SM City Baguio celebrated another milestone in its sustainability journey after being recognized during the 9th Cordillera Environment Summit, held as part of the culmination of Philippine Environment Month 2026 by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-DENR CAR). Under the Best Adherence to Discipline for Advancing National Green-governance (BADANG) recognition program, SM City Baguio received the Excellence in Wastewater Treatment and Water Conservation Award and the Environmental IEC Leadership Award. These recognitions reflect the mall’s continued commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its operations while promoting environmental awareness and responsible stewardship within the community. A key part of these efforts is SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility and water conservation initiatives, which help maximize the responsible use of water resources in the mall’s day-to-day operations. Through systems that support water reuse and efficient resource management, the mall continues to reduce its environmental footprint while promoting sustainable practices. More than milestones, these awards serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to care for the environment. Through initiatives that promote resource conservation, environmental education, and sustainable operations, SM City Baguio remains committed to creating a lasting positive impact for both present and future generations. As Baguio’s most loved mall, SM City Baguio continues to make sustainability part of everyday life, encouraging simple yet meaningful actions that help protect the environment and strengthen the community.  

Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), officially inaugurated its 92.55-megawatt peak (MWp) San Manuel Solar Power Plant, effectively expanding its solar portfolio in Pangasinan and supporting the push to increase the share of renewable energy in the Philippine power mix. Built in coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, local government units, and host communities, the San Manuel plant supplies power directly to the Luzon grid via the San Manuel 69 kV Substation. The inauguration was witnessed by Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin; Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark DG. Lambino; San Manuel Mayor Kenneth Marco S. Perez; San Manuel Vice Mayor Alain Jerico S. Perez; and Binalonan Vice Mayor Bryan Louie Ramirez Balangue. “Every panel on this 92.5-megawatt solar plant is a promise kept — to the families who deserve stable, affordable electricity; to the workers who built something lasting right here in their own community; and to the next generation who will inherit the energy choices we make today,” Secretary Garin said. Reading a message on behalf of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Mayor Balangue said in the vernacular: “The entire province of Pangasinan wholeheartedly supports this project, which will provide a more affordable and reliable power supply. Through the use of clean energy, this greatly contributes to the protection of our environment.” San Manuel is Aboitiz Renewables’ third solar plant in Pangasinan, alongside the 154-MWp Laoag 1 and 2 and the 94-MWp Cayanga-Bugallon solar power plants. “As demand for electricity continues to grow, power generation investments like San Manuel help strengthen our energy system, diversify our energy mix, and support the Philippines’ long-term energy security,” said AboitizPower President and CEO Danel Aboitiz. “At AboitizPower, we believe reliable, accessible, and affordable power is key to national progress, and one way we contribute to this is by steadily expanding our renewable energy portfolio, from around 900 megawatts in 2020 to 2.3 gigawatts of attributable net sellable capacity today,” he added. Aboitiz Renewables’ growing clean energy portfolio now includes 45 renewable energy facilities across the Philippines, spanning solar, hydro, geothermal, and energy storage. It continues to expand its presence, backed by a development pipeline of more than 1,800 megawatts in solar, hydro, and wind projects. “We thank Secretary Garin and DOE for their leadership on the energy transition and for the policy environment that makes projects like this possible. We also thank Governor ‘Mon-Mon’ Guico, Mayor Kenneth Perez, and our local government partners, as their openness and support are what allow renewable energy development to move at the pace our country needs,” said Aboitiz Renewables President Jimmy A. Villaroman. “May the San Manuel Solar Power Plant stand not only as a marker of what we have completed, but as a foundation for what we continue to build together.”

BUGALLON, Pangasinan — Bilang pakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ng Arbor Day at National Disaster Resilience Month ngayong 2026, nagsagawa ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan ng isang Tree Growing Activity sa Pangasinan Eco Park sa Barangay Cayanga, Bugallon. Pinangunahan ni Provincial Administrator Manuel Luis, Jr., kasama ang mga department heads at empleyado ng kapitolyo, ang sama-samang pagtatanim ng nasa 500 seedlings ng narra, batino, guyabano, at kasoy. Bahagi ito ng patuloy na Green Canopy Program sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, na may layuning gawing mas luntian at ligtas ang buong Pangasinan. (Eira Gorospe, Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

  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.  

In celebration of World Environment Day, SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship through watershed management, reforestation, forest protection, and community-based conservation programs. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, SNAP continues to promote climate resilience and sustainable development in its host communities. Among its major initiatives is SNAP-Magat’s Partnership in Uplifting Upland Natural Resources Livelihoods and Assets (PUNLA), an Upper Magat Watershed Management Program focused on the Province of Ifugao. PUNLA supports enrichment planting, reforestation, and the restoration and rehabilitation of the iconic Ifugao Rice Terraces while engaging local communities in watershed protection and sustainable livelihood activities. To date, PUNLA has rehabilitated and restored 34.3 hectares (ha) in the municipalities of Mayoyao and Banaue, reforested and enriched 100.44 ha of forest areas in Banaue and Hungduan, and established 5 ha of agroforestry farms in Lagawe, Ifugao. These efforts have helped mitigate an estimated 6,722 tons of soil erosion across the Ifugao Province. Complementing these initiatives is SNAP-Benguet and the National Power Corporation’s (NPC) 5-kilometer-radius Technical Cooperation Agreement, which strengthens forest fire prevention and suppression efforts through the establishment of firelines and greenbelts, the provision of firefighting equipment to community volunteers, and logistical support during wildfire response operations. The program maintains at least 13 kilometers of greenbelt areas and 12 kilometers of firebreaks annually, with volunteers deployed to assist various agencies in fire protection activities. SNAP-Benguet also supports the Adopt-a-Watershed Program, which advances NPC’s carbon sequestration objectives and consolidates watershed rehabilitation and protection efforts within a 1,000-hectare watershed area. Under NPC’s Energy Sector Carbon Sequestration Initiative, SNAP completed 42 hectares of its 50-hectare reforestation commitment from 2022 to 2025. SNAP further strengthens forest conservation through the Aboitiz Passion for Agroforest and Reforest to Keep (A-PARK), the Aboitiz Group’s flagship agroforestry and reforestation program. The initiative aims to establish at least 20 hectares annually through the planting of native and fruit-bearing tree species while promoting sustainable land management practices that create both environmental and livelihood benefits for partner communities. As of May 31, 2026, SNAP has planted 487,775 seedlings across 408.34 hectares within its watershed areas from 2008 to 2025, achieving an average survival rate of 91 percent. These efforts form part of the company’s long-term strategy to enhance watershed health, strengthen biodiversity, and support the sustainability of hydroelectric power generation. In support of this year’s World Environment Day observance, anchored on the call for “Now for Climate,” SNAP carried out environmental stewardship activities that promote sustainability and climate action. On June 5, 2026, SNAP-Magat conducted reservoir clean-up drives in Ramon, Isabela, helping protect water resources and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, on June 8, 2026, SNAP-Benguet employees participated in Hug-a-Tree eco-walk activities in Itogon and Bokod, Benguet, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and the importance of environmental conservation. Through these collective efforts, SNAP continues to champion environmental responsibility and contribute to building greener, safer, and more resilient communities for future generations.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city government  has reported a major headway in the city’s food waste collection and conversion program with the help of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) facilities. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that overall, the food waste conversion program under the Bida Barangay portfolio of the “Pansa-nopen Tayo”  Circular Economy program successfully converted ten tons of food waste from January to April this year. According to the General Services Office, the city now has four BSF facilities. Three are completed and operational located at Dontogan, North Sanitary Camp barangays and at the Irisan Ecopark.  Another one is being constructed in Irisan barangay. TheGSO said the BSF facilities in Irisan Ecopark and Dontogan are receiving collected food waste diverted from establishments including major fastfood chains and hotels for bioconversion into organic fertilizer. This makes high-volume waste generators part of the food waste collection circuit established by the GSO covering the central business district (CBD).  Instead of being sent to the landfill, the food waste is diverted to the BSF for processing into organic fertilizers which are being used for the city’s parks. The GSO said the Irisan BSF facility remains the city’s primary processing hub handling more than 4.6 tons of food waste over the past four months. Although a slight dip was recorded in March during the transition period, operations strongly recovered in April after the GSO optimized the CBD collection routes. At the Dontogan facility, the GSO processed a total of 1.4 tons of food waste. The facility continues to support food waste collection in the southern part of the city and serves as a key site for the planned centralized Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). Meanwhile, the BSF facility at the Baguio Sewage Treatment Plant at North Sanitary Camp has become a fast-growing processing site. In April alone, it processed 1.4 tons of food waste, showing its growing capacity to handle waste from District 17 and other institutions. The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) manages waste collection in District 17, covering North and South Sanitary Camp, Private Road Magsaysay, Trancoville and Alfonso Tabora. The collection also includes the City Hall Canteen and Newtown Hotel. At the City Hall Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), around 65 kilos of food waste have already been processed into the soil enhancer. Several City Hall offices have also been noted to take part in the initiative from February to April, encouraging other offices to reinforce daily waste segregation practices in support of the Lead by Example initiative. Mayor Magalong and European Union-Philippines Green Economy Partnership (EU-PH GEP) Local Government Unit and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist Dr. Marjorie Balay-as cited the food waste circularity program accomplishments and encouraged further strengthening of the same. “We have to sustain our momentum in shifting the paradigm from traditional hauling and dumping practices to a circular resource model. Through technology and nature-based solutions, food waste is being converted into sustainable products that benefit the community.  Let us keep going as part of our commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental protection,” the mayor said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo ─── The #EUPHGreenEconomyPartnership is funded by the @European Union in the Philippines as part of the EU’s #GIobalGateway initiative and spearheaded by DENR to support a green, just, and sustainable future. Co-led by the @DILG and implemented by @UNDPPH, its Specific Objective 2 (SO2) #GreenLGUs empowers local governments and communities to lead inclusive circular economy transitions, reducing plastic and organic waste, creating green jobs, and building climate-resilient local systems rooted in sustainability. Through the #EUPHGreenEconomyPartnership SO2 #GreenLGUs, Baguio City is advancing inclusive, locally led circular economy (CE) transitions.  

SM City Baguio participated in O.N.E. (Oras Natin sa Efficiency: One Hour, One Energy, One Nation), an initiative led by the Department of Energy (DOE) and SM Supermalls that promotes energy efficiency and sustainability through collective action. As part of the activity, SM City Baguio joined the symbolic switch-off of non-essential lights to support energy conservation and encourage more mindful energy use. Through the #SMGreenMovement, the mall continues to support sustainability efforts that encourage communities and mallgoers to take part in protecting resources through simple yet meaningful actions. The initiative highlights how small everyday efforts can contribute to a more sustainable and energy-conscious future for communities nationwide.

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) visited the 221 megawatt-peak Olongapo Solar Power Plant of Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), in a demonstration of the government’s support for the company’s expanding renewable energy portfolio and its supportive role in harnessing indigenous clean sources amid tight conditions in energy supply. The visit also signaled the energy department’s active backing of private sector efforts to scale clean energy nationwide. “The Olongapo Solar Power Project is among the 22 renewable energy projects the DOE is fast-tracking as national priorities as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s clear instruction to accelerate the country’s energy transition,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. “The Filipino people deserve an energy system that is cleaner, more reliable, and more responsive to their needs, and we intend to deliver it.” “Fuel markets remain volatile, shaped by geopolitics, including conflicts far from our shores. Countries that depend heavily on imported energy absorb those shocks first and most sharply,” she further explained. “We are building our way out of that exposure by generating more from our own land, our own sun, and our own people.” The Olongapo Solar Power Plant, energized in December 2025, is one of the latest additions to Aboitiz Renewables’ growing portfolio. During the visit, Secretary Garin was welcomed by AboitizPower President and CEO Danel Aboitiz and Aboitiz Renewables President Jimmy Villaroman, who briefed the department’s representatives on the company’s portfolio and project pipeline spanning solar, geothermal, wind, and energy storage. The exchange reinforced a working alignment between the DOE and Aboitiz Renewables that scaling reliable, affordable, and clean energy is not just a business imperative, but a national one as well. “We value the opportunity to have open and productive discussions with DOE — not only on the opportunities ahead, but also on the challenges we must collectively address to attain the country’s energy transition aspirations,” Villaroman said. That shared direction is backed by tangible progress as Aboitiz Renewables has grown its attributable dependable capacity to 2.3 gigawatts today from around 900 MW in 2020 — an expansion that has been undertaken in step with the national government’s policy direction and energy planning efforts. Last February, a consortium led by Aboitiz Renewables assumed operations of the 789 MW Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan Hydroelectric Power Plant Complex, further strengthening the company’s ability to deliver indigenous clean power to the national grid. With more projects under construction and development, Aboitiz Renewables continues to advance its renewable energy agenda in pursuit of the country’s long-term aspiration of having a 35% and 50% share of renewable energy in its power generation mix by 2030 and 2040, respectively.