INTEGRATED property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc., in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, conducted a clean-up activity along a portion of Manila Bay last week.
The project is in line with the company’s continuing efforts to support the Manila Bay rehabilitation program.
The clean-up team, which also included officials from SM Mall of Asia (MOA) and SM By the Bay, sought to remove solid waste and debris from SM MOA’s stretch of the bay, according to statement sent by a public relations agency. The activity took place on June 8, which fell on World Oceans Day.
“Being a responsible integrated property developer, SM Prime has always been aware of its role as a member of the community to help care for the environment, including our seas and oceans,” SM Prime’s Senior Vice-President for Special Projects Siegfred B. Mison said.
Since December, the listed firm has been conducting weekly cleanups at the SM MOA Complex, with support from several groups within the company.
“To ensure that we are able to carry out this role effectively, we continue to collaborate with various communities and government partners as we implement programs that contribute to marine conservation,” Mr. Mison said.
In May, SM Prime collected 4,322 sacks of waste, which reached 42,878 kg; 80 bags of recyclable materials amounting to 240 kg; and 5,272 sacks of silt, which weighed 105,440 kg.
“SM’s regular clean-up drives support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 14, Life Below Water,” the company said.
It added that it had embarked on other marine conservation-focused programs, including the “Plastic Waste Collection Program” in partnership with local nonprofit Plastic Credit Exchange, and the “Trash-to-Cash Recycling Market.”
The Sy-led company previously reported a first-quarter net income of P6.5 billion, lower by 22% from P8.3 billion year on year, amid lower consolidated revenues.
Shares in SM Prime improved by 1.35% or 50 centavos to finish at P37.50 apiece on Monday. — Angelica Y. Yang
