Over 48,800 volunteers from across the Philippines gathered simultaneously at 28 SM malls nationwide to mark the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2025, the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health collecting over 200,000 kilograms of trash. Leading the nationwide movement, SM By the Bay served as the flagship site, bringing together thousands of volunteers to clear Manila Bay’s shoreline of marine debris. Across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, SM malls became community hubs where over 500 groups—spanning private organizations, government agencies, NGOs, schools, civil society, and local communities—united to protect the country’s waterways. This year’s ICC coincides with SM Supermalls’ 40th anniversary, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability and community collaboration through its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign. The cleanup also forms a major part of the SM Green Movement, which integrates environmental, social, and community initiatives into SM’s programs. “Through our Waste-Free Future vision, we commit to empowering communities and championing responsible waste management, recycling, and circular practices, making them a part of everyday life, through simple, everyday actions,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “To every volunteer, you embody the true spirit of bayanihan: lifting not just waste from our shores, but lifting each other toward a higher standard of care for our common home,” he added. This year, more than 200,000 kilograms of trash were collected. And beyond numbers, the human stories—families, youth, employees, and community members taking part—show how collective action can create lasting change. Partner organizations also underscored the value of collaboration. “Working with SM Cares amplifies the impact of ICC by providing venues, mobilizing volunteers, and connecting diverse groups for one shared mission: protecting marine biodiversity,” said Marilou G. Erni, Chief of Staff and Supervising Undersecretary for Strategic Communications of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “Joining the cleanup made me realize that every small action counts. Seeing thousands of people—students, families, co-workers—all working together for the same cause gave me hope that we can build a cleaner, healthier future for the next generation,” said Marife Rapa, a volunteer participant from WSAudiology Philippines Corp. SM Cares has been a consistent partner of ICC for years, with each edition seeing growing scale and influence. This year, as ICC marks its 40th anniversary, SM continues to be recognized as its largest private sector partner in the Philippines—demonstrating how private-public partnerships can accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.Through efforts like coastal cleanups, SM Supermalls continues to strengthen its role as a community builder—creating malls that are more than destinations for leisure and shopping, but hubs where citizens can come together to shape a waste-free, sustainable tomorrow. About SM Green Movement SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines. Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come. Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—continuously evolving to lead the way in sustainable development by integrating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls in the Philippines, all while creating inclusive spaces that enrich communities, support climate action, and ensure a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.        

On September 20, the world comes together for International Coastal Cleanup Day, a global movement to protect our oceans and coasts from plastic pollution. Every act of cleanup, big or small, helps restore balance to marine life and keeps our shorelines thriving.

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) has been ranked 18th among global airlines with the lowest emissions in the Cirium Flight Emissions Review — the only Philippine carrier to make the list. Cirium reported that CEB emitted 62.4 grams of CO₂ per Available Seat Kilometer (ASK) in 2024, among the lowest in the global aviation industry.“We are pleased to receive this recognition, which affirms that our efforts are making a real impact. By investing in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft and adopting new technologies, we aim to keep fares affordable while making flying more sustainable for Filipinos,” said Aileen Isidro, CEB Vice President for Corporate Strategy. CEB, the country’s aviation leader, attributed its ranking to a comprehensive decarbonization strategy anchored on fleet modernization and operational efficiency. In 2024, the airline placed the largest aircraft order in Philippine history—up to 152 aircraft in the A320neo family. The NEO fleet alone enabled CEB to avoid an estimated 157,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions last year, with each aircraft delivering up to 20% fuel savings compared to previous-generation models. CEB also became the first low-cost carrier (LCC) in Southeast Asia to finance a brand-new A321neo through a sustainability-linked loan (SLL), tying financing costs directly to emissions-reduction performance. Beyond its fleet, CEB has also advanced its sustainability efforts on the ground, leading the way in deploying electric ground support equipment (GSE) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). In May 2025, the airline marked another milestone at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) by completing the country’s first all-electric aircraft turnaround, powered entirely by electric GSE and bridge-mounted equipment (BME). These actions have boosted CEB’s global sustainability ratings, with its highest-ever ESG score of 46 from S&P Global in 2024. With 36 domestic and 27 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, CEB remains committed to decarbonizing its operations, while continuing to provide safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for its passengers.      

SINGAPORE (Sept 4)  — The Liveability Challenge (TLC) is powering up with a game-changing injection of over S$4 million in catalytic funding and support – its biggest boost yet – to fast-track cutting-edge sustainable innovations from the lab to market. This includes S$2 million in catalytic grants from Temasek Foundation, S$2 million worth of development support from Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and grant support from Enterprise Singapore, as announced during the launch of the ninth edition of TLC at Google Singapore today. Presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, TLC was established in 2018 and has grown to become a global crowdsourcing platform for sustainability solutions. With eight successful editions concluded, the annual crowdsourcing platform has attracted thousands of applications globally, shortlisted and incubated 54 finalists and deployed almost S$14 million in catalytic funding to help these start-ups scale and commercialise. “This catalytic boost of more than S$4 million represents our commitment to turning bold ideas into real-world impact for the environment. Through The Liveability Challenge, Temasek Foundation is providing catalytic funding to empower innovators to push boundaries, tackle pressing challenges and create lasting benefits for the planet and future generations,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation. “We are also delighted to welcome A*STAR on board as a new partner, whose development support and resources will further strengthen the innovators’ journey from lab to market,” she added. The 2026 edition will seek out innovative, groundbreaking solutions addressing urban challenges across two themes – Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. A*STAR joins as the co-presenter of the Decarbonisation theme, lending its scientific know-how, industry partnerships and national test-bedding facilities to help finalists pilot and scale their innovations locally and globally. Committing up to S$2 million annually for the next three years, A*STAR will significantly contribute to TLC’s mission of accelerating technology development and commercialisation pathways. “Climate change affects all of us, impacting our health, work and how we live. As part of A*STAR’s efforts to decarbonise Jurong Island and play an active role in enabling Singapore’s goal to achieve net zero by 2050, we are delighted to partner Temasek Foundation in The Liveability Challenge. We look forward to partnering with start-ups from all over the world to co-develop innovative solutions to accelerate solutions for decarbonisation, and achieve these important goals together,” said Irene Cheong, Assistant Chief Executive (Innovation & Enterprise) at A*STAR. The two themes of the TLC 2026 edition are: Decarbonisation Disruptive deep-tech solutions that provide scalable and impactful solutions to reduce carbon emissions across diverse industries, including waste-to-resource, renewable energy and energy efficiency. To support the Decarbonisation theme, A*STAR is opening its doors to finalists, granting them access to cutting-edge scientific expertise at the A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (A*STAR ISCE²), as well as national test bedding facilities such as the Low Carbon Technology Translational Testbed (LCT³) on Jurong Island. These facilities will enable technologies to be trialled in real-world industrial conditions in Singapore – a critical step that de-risks commercial adoption and ready solutions for international deployment. Cool Earth Innovative solutions that enhance mitigation, resilience and adaptation to extreme weather events (especially heat) for a more liveable planet, including large-scale cooling benefits and adaptive solutions that strengthen resilience across diverse industries. “As climate tech investments face headwinds from economic certainty and higher borrowing costs, innovative and catalytical capital has become indispensable. This patient, flexible funding not only fuels early-stage innovation but sends powerful signals that crowd in larger private and public capital,” said Jessica Cheam, founder and CEO for Eco-Business. “Growing this pool of capital requires a multi-disciplinary approach that brings together policymakers, investors and start-ups – an ecosystem that platforms like The Liveability Challenge uniquely facilities,” she added. The launch event also featured a high-level panel on “Catalytic capital: Accelerating climate innovation” with thought leaders from A*STAR, Google, Breakthrough Energy and Antares Ventures sharing strategies to unleash the next wave of climate tech solutions. Under the theme “Solutions that scale. Impact that lasts”, TLC 2026’s call for submissions officially opened today and will close on 9 February 2026. Enter your innovation to The Liveability Challenge here. Each TLC edition culminates in a Grand Finale during Ecosperity Week in Singapore, showcasing the finalists’ deep-tech solutions. The top TLC 2025 winners were Singapore-based deep-tech start-up Krosslinker and Canada-based hydrogen solutions provider Ayrton Energy who secured S$1 million each in catalytic funding among other investment prizes. Krosslinker develops passive cooling technologies in the form of aerogel materials capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 10 °C and ambient temperatures by up to 5 °C, while Ayrton Energy develops technology for safe and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transport – addressing infrastructure challenges that currently hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy. Two steering committees on the two themes – Decarbonisation and Cool Earth – will convene to select the finalists who will pitch their solutions to judges and investors at The Liveability Challenge Grand Finale during Ecosperity Week 2026 held from 18 to 21 May next year. More than 200 decision-makers gathered at venue partner Google Singapore for the 2026 TLC launch. For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at  https://www.theliveabilitychallenge.org/                  

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines — Mahigit 2,200 bamboo propagules ang sabayang itinanim ng Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office (PNREO) sa isinagawang tree growing activity sa bayan ng Solana, Tuao, at Lungsod ng Tuguegarao, noong Agosto 29. Katuwang ng PNREO ang mga benepisyaryo ng I Love Cagayan River Movement Cash-for-Work Livelihood Program na nagtanim sa mga pampang ng Ilog Cagayan at mga tributaryo nito. Nakiisa rito ang mga residente at benepisyaryo mula sa mga barangay Andarayan Norte, Andarayan Sur, Natapian West, Natapian East, at Calamagui sa Solana; Fugu at Alabiao sa Tuao; at Linao sa Tuguegarao City. Layon ng programa na magbigay ng kabuhayan sa mga benepisyaryo kapalit ng pagtatanim at pangangalaga ng kawayan, kasabay ng pagpapatupad ng adbokasiya ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cagayan para sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan upang maibsan ang nararanasang pagbaha sa probinsya. (Rachell Galamay)  

  KABAYAN, Benguet, Philippines – The Local Government Unit of Kabayan, with the unwavering support of Mayor Rex Alwin G. Aquisan, successfully conducted its impactful “Youth-Led Eco-Tourism Tree Planting Drive” held at Kamora National High School in Gusaran, Kabayan, on August 28. This initiative was spearheaded by the Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office, led by Tourism Operations Officer I, Mr. Fernan A. Bangonan, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, led by Environmental Management Specialist, Mr. Aris B. Lamsis. The activity was participated by various partner organizations, truly embodying the spirit of collective environmental stewardship. Attendees included dedicated LGU employees; personnel from the Kabayan Municipal Fire Station, led by FINSP Danilo C Fagyan; the Upper Agno River Watershed Area Team, headed by Mr. Benjamin T. Kimayong; Kamora National High School, led by Principal Ms. Divina T. Calubandi; as well as the members of the Supreme Secondary Learners Government and the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization. This collaborative activity aligns perfectly with the Linggo ng Kabataan’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond.” Its primary aim is to empower young people in environmental conservation and preservation, serving as a holistic and forward-looking endeavor that leverages the vibrant energy of our youth to secure the environmental and economic future of our community. This initiative goes beyond mere rhetoric, translating our aspirations for a better tomorrow into concrete, meaningful action. By working together to plant trees today, we are quite literally rooting for a brighter future—one where our natural landscapes are thriving and our youth are at the forefront of stewardship and innovation. In his remarks, Mr. Bangonan extended heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors for their continuous assistance in supporting the endeavors of the office and, especially, for the benefit of the youth. Special appreciation was given to the Gusaran Multi-Purpose Cooperative headed by Ms. Rosalyn Ebas and Sangguniang Kabataan of Gusaran, headed by Honorable Joshua C. Daniel for their significant sponsorship. He concluded with a powerful call to unity: “Together, let’s unite for a progressive Kabayan and for the better future of the youth.”        

By Ruben A. Veloria   BATAAN, Philippines — ational and local government agencies, in partnership with Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), signed on Wednesday an agreement for the establishment and steward of the P14-million mangrove conservation project in Barangay Kabalutan, Orani, here. On the momentous event held at the Central Office of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City, project partners Orani Mayor Antonio Arizapa Jr.; Bataan 3rd Dist. Rep. Maria Angela Garcia; DENR Secretary Atty. Raphael P.M. Lotilla; AboitizPower COO- Operated Assets Ronaldo Ramos; and Tubo-Tubo Fisherfolks Association Chairperson Rosana Laxa sign the Memorandum of Agreement ratifying the Tubo-Tubo Island Mangrove Conservation Project. The project aims to help regenerate mangrove area through planting activities, regular monitoring, protection measures, and community awareness campaigns that local and national stakeholders can replicate. According to the 2024 State of the Coasts of Bataan, the province’s mangrove area decreased from 3.95 square kilometers to 1.56 square kilometers between 2012 and 2016 due to human activity and climate change. Mangroves can shield coastal communities from storm surges and erosion, filter water, and nurture marine life that sustains the communities. The conservation project supports DENR Administrative Order 15-90, which outlines regulations for the utilization, development, and management of mangrove resources in the Philippines, and aligns with the agency’s Project Transform, a science-based program to strengthen resilience against climate change. The project also follows existing environmental projects of GMEC and GNPD in other parts of Bataan like in Samal, Abucay, and Morong, bringing its total conservation efforts to 30 hectares. “Today, marks a significant milestone in our journey towards resilience, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development,” said DENR Sec. Lotilla, adding that the agreement is a collective assertion that development will not come at the expense of the environment. “Aside from serving as spawning grounds for marine life, mangroves also protect our area from storm surges [and] helps the environment by absorbing carbon,” Orani Mayor Arizapa said, explaining the project shows that real progress happens when the government, private sector, and communities work together.” Bataan is home to the GMEC and GNPD facilities, both entities are private limited partnerships, with AboitizPower having a 78.3% and 70% effective partnership interest in each, respectively.          

New Clark City to host Philippines’ most advanced WTE facility, processing 600 tons of waste daily and powering over 10,000 homes   NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Philippines, through the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), secured a Php4-billion (US$70-million) waste-to-energy (WTE) investment with Indian engineering firm Uttamenergy Limited, marking one of the major infrastructure agreements from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India. The deal will pave the way for the Philippines’ most advanced WTE facility in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The facility will process 600 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily and generate 12 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power over 10,000 homes. Construction of the facility will begin on a four-hectare site, with a provision to expand by additional six hectares. The expansion could bring in several billion pesos more in follow-on investment and significantly increase processing capacity and energy output. “This investment delivers direct national value and reinforces our transition to clean energy, supports modern waste management for cities, and brings high-impact foreign capital into one of the Philippines’ most strategic growth areas,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. This project is expected to generate approximately 300 jobs during the construction phase and over 100 full-time positions during operations. Local labor and supply chains will be prioritized, supporting livelihoods across Tarlac and nearby provinces. The facility will also catalyze downstream industries in waste recovery, transport, and energy services. “Projects like this are not just about infrastructure. They create ecosystems of opportunity, like jobs for skilled workers, contracts for small businesses, and long-term value for local governments managing waste sustainably,” Engr. Bingcang added. The WTE consortium includes Global Heavy Equipment and Construction Corporation and ATD Waste-to-Energy Corporation from the Philippines, alongside India’s Uttamenergy, a regional leader with WTE and biomass facilities across Asia and Africa. The plant will utilize German-engineered Enviropower technology from MARTIN GmbH for high-efficiency, low-emission waste combustion. The agreement is aligned with the Marcos Jr. administration’s energy and environmental priorities, including the Philippine Energy Plan and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, which mandates more efficient solid waste processing by local governments and producers. Located within New Clark City—a 9,450-hectare flagship development positioned as the Philippines’ first smart and resilient metropolis—the facility will serve as a scalable model for clean industrial infrastructure. This investment is part of the BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).  

By Ruben A. Veloria   MARIVELES, Bataan, Philippines  – Fifty women from this town have found livelihood opportunities through the recently concluded “Waste to Material” program under Project Saysay, an employee-led initiative of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) through GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD). The program trained spouses of municipal utility workers transform discarded materials, such as election campaign tarpaulins, into eco-friendly products like bags, plant pots, faux lamps, and other home decors. According to the Bataan Ten-Year Solid Waste Management Plan for 2018-2027, the province estimates that 310.6 tons of solid waste is generated per day, projected to rise to 396.6 tons per day by next year. Of the total, recyclables make up 72.6 tons (about 23%), underscoring the need for similar projects. Trainers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) guided the participants, while, the GMEC and GNPD team distributed toolkits, to help all 50 beneficiaries kickstart their ventures in transforming waste materials into practical household items and creative décor. Project Saysay is GMEC and GNPD’s monthly outreach program where employee-birthday celebrators volunteer their time to give back to the community, highlighting the company’s thrust to co-create safe, empowered, and sustainable communities. The project was made possible in collaboration with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Mariveles, further strengthening the partnership between AboitizPower and the LGU in promoting sustainable practices. According to Lolita Manrique, one of the beneficiaries, “I used to ignore used tarps and bottles, but it gave me a new way to help provide for my family and care for the environment. The program is a big help, especially for those without jobs.” “The training helped participants realize they could repurpose everyday waste at home,” said Sarah Rose Maglaya, one of the TESDA trainers. “One of our biggest challenges was securing the materials.  With the kits provided, they started creating right away and even continued at home.” GMEC and GNPD are private limited partnerships. AboitizPower has a 78.3% effective partnership interest in GMEC and a 70% effective partnership interest in GNPD.