SM Cares brings bayanihan to the coast
The Filipino spirit of bayanihan is taking to the shores this September, bringing volunteers together to protect waterways and communities.
On Sept. 19, volunteers will gather across 32 SM malls nationwide for the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean and waterway health.
SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, has participated in the ICC since 2015. In 2025, more than 48,800 volunteers at 28 SM malls collected and diverted over 200,000 kilograms of waste.
The initiative also builds on SM Cares’ environmental efforts earlier this year. During its World Water Day and World Oceans Day cleanup drives, 9,453 eco-warriors across 16 malls collected and diverted 24,244 kilograms of trash.
A growing movement
With more malls participating this year, SM Cares is bringing the ICC to more communities. The 2026 event is set to be the Philippines’ largest mall-initiated simultaneous coastal cleanup, according to SM Cares.
Its theme, “Bayanihan Para sa Karagatan—Together for Our Oceans,” encourages unity, cooperation and volunteerism.
The ICC is part of the SM Green Movement, the broader sustainability initiative of SM Prime Holdings and SM Supermalls, which embeds environmental responsibility into everyday operations. Its efforts span solar installations, green architecture and energy-saving programs; Water conservation, recycling and rainwater harvesting; And systems for recovering and converting waste into recycled materials, alternative fuels or compost.
From relief to resilience
The cleanup comes amid typhoon season and the Southwest Monsoon, when heavy rains can bring flooding to vulnerable communities.
As prolonged rains caused flooding and disruption, SM Supermalls stepped up. Selected malls opened their doors to people seeking temporary shelter and offered free overnight parking, Wi-Fi, charging stations and help desks.
Through SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express, SM also extended direct assistance to communities affected by extreme weather. In August, the program distributed 120 Kalinga Packs to residents of seven barangays in San Fernando City, La Union, affected by Tropical Storm “Maymay.”
SM City Baguio volunteers helped assemble essential supplies for families affected by monsoon rains and the Guisad landslide. In Dagupan City, SM Center Dagupan turned over 600 Kalinga Packs to families affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.
Those initiatives addressed immediate needs. The cleanup offers a complementary approach, helping reduce pressures that can damage waterways and coastal environments.
One more way to help
Garbage that reaches waterways can compound the risks communities face during heavy rains and flooding. Cleanups and proper waste segregation can keep trash out of waterways, protect marine life and contribute to healthier surroundings.
For SM Cares, the ICC is more than a one-day activity. It gives people a way to help while turning collective efforts into habits that can continue beyond the event.
Whether through immediate relief or sustained environmental action, the goal is the same: Helping communities become safer, healthier and more resilient.
Individual participants may register through the SM Malls Online (SMO) App at bit.ly/SMCARESICC2026. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, find the International Coastal Cleanup 2026 event, and swipe or tap in to officially register.
