Waves of Change: Thousands Join SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup

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.

On June 7, SM Cares, SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility arm, coordinated a large statewide coastline cleanup in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, over 5,000 volunteers. Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines, demonstrating that when a community works together, real change happens.

This year's theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” struck a deep chord as volunteers took to the beaches of Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, armed with gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life.

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.

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.

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.

“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

A National Movement for the Seas

The cleanup brought a varied group of ocean defenders, including students and teachers, local governments, non-governmental organizations, employees, and security and janitorial crews.  SM Cares collaborated with local government units, environmental organizations, youth groups, and coastal barangays to organize cleanups at numerous important sites across the country.

These relationships not only secured the initiative's success, but also demonstrated the potential of inclusive, community-driven action.  Volunteers met to clean up tons of trash from beaches, raise awareness about marine conservation, and encourage long-term behavioral change toward environmental care.

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.

SM Cares' Coastal Cleanup also promotes and aligns with numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14: Life Below Water, by decreasing marine pollution and safeguarding ocean habitats.  It also helps to achieve SDG 13: Climate Action by boosting environmental awareness and encouraging community-led climate resilience, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by collaborating with local governments, non-governmental organizations, schools, and communities.

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.