SM advocates for water security and conservation through sustainable initiatives

(Top left photo) The SM Group extends social good with a rainwater harvesting system in the newly established Birthing Facility at Brgy. Irawan in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

(Top right photo) This enhanced rainwater harvesting system with an 800-liter storage capacity allows for better water conservation and management in the facility.

(Below photo) SM recycles up to 946 Million gallons of water annually across SM malls and has recently launched the first-ever water filtration system, turning collected rainwater into potable water at SM City Baguio. (SM Foundation File photos)

Its social good arm SM Foundation recently established a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The initiative is one of many SM programs developed in response to the growing need to promote water conservation, water security, and the diversification of water supply in the country.

This enhanced rainwater harvesting system with an 800-liter storage capacity allows for better water conservation and management in the facility. It collects rainwater from the facility’s roof and gutter, passing it through vinyl-coated mesh filters that ensure a water quality that is safe enough to serve non-potable needs, such as watering plants, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

Following its success in Palawan, SM Foundation is expanding this feature in its upcoming health centers in Laguna, Baguio, and Cebu.

With an El Niño period anticipated to impact the Philippines in the coming months, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been urging the government, the private sector, and the Filipino public to take active measures to ensure the country’s water security. SM has been recycling water since the 1990s, or an average of 946 Million gallons of water annually, and in line with the SM Green Movement, has been continuously working towards responsible consumption and water conservation through SM Supermalls.

SM Supermalls has adopted the rainwater catchment system in 25 malls in flood-prone areas, collecting rainwater and helping neighboring communities keep safe and flood-free. These basins can catch and store a total of 79,257 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to almost 32 Olympic-size swimming pools.

In SM City Baguio, SM goes one step further by launching the first-ever water filtration system, turning collected rainwater into potable water that is safe for drinking. This allows the mall to become a self-reliant water source, lessening its dependence on the water supply of the Baguio community.

“Given the government’s call to action to conserve water and diversify water sources to prevent water insecurity caused by climate change, we at SM consider ourselves at the forefront of supporting this advocacy. SM Supermalls has been actively designing and operating our malls with resource efficiency and conservation in mind,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and SM Cares Program Director for the Environment.

“We are very proud of our sustainability initiatives and are working hard towards our goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations,” adds Fe Consuelo S. Angeles Ganuelas, Senior Assistant Vice President for Health and Medical Programs of SM Foundation.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from Programs for the Environment, SM Cares also has advocacies for Children & Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. ### (PR)

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.