SM Supermalls in North Luzon gathered on April 22, 2023 to celebrate Earth Day with a series of activities designed to promote environmental sustainability and inspire action towards a more sustainable future. The event, titled “Earth Day 2023: Invest in Our Planet, Invest in Our Youth” featured an Art and Storytelling activity, a Sustainability Tour, and a Tree Planting activity.
The celebration kicked off with a Tree Planting activity, wherein 45 grade school students from University of the Cordilleras along with OIC Principal Ermilita Sao-an and five teachers planted pine tree saplings in the mall perimeter. Assisted by CENRO Information Officer Belinda Ngolab and NGP site Manager Melody Llaban, the activity aims to increase awareness of the importance of trees in the ecosystem to the youth and inspire others to act towards reforestation and conservation. Trees play a crucial role in the planet’s ecosystem and help combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.
The Art and Storytelling activity highlighted the celebration to express their love for the planet and share their stories through various artistic forms like the coloring activity facilitated by Pasakalye Arts Group President Maricar Docyogen. A storytelling from SM employee, HR Manager Ruel Ramirez volunteers to read to the children a story based on Manny Baldemor’s artworks. The story reflects the simple ways children can participate in living sustainably on their own and with their family.
Following the Art and Storytelling activity, the Sustainability Tour showcased various sustainability initiatives and practices that are implemented in the SM Malls. The tour aimed to educate and inspire participants to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives and contribute to the planet’s restoration and regeneration. In SM City Baguio, Assistant Mall Manager Jason Pena explained to the children how the Electronic Vehicle (EV) Charging Station works, the first facility of its kind in Baguio. EVs are true zero emission vehicles since they have no tailpipe exhaust and no evaporative emissions from fuel systems.
The Earth Day Celebration at SM City Baguio demonstrated the power of art, storytelling, and community engagement in promoting environmental sustainability and inspiring action towards a more sustainable future. It is also an annual activity of SM Supermalls as part of its advocacy for environmental conservation.
