Turning rainwater into a lifeline for sustainability, SM Supermalls is expanding its water conservation initiatives to Central Luzon as part of its continuing commitment to climate resilience amid the growing threat of El Niño.
With prolonged dry spells and water shortages posing challenges to communities, SM is strengthening its water stewardship efforts through innovative rainwater treatment, conservation, and reuse technologies.
“Resource conservation and risk-mitigation have always been at the heart of SM Supermalls. Since the 1990s, we have broadened our efforts to support national resource management by reducing our reliance on local water sources while helping address water scarcity as well as flooding,” said SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza B. Silerio.
At SM City Baguio, a Rainwater Treatment Facility uses advanced ozone technology, filtration, and reverse osmosis to transform collected rainwater into usable water. The facility can produce approximately 51,000 cubic meters annually, covering about one-third of the mall’s water consumption.
Building on this innovation, SM plans to expand its rainwater treatment initiatives in Central Luzon to help strengthen the region’s resilience against water scarcity and climate-related risks.
Nationwide, SM Supermalls operates 32 rainwater catchment facilities with a combined capacity of 87,000 cubic meters—equivalent to 35 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
These facilities not only conserve water for reuse in mall operations but also help manage stormwater runoff and mitigate flooding in vulnerable communities.
Through smart water monitoring and efficient resource management, SM continues to promote a circular system where water is captured, treated, conserved, and reused.
“Our initiatives and innovations are guided by the simple principle that every drop of water counts. We will continue our pledge to help build efficient and circular systems that benefit communities and the entire nation,” Silerio said.
The initiatives support the SM Green Movement, which champions water stewardship, waste management, and energy efficiency.
As Central Luzon faces increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, SM Supermalls’ planned expansion underscores a simple but powerful message: saving water today means securing communities for tomorrow.
