Lifestyle

SM Cares marks World Oceans Day 2026 with coastal cleanup efforts for a waste-free future

7,500 SM employees, volunteers and partners mobilized for World Oceans Day 2026 to divert waste from the sea

This World Oceans Day, SM Cares brought the SM Green Movement to shore, reminding communities that protecting the ocean begins long before waste reaches the sea.

In celebration of World Oceans Day 2026, SM Cares led coastal cleanup efforts under the banner “Empowering Communities for an SM Waste-Free Future,” mobilizing 7,500 employees, tenants, volunteers, partners, and local stakeholders to take part in shared action for cleaner coastlines and healthier marine ecosystems. 19,000 kilograms of trash was successfully diverted from the ocean 36% less than the previous year.

The initiative formed part of SM Cares’ 2026 coastal cleanup calendar, which also includes World Water Day, International Coastal Cleanup, and National Environment Awareness Month. For World Oceans Day, participating SM malls included SM By the Bay and nine other SM Supermalls branches across communities with access to coastal and waterway areas.

The “All For You. All For Our Oceans.” activity championed ocean protection as a shared responsibility—one that begins with people working together to keep waste out of the ocean and to care for the environments that support communities, livelihoods, and future generations.

“Protecting our oceans begins with communities choosing to act together,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and SM Cares Program Director for Environment. “Through the SM Green Movement, we hope to inspire everyday responsibility—because for every volunteer who shows up, every piece of waste removed, and every habit changed, our waste-free future is more within reach.”

Beyond the cleanup, the World Oceans Day effort also served as a platform for environmental education and community engagement. Activities highlighted proper waste segregation, responsible waste management, and the importance of preventing trash from entering waterways and coastal ecosystems. Participating groups also included sustainability partners, schools, youth organizations, cycling groups, dive communities, environmental advocates, and local community members.

At SM By the Bay, the cleanup was supported by community-centered executions such as waste segregation demonstrations, and educational “trash talks”—helping participants see how small, practical actions can become part of everyday environmental care.

For SM Cares, coastal cleanups form an integral part of a broader commitment to bring sustainability beyond mall spaces, into the communities and ecosystems that need protection most. Through the SM Green Movement, SM Cares continues to empower communities to protect marine life, reduce waste, and build a culture of shared responsibility—today and for generations to come.

In 2025, SM recycled 6.6 million cubic meters, or roughly 6.6 billion liters of water – an amount that is equivalent to nearly a thousand times the water consumption of Metro Manila daily.

According to the United Nations, nearly half the global population faces severe water scarcity for at least one month every year. For SM, its year-round advocacy takes on greater urgency amid rising water scarcity concerns and a prolonged El Niño. As climate pressures and escalating water demand intensify strain on water resources, SM Supermalls steadfastly prioritizes water conservation and the circular use of this essential resource.

An advocacy that started 30 years ago

SM Supermalls’ initiatives began in the 1990s with the installation of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall, aimed at conserving water and protecting the environment of nearby communities. Since then, the mall operator has expanded its water conservation efforts, with 90 malls now equipped with facilities that recycle wastewater annually.

The mall operator has also embraced innovation to help reduce flooding and enhance water recovery efforts. SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility, for example, collects and treats rainwater for operational use by its tenants and kitchen facilities. From its first day of operations in November 2022 to December 2025, the facility has processed 53,740 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to serving an estimated 63,706 households.

“Since the 1990s, SM has always prioritized the welfare of nearby communities and the environment. Water is a very precious resource, and we are committed to ensuring its sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability.

SM Supermalls’ integrated networks recycle waste and rainwater for non-potable applications such as cleaning, irrigation, and watering its greeneries across its properties. Not only do the systems reduce demand for fresh water, but they also drive more sustainable and resilient operations, especially during seasonal shortages.

The institution has accelerated its water conservation initiatives in its two new malls in 2025. SM City La Union has a 760-cubic-meter rainwater catchment system and a 543-square-meter sewage treatment plant, enabling efficient water use and enhanced wastewater management. Meanwhile, SM City Laoag has a self-sustaining water network that converts deep well water into a potable supply.

SM Supermalls’ longstanding green initiatives have garnered multiple industry distinctions, including the Bantayog ng Lawa Para sa Kalikasan from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) awarded to SM Mall of Asia and the first ever Gawad Taga-Ilog Award bestowed upon a private entity by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to SM Prime for supporting water stewardship.

“As SM Supermalls moves forward, it will continue to pioneer environmental systems and practices across our malls. We will continue working towards a resilient, sustainable, and eco-friendly future,” said Silerio.

Through SM Supermalls and DOLE’s Nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs

SM in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) hosted the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs throughout SM’s nationwide network of most-loved malls.

SM Supermalls in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) strengthened their long-standing partnership to once again transform malls into venues of opportunity, hope, and new beginnings through the nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs mounted across 20 SM malls nationwide, bringing together over 800 employers and over 21,000 job seekers, with more than 1,900 hired on the spot—highlighting the continued impact of accessible, community-based employment initiatives that help Filipinos move forward.

Enhanced Community Opportunities: On top of connecting over 21,000 jobseekers to 800 employers all over the country, the SM-hosted Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs also shared future-ready skills to attendees through upskilling opportunities.

From fresh graduates and first-time job seekers to career shifters and experienced professionals—Filipinos gathered at SM malls this June 12 in search of meaningful employment opportunities, many of whom were interviewed and hired on the spot.

(L-R) Pasig Coun. Hon. Angelou De Leon(in black); Dennis Martel; Dannah Majarocon, Jobstreet by Seek; Martin Jesse Hererra, SM Regional Operations Manager; Pats Dy, Senior Asst. Vice President for SM Communities Marketing; Ronald Allan Brosas SM Senior Asst. Vice President for Operations; Royce Cabunag, Asst. Vice President and Lead for SM Communities; Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto; Pasig Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski; Councilor Simon Tantoco(in black); Councilor Boyie Raymundo; Councilor Ryan Enriquez; Councilor Warren Incencio; and Councilor Paul Senogat with representatives from SM, the Pasig city LGU, and Government sectors

“Samantalahin natin ang lahat nang programa ng pamahalaan lalo na’t habang nandito tayo. Sa SM maraming salamat–ang importante nagtutulungan po tayong lahat at ginagawa natin ang lahat nang ating makakaya,” said Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

By combining DOLE’s extensive labor network and employment programs with SM’s accessible community spaces, the collaboration succeeded in empowering local communities—bringing jobs, crucial government support services, and future-ready skills directly to the doorsteps of everyday Filipinos. This year’s Independence Day Job Fair also continued SM’s growing focus on workforce readiness and future-ready skills.

“By partnering with the private sector, mas naging convergent ang ating approach para mas maibigay ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan. Maganda ang pakiramdam na makita ang ganitong turnout at pagkakaisa lalo na ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan,” shared Ryan Roberto Delos Reyes, Supervising Labor Employment Officer of DOLE NCR.

For Patrick Tamayo, who secured a position as a Mobile Promoter, the opportunity meant being able to help his family.

“Masaya po ako na hired-on-the-spot ako. Matutulungan ko na po ang pamilya ko. Hindi ko po inaasahan na mabilis po ako matatanggap,” he said.

For Ma. Jamaica Pabunan, Independence Day became more than a celebration—it became an answered prayer. “Naghahanap po talaga ako ng trabaho kaya pinagdasal ko po talaga na matanggap ako and answered prayer po,” she shared after being hired on the spot as a Pharmacy Assistant. “Pangalawang job fair ko po itong napuntahan, pero iba po dito sa SM, organized po talaga.”

Their stories were among the many success stories that unfolded during the SM Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs, mounted nationwide by SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

A Partnership That Creates Opportunities

The success of the initiative reflects the enduring partnership between SM Supermalls and DOLE, united by a shared mission of making employment opportunities more accessible to Filipinos.

By combining DOLE’s labor programs and employment network with SM’s nationwide presence and community reach, the partnership continues to bring jobs, government services, and workforce development opportunities closer to where people live.

Across participating malls, applicants explored opportunities from industries such as retail, banking, IT-BPO, hospitality, logistics, food service, education, healthcare, and customer service. Through face-to-face interviews, employers were able to connect directly with qualified candidates while applicants gained immediate access to job openings.

For participating employers, the event also provided an opportunity to support a larger cause. “We joined the job fair not just to fill available positions but also to be part of SM’s advocacy this Araw ng Kalayaan. We know there are many Filipinos looking for opportunities,” shared Hermie, Talent Acquisition Specialist of Home Credit.

Lisa, Assistant Human Resource Manager of Mesco, Inc., echoed the importance of bringing multiple employers together in one accessible venue. “It’s an opportunity for jobseekers to see and apply to different industries in one place. Mas malaking chances for jobseekers,” she said.

From Job Fair to Career Growth Hub

Upskilling for the future: With the support of stakeholders like TESDA, the DICT, and Jobstreet Philippines, selected venues offered digital learning opportunities.

This year’s Independence Day Job Fair also continued SM’s growing focus on workforce readiness and future-ready skills. In partnership with TESDA, DICT, Jobstreet, and other stakeholders, selected venues featured learning opportunities in AI prompting, cybersecurity awareness, Canva basics, digital skills, and livelihood development programs.

“Here at SM Job Fairs, we promote the freedom to grow, the freedom to upskill, and the freedom to find the job that suits you,” said Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK. The impact of these learning opportunities extended beyond employment.

For Rhodora Felipe of Pasig, learning how to create doormats and potholders opened new possibilities to support her family. “Malaking tulong po itong skills na ito sa amin dahil pwede kong gamitin ito para makatulong sa gastusin at baon ng mga bata,” she shared. Linalyn Calingasan, another participant, hopes to turn her newly learned skills into a livelihood opportunity with support from local partners.

More Than a Job Search

To make the experience more convenient, SM Job Fairs also featured a One-Stop Government Service Express through participating agencies such as SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, NBI, PESO, and other institutional partners.

Applicants were able to process employment requirements, seek guidance, and access support services in a single venue—saving both time and resources.

Jobseekers access over 800 employers in a convenient venue that assembles employment and upskilling opportunities with one-stop government services for crucial employment requirements.

This integrated approach reflects the continuing evolution of SM Job Fairs from traditional recruitment events into community platforms that connect Filipinos not only to jobs, but also to skills, services, and opportunities for long-term growth.

Creating Real Impact Nationwide

Mounted simultaneously across SM malls nationwide, the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs demonstrated the power of public-private collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities for Filipino communities.

Power in public-private partnerships: Through the SM Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs, SM supports the DOLE’s efforts to extend employment opportunities to Filipinos all over the country through ease and convenience

Behind every application submitted, every interview conducted, and every job offer extended is a story of determination, hope, and aspiration.

1,900 jobseekers were hired-on-the-spot in one day nationwide–adding to the growing pool of employed Filipinos thanks to strong collaborations between employers, government agencies and essential documents and upskilling services.

For some, it meant securing their first job. For others, it meant starting over, supporting a family, or discovering new skills that could open additional sources of income.

These are the stories behind the more than 1,900 hired-on-the-spot applicants—and the reason why SM Supermalls and DOLE continue to strengthen their partnership year after year.

Pagmalasakitan ninyo ‘yung obligasyon ninyo sa kumpanya, nang sa gayon ay sila ay lumago […] at patuloy silang maghahanap ng trabahante. [And] that is my goal. That is our vision. That is our program. To provide as many jobs as we can — jobs for everyone,” said Manila city Mayor Isko Moreno

Jobseekers experience fast application to employment in just one day.

More Opportunities Ahead

For those who were unable to attend the June 12 Independence Day Job Fair, SM Supermalls continues to mount job fairs year-round across malls nationwide—bringing opportunities closer to communities every month.

JOB FAIR SCHEDULE IN JUNE:

• June 16 – 17 – SM City Novaliches (QC University Job Fair)
• June 16 – 17 – SM City Iloilo (ICT companies)
• June 17 – SM City Calamba
• June 18 – SM City Bacolod
• June 18 – SM City Daet
• June 19 – SM City Baliwag (NU Job Fair)
• June 25 – SM City Trece Martires
• June 27 – SM City Bataan (Trabaho at Negosyo)
• June 30 – SM Center Muntinlupa

Note: Schedule may change without prior notice. For updates, visit SM Supermalls Job Fair Page or follow SM Supermalls on social media.