In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025 and the Philippine Environment Month, SM City Bacolod, in partnership with the Bacolod City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) and Barangay Singcang-Airport, led a coastal cleanup activity along the shores of puroks Sisi and Sigay June 14.
The cleanup resulted in the collection of 8.055 tons of marine debris and waste from the area, and was part of a citywide environmental effort that also included simultaneous cleanups in barangays Punta Taytay and Banago, mobilizing a total of 1,500 volunteers and removing nearly 15 tons of garbage from Bacolod’s coastal communities.
This year’s global theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”, served as a powerful reminder of the oceans’ vital role in human life and our shared duty to protect them, the mall said in a press release.
More than 1,000 volunteers joined the cleanup in Barangay Singcang-Airport, including SM Cares volunteers, SM security force, city employees, BENRO personnel, Barangay Singcang-Airport officials, led by punong barangay Rosinie Distrito, and Sangguniang Kabataan officers.
The site was also visited by incoming councilor Caesar Distrito, who expressed support for the initiative, the press release added.
This initiative adds to the nationwide cleanups’ efforts held since the first week of June, bringing together local government units, environmental organizations, NGOs, community groups, and SM employees, along with security, janitorial personnel, and affiliate partners under the SM Cares banner.
The campaign also supports SM’s Waste Free Future, a broader sustainability program that includes plastic waste reduction, recycling markets, and e-waste collection drives, reflecting SM’s ongoing commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship.
Through efforts like this, SM City Bacolod continues to foster strong partnerships with local communities, helping create cleaner coastlines and a greener future for all. ||
