In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025
Thousands of volunteers gather at SM by the BAY in Manila for SM Cares’ flagship coastal cleanup drive
for World Oceans Day 2025, showing a united front in the fight against marine pollution.
On June 7, more than 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life came together to participate in a large statewide coastal cleaning organized by SM Cares, SM Supermalls’ corporate social responsibility division, in honor of World Oceans Day 2025. Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines, demonstrating the positive effects that can occur when a community pulls together.
With gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life, volunteers flocked to the coasts of Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in support of this year’s theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us.”
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.
Showing the power of teamwork, volunteers from SM City Batangas and SM City Lipa come together to make waves of change for World Oceans Day 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it’s our turn to give back,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment. “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.”
A National Movement for the Seas
From students and teachers to LGUs, NGO partners, employees, and security and janitorial teams, the cleanup drew a diverse wave of ocean defenders. SM Cares worked closely with local government units, environmental organizations, youth groups, and coastal barangays to stage cleanups across several major sites nationwide.
These collaborations not only ensured the success of the initiative but also highlighted the power of inclusive, community-driven action. Volunteers gathered to remove tons of waste from shorelines, raise awareness about marine conservation, and inspire 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.
By actively lowering marine pollution and preserving ocean habitats, SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup also promotes and aligns with a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, most notably SDG 14: Life Below Water. Additionally, it supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through its cooperation with LGUs, NGOs, schools, and communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action by fostering community-led climate resilience and increasing environmental awareness.
SM Cares is committed to its goal of encouraging Filipinos to take action, one coastline at a time, and has two more significant cleanups scheduled for the year. Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media for more information and stories about how you can join the movement.
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