SM marked Earth Day 2024 with a series of initiatives designed to promote environmental responsibility
and empower the next generation.
In a groundbreaking partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
Nestle Philippines, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, SM Cares has initiated
the “Earth Day Every Day Project.” This innovative program empowers young people to become
environmental stewards by focusing on plastic waste reduction. Students are encouraged to collect plastics
within their communities and deposit them at designated collection facilities within SM malls nationwide.
Additionally, the SM Plastic Waste Collection Program, a partnership with the non-governmental
organization (NGO) Friends of Hope, aims to reduce plastic waste in landfills and oceans through proper
plastic segregation.
SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio (right), Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga (center), and
Nestle Philippines’ Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Jose Uy III (left) during the
Earth Day Every Day project partners’ signing ceremony.
Recognizing the pressing issue of electronic waste (e-waste), SM Cares has partnered with PLDT
and Smart to enhance the reach of its Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program. This
The Earth Day Every Day Project student participants recycled plastics from their homes by bringing
them to designated SM Plastic Waste Collection bins.
collaborative effort expands access to safe and responsible e-waste disposal solutions for
Filipinos nationwide, while promoting responsible consumption habits among consumers.
SM, PLDT, and Smart are working together to make e-waste disposal easier. (L-R): PLDT Home
Ambassador Denise Laurel, PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios,
PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Wireless Business Alex Caeg, SM
Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice
President and Head of Sales and Development John Palanca, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for
Corporate Compliance Group Engr. Liza Silerio, and SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Sponsorship
and Cyberzone Patrick Pacla.
Made from 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons, the newly redesigned SM Electronic Waste
Collection Drop Box will soon be available at SM Cyberzone located at 85 SM Supermalls nationwide.
Internally, SM launched the #SMWasteFreeFuture program, aiming to revolutionize waste management
practices across the company. This program emphasizes a shift in mindset towards waste reduction and
responsible disposal, fostering positive behavioral changes among employees and creating a company-
wide culture of sustainability.
Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development (SMEDD) encourages the
SM community to take part in the waste management journey.
Dr. Rea Villa of Mind You; Willie Garcia of JunkNot, and Antoinette Taus of CORA join the SM PrimeSustainability Technical Working Group (TWG) leads during the #SMWasteFreeFuture launch event.
“At SM, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity. Through
programs like these, we are committed to creating a positive impact on the environment and
inspiring others to join us in building a greener future,” said Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program
Director for the Environment.
The Earth Day celebrations kicked off with the internal deployment of SM’s new waste
segregation scheme: R-D-C or Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable.
These initiatives underscore SM Cares’ unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability,
transcending Earth Day to embody a continuous effort towards creating a more sustainable future
for all.
SM Prime remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading social good. This dedication extends
to SM’s forthcoming endeavors, which will be led by its future property development, with a focus
on enhancing positive social impact in the communities where SM operates.
To learn more about programs building a greener future, including SM Prime’s commitment to
incorporating these sustainability initiatives into its future developments, visit
www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
