SM Supermalls, through the SM Cares Committee on the Environment, recently joined Hike for Light solar ambassadors in cleaning up and lighting communities in the Mount Apo area.

This partnership merges SM’s environmental programs with those of Stifftung Solarenergie, an international foundation that has pioneered sustainable electricity for rural development that has spearheaded the Hike for Light campaign. 

Hike-for Light’s mission is to distribute 500 solar lanterns to mountain areas with no electricity.

SM’s participation not only helped light up Mount Apo communities, but also helped clean up the park. SM City Davao officials visited the Mount Apo National Park with 40 solar ambassadors, led by Kaya ng Pinoy, the group behind the first Philippine Mount Everest expedition, to collect trash carelessly left behind by other hikers and visitors.

‘SM truly supported the project,’ said Chinie Canivel, Stifftung Solarenergie program manager and officer in charge.

‘They financed the solar lanterns distributed in the Mount Apo communities, and covered the fees for the volunteers to clean up the park.’

These solar lanterns are durable and shock-proof that store the sun’s energy, which can be used in lights and some USB-powered devices like cell phones.

Hike for Light has also distributed solar systems to six communities living in six peaks in the Philippines-Mount Apo, Mount Dulang-Dulang, Mount Kanlaon, Mount Madja-as, Mount Pulag and Mount Guiting-Guiting.

Collaborations with the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s Reforestation Project have, likewise, created more impact for the environment, rewarding families who planted the most number of seedlings in a .025 hectare with solar lanterns.

Forty-four lanterns were also distributed to the United Sugar Cane Planters Development Cooperation to reduce disaster and risks during emergency response operations. Sitio Sabwag, located at the jump-off point for Mount Apo, also received two solar lanterns from Hike for Light.

The partnership between SMCares and Hike for Light is one of the many ways the SM Supermalls helps protect the environment.