Water finds its second life through SM Green Movement’s conservation program

MANILA, Philippines — In 2025, SM recycled 6.6 million cubic meters, or roughly 6.6 billion liters of water – an amount that is equivalent to nearly a thousand times the water consumption of Metro Manila daily.

According to the United Nations, nearly half the global population faces severe water scarcity for at least one month every year. For SM, its year-round advocacy takes on greater urgency amid rising water scarcity concerns and a prolonged El Niño. As climate pressures and escalating water demand intensify strain on water resources, SM Supermalls steadfastly prioritizes water conservation and the circular use of this essential resource. 

An advocacy that started 30 years ago

SM Supermalls’ initiatives began in the 1990s with the installation of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall, aimed at conserving water and protecting the environment of nearby communities. Since then, the mall operator has expanded its water conservation efforts, with 90 malls now equipped with facilities that recycle wastewater annually. 

The mall operator has also embraced innovation to help reduce flooding and enhance water recovery efforts. SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility, for example, collects and treats rainwater for operational use by its tenants and kitchen facilities. From its first day of operations in November 2022 to December 2025, the facility has processed 53,740 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to serving an estimated 63,706 households.

“Since the 1990s, SM has always prioritized the welfare of nearby communities and the environment. Water is a very precious resource, and we are committed to ensuring its sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability.

SM Supermalls’ integrated networks recycle waste and rainwater for non-potable applications such as cleaning, irrigation, and watering its greeneries across its properties. Not only do the systems reduce demand for fresh water, but they also drive more sustainable and resilient operations, especially during seasonal shortages. 

The institution has accelerated its water conservation initiatives in its two new malls in 2025. SM City La Union has a 760-cubic-meter rainwater catchment system and a 543-square-meter sewage treatment plant, enabling efficient water use and enhanced wastewater management. Meanwhile, SM City Laoag has a self-sustaining water network that converts deep well water into a potable supply.

SM Supermalls' longstanding green initiatives have garnered multiple industry distinctions, including the Bantayog ng Lawa Para sa Kalikasan from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) awarded to SM Mall of Asia and the first ever Gawad Taga-Ilog Award bestowed upon a private entity by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to SM Prime for supporting water stewardship.

“As SM Supermalls moves forward, it will continue to pioneer environmental systems and practices across our malls. We will continue working towards a resilient, sustainable, and eco-friendly future,” said Silerio. 

SM Supermalls Fuels the Biggest Running Movement in the Philippines

When more than 25,000 runners took over EDSA for the historic Galaxy Manila Marathon, they were not just participating in one of the country's biggest races. They were part of a growing movement that is transforming how Filipinos experience running.

Galaxy Manila Marathon 42km gunstart on June 12, 2026

From record-setting marathons and major race series to inclusive community runs and pet-friendly events, SM Supermalls is emerging as one of the driving forces behind Philippine running. Through its expanding portfolio of race events and the SM Active Hub platform, SM continues to bring world-class running experiences closer to communities across the country.

Runners took on the historic EDSA route, connecting SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA, with the course passing SM Megamall and crossing the iconic Guadalupe Bridge before looping back to SM Mall of Asia

The Galaxy Manila Marathon marked a defining moment in that journey. For the first time, participants ran along EDSA, connecting SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA in a landmark race that celebrated fitness, community, and national pride. The historic route transformed one of the country's most recognizable thoroughfares into a symbol of movement and unity, creating a race experience that captured the imagination of runners from across the Philippines and beyond.

The success of the Galaxy Manila Marathon demonstrated SM Supermalls' ability to stage large-scale sporting events while delivering memorable experiences that extend far beyond the finish line.

But the Galaxy Manila Marathon is only part of a much bigger story.

Long before the historic race took over EDSA, SM Supermalls had already been building momentum through a diverse calendar of running events. Since the start of the year, thousands of runners have gathered at SM destinations for races such as the Earth Day Run, Star Wars Run, Doraemon Run, Women's Run PH, multiple legs of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia, community fun runs, and fitness events that welcomed participants of all ages and fitness levels.

From the Star Wars Run for fans to the Pet Express Doggie Run for fur parents, SM Supermalls continues to champion inclusive running experiences that bring together communities of all ages, interests, and lifestyles. 

These events showcase the breadth of SM Supermalls' running ecosystem. From themed runs that bring together pop culture fans and families, to advocacy-driven races, competitive road events, and marathon majors, SM continues to create experiences that appeal to every type of runner.

From the vibrant Pride Run at SM City Lanang, which celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and community, to the Singlife Iloilo Marathon at SM City Iloilo, one of the country's premier race events, SM Supermalls continues to bring world-class running experiences closer to Filipinos while fostering active lifestyles and stronger communities nationwide. 

Building on that momentum, SM Supermalls continues to host and support some of the Philippines' biggest and most anticipated races, including the SM2SM Run in Cebu, Singlife Cebu International Marathon, Singlife Iloilo Marathon, HOKA Midnight Run Asia, Pride Run, Decathlon Run, Pet Express Doggie Run, Sante Trilogy Run Asia National Finals, and races under the Philippine Marathon Majors series. Together, these events are helping establish SM Supermalls as one of the country's largest and most diverse platforms for running and active lifestyles.

The Doraemon Run at SM Mall of Asia and Cebu's flagship SM2SM Run showcase the diversity of SM Supermalls' running ecosystem, offering experiences for everyone from families and first-time runners to seasoned athletes while promoting active lifestyles and community engagement across the country. 

Run with pride on June 21 at SM Mall of Asia and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and community through movement. For registration details and event updates, visit the SM Mall of Asia Facebook page or RUNRIO's official channels. 

Continuing the momentum, thousands of runners are expected to gather at SM Mall of Asia on June 21 for the Pride Run, one of the country's largest running events celebrating Pride Month. Bringing together runners, allies, families, and communities, the event combines fitness, self-expression, and inclusivity in a colorful celebration of diversity. The run reflects SM Supermalls' commitment to creating spaces where people can come together, embrace active lifestyles, and celebrate what makes every individual unique.

Together, these events are expected to attract more than 100,000 runners nationwide, reinforcing SM Supermalls' role as a major platform for running and active lifestyles.

The SM2SM Run in Cebu and the Earth Day Run reflect SM Supermalls' commitment to making running more accessible and purposeful, bringing together thousands of participants through events that champion fitness, community, and shared advocacies. 

"At SM Supermalls, we see running as more than a sport. It is a platform that brings communities together, promotes healthier lifestyles, and creates meaningful experiences for Filipinos. Through SM Active Hub and our growing portfolio of running events, we are making active living more accessible while building destinations where people can connect, celebrate, and achieve their personal goals," said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

Women's Run PH reflects SM Supermalls' commitment to creating inclusive running experiences, empowering women through fitness while strengthening communities through shared moments of movement and achievement. 

At the center of this effort is SM Active Hub, SM Supermalls' sports and fitness platform that connects communities through running events, fitness programs, training sessions, and wellness activities. Through SM Active Hub, runners gain access to year-round experiences that support every stage of their fitness journey, from training and recovery to race-day participation and community engagement.

Runners make the most of the MOA Sky running path at SM Mall of Asia, a popular training destination for participants preparing for SM Supermalls' growing calendar of running events and marathon experiences. 

What sets SM Supermalls apart is its ability to create seamless race-day journeys, from registration and race expos to training, recovery, dining, shopping, and entertainment, delivering the maxed-out experiences that today's runners and families seek.

From race kit claiming to meet-and-greet moments with Doraemon, SM Supermalls delivers maxed-out experiences that extend beyond race day, creating exciting and memorable moments for participants of the Star Wars Run, Doraemon Run, and other community-driven running events. 

Through its network of 90 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls has transformed running into a movement that reaches communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. From a historic 25,000 runners at the Galaxy Manila Marathon to more than 100,000 participants expected across its race calendar, SM Supermalls is helping shape the future of running in the Philippines.

As the country's most loved mall, SM Supermalls continues to create destinations where every finish line leads to new experiences, every race becomes a shared celebration, and every runner feels part of something bigger.

Because when the Philippines runs, it runs through SM Supermalls.