SM Brings Bayanihan to Schools: SM Supermalls joins Brigada Eskwela 2026 to help create cleaner, safer, and more welcoming learning spaces

 

Through SM Cares, SM Supermalls supported the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2026 as part of its continuing commitment to youth empowerment, nation-building, and community service. In time for the start of classes, participating SM teams from its most-loved malls nationwide worked hand in hand with partner schools to help create learning environments that are cleaner, safer, and more inspiring for students and teachers.

Guided by this year’s theme, “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” SM employee-volunteers, together with school communities, local partners, teachers, parents, and volunteers, came together to help prepare public schools for the opening of classes.

The volunteer activities included general cleaning of classrooms, corridors, and school grounds; repainting and repair of walls, furniture, and school facilities; minor repairs and carpentry work on doors, windows, desks, and chairs; landscaping and school garden care; school supply donations; and other community support efforts.

Driven by the simple but meaningful act of showing up for the children and communities it serves, SM’s involvement in this year’s Brigada Eskwela focused on the collective effort of Bayanihan to prepare spaces that not only encourage but empower learning for the next generation.

 

“Our mall communities are woven into the neighborhoods around us. That is why supporting our schools is also part of our responsibility,” said [Name], [Title], SM Supermalls. “When a child walks into a classroom that is clean, safe, and ready, it tells them that their community believes in them. Every broom sweep, every coat of paint, and every act of service matters.” 

 

As students return to school, SM Supermalls hopes that each classroom touched by Brigada Eskwela becomes more than a place for lessons. It becomes a place where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged to dream.

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Waste-Free Starts With Us 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.

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Largest gathering of advocates for People on the Spectrum in Southeast Asia: SM Cares and the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) bring together 47,500 advocates nationwide for 2026 ASP Angels Walk with SM

 

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares and its partners, gathered 47,500 allies and advocates nationwide together at the ASP Angels Walk for Autism last April 26, 2026. The record-breaking attendance this year reflects the growing support for the Autism Community through collective programs and efforts done by SM Cares and the ASP in forging an Autism-OK Philippines. 

Thousands of participants gather at SM Mall of Asia Arena for the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026,

demonstrating nationwide support for autism acceptance, accommodation and appreciation.

For close to two decades, SM hosted the ASP Angels Walk as a celebration that aims to turn a long-standing advocacy into a meaningful celebration of inclusion, dignity, and hope. This year's celebration further expanded this advocacy by empowering communities through simultaneous walks across SM's most-loved malls nationwide. 

United voices and shared purpose take center stage at ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026,

as Mr. Hans Sy officially cues the walk for inclusion.

“ASP Angels Walk reminds us that inclusion is about creating space, and more importantly, making people feel that they truly belong. At SM, we are honored to walk united with the autism community—their families and fellow advocates who have long shown us the power of courage and perseverance. This commitment is about pursuing transformative inclusivity: empowering communities until every person is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive,” said Steven Tan, President, SM Supermalls.

SM Book Nook receives the ASP Autism Works Partner of the Year Award, represented by Ms. Hanna Carinna Sy, recognizing its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for the autism community.

Barrier-free inclusion and transformative action

This year's theme “Aumbitious. Aarangkada. Aangat.”, encouraged like-minded advocates to turn aspirations and conversations on impactful inclusivity into actions that are not only felt but are transformative. 

To prepare for the event the SM Mall of Asia Arena’s venue team underwent specialized training from the Department of Tourism called "Barrier-Free Tourism Kaya Natin." The comprehensive session focused on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for customers on the spectrum ensuring their safety and wellbeing while in the premises.

This year’s event was also made special through the recognition of meaningful partners in the advocacy, including SM Book Nook, which was honored as ASP Autism Works Partner of the Year. The distinction reflects how inclusive community spaces can help open more opportunities for learning, engagement, and belonging. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was also recognized with the Hans T. Sy Leadership Award for Autism Inclusion and Welfare, honoring leadership that supports the autism community in meaningful and lasting ways.

 

A stage performance highlights talent and inclusion during the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026 program, reinforcing its message of advocacy, representation, and community engagement.

Collaborative Advocacy

Since its inception, the ASP Angels Walk has grown into a long-standing movement that champions inclusion and advances the vision of an Autism-OK Philippines. The movement is reinforced by SM's pursuit of becoming a truly inclusive Mall for All—accepting, accommodating, and appreciative of customers no matter what their needs may be.

As a continuing partner of ASP, SM Cares remains committed to building spaces and programs that support the autism community throughout the year. With sustained initiatives in inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement, SM continues to stand with individuals on the spectrum and their families—always working toward a future where no one is left behind.

Held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and simultaneously in SM City Bacolod, SM City Baguio, SM City Butuan, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Davao, SM City Iloilo, SM City Lipa, SM City Lucena, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Tuguegarao, and Virac Town Plaza, this year’s ASP Angels Walk continued to unite communities across the country in support of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

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SM reinforces public safety through nationwide Fire Prevention Month programs

 

Participants from SM Supermalls, the Bureau of Fire Protection, partner agencies, and community volunteers come together for the Fire Prevention Month activities, reinforcing a shared commitment to safety, preparedness, and building disaster-resilient communities.

MANILA, Philippines, April 06, 2026 - Reaffirming its commitment to public safety and community resilience, SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), led a series of impactful, nationwide initiatives in celebration of Fire Prevention Month, empowering Filipinos with life-saving knowledge, preparedness skills, and a shared responsibility for fire safety across its network of most-loved malls.

Mounted through SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the 5th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill engaged almost 30,000 participants composed of SM employees, tenant employees, security and janitorial personnel, students, mall goers, and residents of barangays near SM malls which was a 30% increase in participants versus the previous year. With the theme ‘Sa pag-iwas sa sunog hindi ka nag-iisa, kababaihan kasama mo!’, the drill strengthened coordination in emergency response, especially helping communities practice life-saving evacuation procedures. In addition, the Fire Square Road Show brought interactive fire safety education to the public across 16 participating SM malls, reaching 8,611 participants through demonstrations, equipment showcases, and hands-on safety activities designed for families, students, and community members. 

A large-scale Fire Prevention Month illumination at the SM Mall of Asia Globe featured a dramatic “Venus Symbol Formation” created by 263 fire trucks and emergency vehicles, with 2,827 participants, honoring firefighters and raising awareness about fire safety and emergency preparedness.

The search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines (TOFF) 2026 was formally launched with officers of SM, BFP and DILG headed by Usec. Rolando C. Puno as Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHAS). TOFF is on its 3rd solid year of recognizing Filipino firefighters for their exemplary service in fire safety and protection, emergency response, community education, and resilience-building initiatives. This highlights the partnership between SM Prime and BFP for a safer, more resilient Philippines.

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SM Coastal Cleanups Go Beyond Trash, Teach Communities to Care

 

In celebration of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls.

This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems. 

The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away from the ocean. 

During the cleanups, collected waste was carefully sorted and categorized, allowing participants to see firsthand the types of materials commonly found in coastal areas—from plastic packaging and beverage containers to other discarded items that threaten marine life and coastal habitats. 

By focusing on waste analysis and segregation, raised awareness on the impact of improperly managed waste and encouraged Filipinos to adopt more responsible environmental practices in their daily lives.

These coastal cleanup activities form part of SM Supermalls’ broader environmental sustainability programs, aligned with the SM Green Movement and the company’s Waste-Free Future campaign. 

“Protecting our coastal and marine environments requires a more proactive, end-to-end approach with the cleanups starting with education, deepening awareness, and sustaining collective action,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director for Environment and Sustainability of SM Supermalls. “By helping communities understand the importance of proper waste segregation and responsible waste management, we hope to inspire long-term behavioral change that benefits both people and the planet.”

The initiative also highlights the spirit of bayanihan, bringing together mall communities, environmental partners, and local stakeholders in a shared effort to care for the environment.

As SM Cares continues to strengthen its sustainability programs throughout the year, the public is encouraged to participate in upcoming environmental initiatives, including World Oceans Day Cleanup Drives in June, International Coastal Cleanup activities in September, and National Environmental Awareness Month initiatives in November.

Through sustained efforts like these, SM Cares continues to empower communities to take part in protecting the environment—all for Filipinos, and all for the planet. 

To learn more about SM Cares’ environmental initiatives and how you can take part in upcoming programs, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

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Take small steps for big change: SM Waste-Free Future illustrates doable actions for a cleaner, greener planet.

MANILA, Philippines - Becoming part of the solution toward better waste management practices has been made easier by SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) with The SM Waste-Free Future (WFF) Manual. 

Launched at SM’s first Sustainability Expo, the 17-page visual guide offers a simple and easy-to-follow resource on how everyone can engage with waste management touchpoints available in their most-loved SM Supermalls. 

 

"The easiest way to adopt sustainable practices is a two-pronged approach," said SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability, Liza Silerio. "The first is building the avenues that make waste management accessible and easy to do. The second is ensuring that these are easy habits to build and practice in our daily lives.” 

 

The manual combines text and visuals to enhance the "Learn - Practice - Champion" workflow, a three-step approach to make these practices easy to adapt and eventually pass on, with additional green tips and trivia.  Understanding how even small, thoughtful steps can make a huge difference is key to helping reduce waste sent to landfills. 

Back to Basics

To further understand the composition of our waste, SM Prime led a Waste Analysis Characterization Study (WACS) in its largest development–the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The top 10 most common waste items were identified:  

 

1. PET Bottles

2. Plastic Cutlery

3. Single-use plastic

4. Plastic cups from coffee or milk tea

5. Soiled coffee paper cups

6. Soiled food containers

7. Food packaging and sachets

8. Soiled tissue or napkins

9. Soiled diapers/ sanitary products

10. Food waste

 

The SM Waste Free Future manual encourages everyone to properly dispose of waste by using designated Recyclable-Disposable-Compostable (RDC) bins made accessible in all SM Malls.

PET Bottles are categorized for the Blue "Recyclable" Bins to help return these to factories for recycling.

Disposable items and containers such as plastic cutlery, single-use plastic, plastic cups from coffee or milk tea, soiled coffee paper cups and food containers, food packaging and sachets, and soiled tissue or napkins, diapers, and sanitary products are for tossing into the gray "Disposable" Bins. 

Finally, all food waste with no packaging and cutlery are guided to the green "Compostable" Bins.

 

As one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams in the world, Electronic Waste (E-Waste), ranging from batteries to broken gadgets and technological accessories, gets special mention. SM Supermalls promotes proper disposal of e-waste through special bins in SM Cyberzone areas as easy drop-off points for recycling or processing before disposal of small, used, and defective electronic devices. 

 

Take-action, join the movement

Every first Friday and Saturday of the month from 10:00am to 2:00pm, mallgoers can bring their trash and convert it to cash. Trash-to-Cash encourages household segregation by bringing clean and dry recyclables in designated Trash-to-Cash areas in exchange for economic incentives. The program promotes sustainable systems and the advancement of the circular economy. 

To further divert plastics from the environment, SM implements its Plastic Waste Collection program across all of its properties. Since its integration in 2019, 70,000 kilograms of clean, empty, and dry consumer plastics have been collected.

Through SM Cares, SM Prime’s corporate social responsibility arm, regular coastal cleanups are organized for communities to mitigate the problem of marine pollution by removing waste before it spreads further in the seas. Last year, volunteers were able to divert 200,000 kilograms of marine litter from the ocean through three major coastal cleanups organized nationwide on top of weekly cleanups done by SM Estates.

Another Coastal Cleanup drive has been scheduled this year on March 22 across SM La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City J Mall, SM City Daet, and SM City Consolacion for World Water Day.

  

"Communicating waste management practices clearly and easily helps our stakeholders support our vision for a Waste Free Future. When we all come together and choose to help save our planet, even the smallest actions toward the right direction yield great results," said Silerio.

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Community at Work: SM Cares Joins Brigada Eskwela 2025

  In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela initiative, SM Supermalls mobilized thousands of volunteers across its malls nationwide from June 9 to 13, 2025, to help prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carried the theme, “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.”

Driven by the spirit of bayanihan, SM employee volunteers join Brigada Eskwela to help public schools prepare for the new academic year—fostering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces where students and communities can thrive.

SM employees in action—offering their hands and hearts to help schools gear up for another inspiring year of learning.

SM North EDSA volunteers sweep hallways for Brigada Eskwela—helping create clean, focused spaces where students can learn and grow.

As a long-time DepEd partner, SM Supermalls once again participated in Brigada Eskwela 2025 as part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community building. 

The initiative was rolled out across 75 SM Supermalls, with more than a thousand employee-volunteers working hand-in-hand with DepEd, local government units (LGUs), school representatives, and community members. It empowered community volunteers to make a tangible impact by helping schools prepare safe, clean, and inspiring learning environments.

“We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and through volunteerism and shared responsibility, we aim to help create safe and welcoming learning spaces for students all across the country,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

An employee volunteer from SM Center Pasig organizes learning materials as part of Brigada Eskwela efforts to support public school readiness.

With every wipe and every gesture of care, SM City Novaliches volunteers bring classrooms closer to a brighter, cleaner start.

Demonstrating hands-on commitment, an employee volunteer from SM City Baliwag carefully stacks hollow blocks—contributing to stronger school infrastructure.

Embodying the spirit of bayanihan, SM City Sorsogon employee volunteers paint school chairs with dedication—bringing new life to classrooms through Brigada Eskwela.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Ormoc paint classrooms as part of Brigada Eskwela, helping create more inspiring learning spaces where students can thrive.

An SM City Mindpro volunteer helps clean the school grounds during Brigada Eskwela—making way for brighter days and better learning.

SM employee-volunteers engaged in a wide range of preparatory activities including classroom cleaning and disinfection, repainting of walls and learning spaces, repairs of desks and chairs, and the turnover of essential learning materials. Through shared efforts, this annual initiative not only enhanced school facilities but also strengthened community ties and encouraged a culture of unity, pride, and collective responsibility for education. 

The program benefited 66 public schools across the country, helping ensure that thousands of Filipino learners return to a clean, safe, and functional learning environment when classes resume.

By supporting Brigada Eskwela 2025, SM Supermalls reinforces its continued support and alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting its commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable development in every community it serves.

This initiative also forms part of SM’s broader advocacy under SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, which champions programs for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, the Environment, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth and Bike-Friendly initiatives.

For more updates on SM’s social good initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media. 

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