and your home for any incoming calamities. Check your house for any damages, and if it is made from materials that can withstand ground movement or strong winds. Keep a Go Bag with emergency resources accessible, both in your homes and places of work. 

SM Lanang Premier in Davao has a rain water catchment tank with a capacity of 600 cubic meters

Finally, make it a habit to listen to the radio and the news for any updates, and monitor your local government unit’s social media for any announcements. Familiarize yourself with as many routes as you can to your nearest evacuation center. Schools, barangay courts, and even malls like SM Supermalls often open their doors to receive evacuees in times of crisis.

   

SM DRR Facilities: (Left) Automated Weather Stations: SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has inked a partnership with the Manila Observatory for the “High Definition Clean Energy, Climate, and Weather Forecasts for the Philippines” Project, a data-driven system that utilizes automated weather stations (AWS) and high-performance computer modeling to provide clean energy and weather forecasts up to five days in advance. (Right) SM has also installed Earthquake Recording Instrumentations (ERI) on all malls for earth movement real time monitoring being recorded in an ERI dashboard.

SM, as a responsible member of the community, has taken disaster resilience as a necessary investment to help ensure that our communities thrive. SM allots 10% of its capital expenditures to incorporate disaster-resilient features, of which installing water management design features is one of them. By ensuring that its investments, employees, tenants and partners are resilient, no Filipino will be left behind.

“It is simply not a matter of if, but when,” said Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings. “We already know that there will always be another typhoon, another earthquake, another natural calamity. Our best bet to avoid personal losses and damages is to be ready for when it comes.” 

SM Marikina stands tall above a 23-meter Marikina River water lever rise because it sits on 246 stilts and an additional 20 meters farther than the suggested 90-meter distance from the Marikina River centerline. 

Some of SM’s notable resilient infrastructure is SM City Marikina and SM Mall of Asia, designed to help mitigate the effect of flooding in the community. Most SM malls feature disaster-resilient designs including SM City Puerto Princesa in Palawan wherein the mall es elevated approximately 1.40 meters from the City Road, thus preventing it to be flooded from the heavy rain throughout the year. SM City Consolacion in Cebu has an adequately designed draining system discharging to adjacent creek and area surface drain along the perimeter walls. 

SM Seaside City Cebu 

SM Seaside City Cebu's protection against storm surges is provided by elevating the site above mean sea level, thereby allowing the mall to be a place of refuge during times of flooding. The complex road was constructed 4.0m (not 3.0m) higher than the city road. Instead of flood barrier walls as a solution to the threat of flooding, the building's main floor was also elevated at 4.0m (not 4.5m) from the complex roads. The first level was designed to be a parking area with a 4.0m elevation difference from the main floor.

“We often ask ourselves – how else can we make it better for the people? We don’t want to just simply build malls, but more importantly, we make sure that our developments improve the lives of the community by adding disaster-resilient features to help mitigate the potential effects of disasters,” Sy added.