In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025

“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it's our turn to give back. 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.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment

With gloves on and bags in hand, volunteers at SM City Lucena take part in SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup drive, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation.

On June 7, more than 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life came together to participate in a large statewide coastal cleaning organized by SM Cares, SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility division, in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.  Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines, demonstrating the positive effects that can occur when a community pulls together.

With gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life, volunteers flocked to the coasts of Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in support of this year's theme,“WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us.”

Beyond fostering community collaboration and promoting environmental responsibility, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup initiative played a vital role in cultivating healthier environment, enhancing the overall quality of life for local residents, and contributing to the long-term preservation of marine ecosystems.

Volunteers from SM City Manila assemble at the coastal cleanup site to remove marine waste and protect vital waterways in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

Stepping up for a cleaner tomorrow, volunteers from SM City San Lazaro join the coastal cleanup drive---picking up trash and protecting our shores, one piece at a time.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Dagupan take action for the environment during the coastal cleanup drive, shoveling sand and debris to help restore the shoreline.

SM City Iloilo volunteers join hands with the local community of Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo in a coastal cleanup drive, working together to preserve the shoreline and promote environmental sustainability.

SM City Davao volunteers are out on the shore, turning dedication into action as they clean up the coast and care for the planet.

Beaming with pride, volunteers at SM City CDO Uptown and Downtown hold up the coastal cleanup banner, standing united as ocean defenders in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

A National Movement for the Seas

A wide range of ocean defenders participated in the cleanup, including instructors, students, LGUs, staff, security and janitorial teams, and NGO partners.  In order to organize cleanups at a number of significant locations across the country, SM Cares collaborated closely with local government entities, environmental NGOs, youth organizations, and coastal barangays.

In addition to guaranteeing the initiative's success, these partnerships demonstrated the effectiveness of inclusive, community-driven action.  In order to clear tons of trash from shorelines, promote marine conservation, and encourage long-term behavioral changes toward environmental care, volunteers came together.

Students, teachers, and partner organizations join forces with SM Cares during the Coastal Cleanup drive—demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Demonstrating sustained commitment to protecting the environment, SM employee volunteers return to SM by the Bay to help protect the shoreline.

Building an #SMWasteFreeFuture

The June 7 cleanup is part of SM Cares’ broader sustainability vision through its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, which also includes weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY. 

This May 2025, SM employee-led cleanups have mobilized a total of 279 volunteers, collecting over 4,493 kilograms of waste—highlighting their firm commitment to keeping our coasts clean on a weekly basis. These sustained efforts contributed to creating a safer, more enjoyable coastal spaces for customers, while encouraging a stronger culture of environmental volunteerism.

By actively lowering marine pollution and preserving ocean habitats, SM Cares' Coastal Cleanup also promotes and aligns with a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, most notably SDG 14: Life Below Water.  Additionally, it supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through its cooperation with LGUs, NGOs, schools, and communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action by fostering community-led climate resilience and increasing environmental awareness.

With two more major cleanups planned for the year, SM Cares remains determined in its mission to inspire Filipinos to take action—one shoreline at a time. For more stories and updates on how you can be part of the movement, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.