With a state-of-the-art trash boat, SM Prime and DENR support cleanup activities in Manila Bay

The 30-foot catamaran is designed to efficiently collect and carry up to 1 ton of waste.

To support the continued fight against water pollution, SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were present to give over a cutting-edge catamaran trash boat for Manila Bay. The boat, along with necessary safety and navigational gear and cleaning supplies, was delivered to DENR on January 31st. The DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office-South Zone will run the 30-foot catamaran, which will help the agency fight water pollution and protect the important maritime habitat.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-
Loyzaga (middle) receives the symbolic key to a catamaran donated by SM Prime, boosting Manila Bay cleanup efforts.

This contribution adds to the DENR’s arsenal of tools for cleaning Manila Bay. The catamaran will facilitate the more effective collection of rubbish and floating debris, supporting the larger endeavor to restore the biological health of the bay and enhance water quality. The work with SM Prime serves as an excellent example of how well public-private partnerships may address intricate environmental issues.

“This catamaran represents our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our belief in the power of collaboration to create a sustainable future for our communities,” said SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, emphasizing the shared vision of both organizations. SM Prime’s contribution complements the DENR’s ongoing initiatives, including the Paranaque Adopt-a-River project, and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving lasting environmental improvements.

From left: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Jonas
Leones, DENR National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Executive Director Michael Drake
Matias, DENR Assistant Secretary and Environmental Management Bureau Director Jacqueline
Caancan, SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia
Yulo-Loyzaga, and SM Prime Estate Management and Development Senior Assistant Vice President Orliber Paule at the catamaran handover ceremony.

The agency’s dedication to using partnerships to further its environmental objectives was underscored by the attendance of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and other DENR officials. The DENR’s ongoing efforts to keep Manila Bay clean and safeguard its priceless resources for coming generations would be greatly aided by the catamaran. This partnership is an example of how the public and private sectors may cooperate to solve urgent environmental issues and make the environment healthier.