More than 10 years since SM Cares mounted SM's first International Coastal Cleanup in 2015, the spirit of Bayanihan and shared responsibility for the environment continues to endure. Photo source: SM Supermalls
The Philippines supplies around 4 million metric tons (MT) or around 1.8 to 2.2% of the world's total fish and seafood volume. Moreover, the Philippine waters nurture more than 2,000 species of fish, six of the world's seven endangered sea turtle species, and rare marine mammals like dugongs and whale sharks.
Living creatures depend on our bodies of water. It is crucial to take steps to ensure that it is protected not only from illegal fishing activities, but also waste that is produced by people and establishments that may destroy our bodies of water.
So, for more than 10 years since SM Cares mounted SM's first International Coastal Cleanup in 2015, the spirit of Bayanihan and shared responsibility for the environment continues to endure.
SM Cares has been hosting the International Coastal Cleanup since 2015 and this year, more private organizations joined to support the initiative. Photo source: SM Supermalls
Over 56,000 environmental advocates from various sectors came together across 32 SM Malls nationwide for the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). Heeding the call for a Waste Free Future under the SM Green Movement, the ICC held last September 19 diverted and processed over 228, 000 kilograms of waste from the ocean, seas, and waterways.
Environmental advocates of all ages: youth, children, and adults were all united by one desire – to have a waste free future. Photo source: SM Supermalls
"There is power in a single 'yes'," said SM Supermalls President Stevent Tan. "Through our purpose of transforming SM malls into incubators of the shared care of our environment, one 'yes' compounds into hundreds to thousands of Filipinos coming together in making a difference that will be felt in generations to come."
SM Center Ormoc and other SM Supermalls participated in the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup. Photo source: SM Supermalls
SM Center Ormoc and other SM Supermalls participated in the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup. Photo source: SM Supermalls Under the theme "Bayanihan Para sa Karagatan — Together for Our Oceans," the 2026 ICC mounted by SM Cares stands as by far the nation's largest mall-initiated coastal cleanup. It also forms part of SM's major regular coastal cleanup efforts focused on lasting environmental change through everyday acts of waste management. The cleanup brought together members of the SM Group, affiliates, local government units, tenants, schools, partner organizations, companies, government agencies, and members of the public, turning the Filipino spirit of bayanihan into collective action for healthy communities and waterways.
Last year 228 MT of trash were collected in the coastal cleanup. This year, more people joined to support the project. Photo source: SM Supermalls
At the main event at Central Park, SM by the BAY, volunteers joined representatives from SM Supermalls, the Pasay City local government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) before heading out for the cleanup.
BFP, PNP, and other government organizations also took part in the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup. Photo source: SM Supermalls
Beyond collecting waste, this year's ICC highlighted the importance of proper waste segregation and diversion. SM Cares collaborated with partners including Geocycle, the waste management arm of Holcim Cement; and Republic Cement to help ensure that collected materials are properly processed and diverted instead of returning to waterways.
"Long after the conclusion of every cleanup SM initiates, we aspire to continually empower the choices Filipinos make to positively impact their communities and our environment together," said Tan.
Since its launch in 2015, more individuals were encouraged to take part in the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup. Photo source: SM Supermalls
The ICC forms part of the SM Green Movement, alongside initiatives such as Trash to Cash, Plastic Waste Collection, E-Waste Collection, SM Green Recycling Machine, Chopsticks Recycling, and Waste Segregation Bins.
With more volunteers this 2026, 24,000 kilograms of waste were collected in the coastal areas that could possibly affect marine life. Photo source: SM Supermalls
For more information on events and initiatives, visit the SM Cares website.