More than 48,800 volunteers from across the Philippines joined the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2025, gathering at 28 SM malls nationwide to collect over 200,000 kilograms of trash from coastlines, rivers, and waterways.
The flagship site at SM By the Bay brought thousands together to clear Manila Bay’s shoreline, while similar cleanups were held in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Over 500 groups—including government agencies, NGOs, schools, private organizations, and local communities—took part in this year’s effort.
The ICC coincided with SM Supermalls’ 40th anniversary, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through the #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign and the SM Green Movement.
“Through our Waste-Free Future vision, we commit to empowering communities and championing responsible waste management and recycling through simple, everyday actions,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. He praised the volunteers, saying they “embody the spirit of bayanihan” in protecting the country’s shores.
Partner organizations also stressed the importance of collaboration. DENR Undersecretary Marilou G. Erni said, “Working with SM Cares amplifies the impact of ICC by providing venues, mobilizing volunteers, and connecting diverse groups for one shared mission: protecting marine biodiversity.”
Volunteer Marife Rapa from WSAudiology Philippines Corp. shared: “Seeing thousands of people—students, families, co-workers—all working together gave me hope that we can build a cleaner, healthier future for the next generation.”
As ICC marks its 40th year, SM remains its largest private sector partner in the Philippines, highlighting the power of public-private partnerships in advancing sustainability.
Beyond cleaning coastlines, SM’s efforts aim to make its malls more than shopping destinations—serving as community hubs for environmental action and nation-building.
