In a joint effort for Manila Bay, SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), was present for the handover of a state-of-the-art catamaran trash boat to complement the ongoing battle against water pollution. DENR received the boat last January 31, along with essential navigation and safety equipment as well as cleaning tools. The 30-foot catamaran will be operated by the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office – South Zone and will contribute to the agency’s capacity to combat water pollution and preserve the vital marine ecosystem.

This donation strengthens the DENR’s arsenal in its multifaceted approach to cleaning Manila Bay. The catamaran will enable more efficient removal of floating debris and waste, contributing to the broader effort to improve water quality and restore the bay’s ecological health. The partnership with SM Prime exemplifies the power of public-private collaborations in tackling complex environmental challenges.

“This catamaran represents our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our belief in the power of collaboration to create a sustainable future for our communities,” said SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, emphasizing the shared vision of both organizations. SM Prime’s contribution complements the DENR’s ongoing initiatives, including the Paranaque Adopt-a-River project, and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving lasting environmental improvements.

The presence of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and other DENR officials emphasized the agency’s commitment to leveraging partnerships to achieve its environmental goals. The catamaran will play a crucial role in the DENR’s continued efforts to protect Manila Bay from pollution and preserve its valuable resources for future generations. This collaboration serves as a model for how public and private sectors can work together to address pressing environmental concerns and create a healthier environment.

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines (HMBAP), has officially launched the groundbreaking SM Human Milk Depot Initiative. The partnership was inaugurated on February 19, 2025, with special messages from key representatives at SM City San Lazaro.

Empowering Communities, Saving Lives
Breastfeeding is critical to maternal and child health, yet many mothers face challenges in providing sufficient milk for their infants due to medical or circumstantial limitations. The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative seeks to address this gap by ensuring the availability of safe, nutritious donor human milk, particularly during emergencies and disasters. The donated milk will be processed and distributed through accredited Human Milk Banks, reaching the infants who need it most.

“The Human Milk Depot initiative is a vital step towards achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 2 and 3 — eliminating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting health and wellness. Our goal is to make breastfeeding more accessible, not only for current breastfeeding mothers but also for those considering breastfeeding. By establishing a milk depot inside our malls, we are taking a significant step toward this objective.” said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women & Breastfeeding Mothers. “This milestone initiative reflects SM’s continuing commitment to fostering safe spaces and advocating for maternal and child health, and we will ensure that it expands across the nation, serving mothers and children all around the country.”

Strengthening a Culture of Breastfeeding Advocacy
Aligned with the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative reinforces SM Supermalls’ mission of being “A Mall for All.” Through partnerships with health institutions, the program promotes breastfeeding awareness and supports mothers by offering facilities and programs that cater to their needs.

During the launch event, Usec. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral of the Public Health Services Cluster and Dr. Estrella Jusi, President of the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines, commended SM Cares for its leadership in this critical advocacy. “This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together to support maternal and infant health,” said Usec. Maestral.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Community Engagement
The initiative will initially roll out in two pilot locations, with plans for expansion to additional SM malls based on the program’s success. Beyond the depots, SM Cares will also strengthen its community engagement efforts, raising awareness about the importance of breast milk donation and fostering a culture of care and advocacy.

Impacting Lives One Drop at a Time
The launch of the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative marks another significant milestone in SM Cares’ Women and Breastfeeding Advocacy program. The initiative is expected to increase participation in breast milk donation, improve infant health outcomes, and promote breastfeeding-friendly communities across the Philippines.

“We envision a future where every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive, and every mother feels supported and empowered in her breastfeeding journey,” said Atty. Pearly Turley.

For more information about the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative and how you can contribute to this life-saving program, visit SM City San Lazaro and SM City Manila, and follow SM Cares’ social media channels for updates on when the program will be available soon.