MANILA, Philippines — A cleaner coastline begins with people willing to show up for it.
This September, SM Cares is calling on Filipinos across the country to come together in the spirit of bayanihan for the International Coastal Cleanup 2026 on September 19, with simultaneous cleanup activities across 32 SM malls nationwide. Through the SM Green Movement, the initiative invites individuals, families, and communities to take meaningful action to divert waste from the seas, shores, and waterways that sustain them.
With the message “Bayanihan Para sa Karagatan — Together for Our Oceans,” this year’s cleanup underscores how collective action, even through seemingly small efforts, can contribute to cleaner surroundings and a healthier, more resilient future.
SM Cares has participated in the International Coastal Cleanup since 2015. In 2025, more than 48,800 volunteers gathered simultaneously across 28 SM malls nationwide, collecting over 200,000 kilograms of trash as part of the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health. This year, SM Supermalls will lead the Philippines’ largest simultaneous coastal cleanup.
The September activity builds on SM Cares’ environmental efforts earlier this year. During cleanup drives for World Water Day and World Oceans Day, 9,453 eco-warriors across 16 participating malls collected and diverted 24,244 kilograms of trash.
On September 19, volunteers will gather at locations across Metro Manila, North and South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. SM By the BAY will serve as the main event site for Manila Bay, while participating malls around the country will support cleanup activities at identified coastal areas and waterways.
More than a one-day activity, the International Coastal Cleanup encourages people to see caring for the ocean as an everyday responsibility. It is an opportunity for communities to work side by side while turning concern for the environment into action.
Individual participants may register through the SM Malls Online (SMO) App at bit.ly/SMCARESICC2026. Volunteers should download the app from the App Store or Google Play, locate the International Coastal Cleanup 2026 event, and swipe or tap in to officially register their attendance.
Join the movement and be part of Bayanihan Para sa Karagatan.
#ICC2026 #SMCares #EmpoweringCommunities #SMGreenMovement #SMCaresCoastalCleanups
###
About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. Every Filipino has an SM story. For generations, SM has been more than a place to shop. It has become part of everyday Filipino life, a place where families gather, friendships grow, milestones are celebrated, passions are discovered, and communities come together. As Filipinos’ lifestyles continue to evolve, SM continues to transform its destinations through My SM creating malls that are more connected, experiential, and meaningful, while remaining the place Filipinos know, trust, and call home.
My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.
About SM Cares
As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.