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.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) - the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverage products - recently reported a six percent reduction in its 2020 water usage, compared with previous year. The company saved 5,836,587 cubic meters of water which is more than 2,300 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

In support of 2021 World Water Day, PCPPI commits to improve its water reduction. The company detailed it recycled and reused more than 100,000 m3 or more than 26 million gallons of water.

“Despite the challenges from the pandemic, we still upheld our water stewardship principles. The company respects water as a fundamental right. Thus, we strictly manage our water consumption and water wastes,” said PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick D. Ong.

Internally, PCPPI will replicate its water reuse initiatives implemented in its Muntinlupa plant. The company will mirror the project in its Tanuan, Zamboanga, and Cebu plants this year.

To bolster its water stewardship initiatives, PCPPI is strengthening its host communities' involvement. This year, the company will partner with more local government units for its adopt-a-river program.

"Our company does not stop at managing our water resource. We also plan to nourish our sources of clean water to further sustain its supply," added Ong. Water Stewardship is one of PCPPI's three Sustainability pillars. It is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), the Philippine Development Plan, and PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose.