SM SUPERMALLS: ADOPTING THE SAN JUAN RIVER

SM Prime Holdings Inc, led by its president Hans T Sy, partnered and recently signed a Memorandum  of Agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a 5-year rehabilitation program to save the San Juan River called the “Adopt an Estero Program.” The MOA signing event coincides with  the 25th anniversary of the DENR, and was held at the Malacanang Palace, graced by His Excellency,  President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

The Adopt-an-Estero  Program  was launched in 2010 as a flagship program, led by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje, as a collaborative undertaking among the estero community, private entities, and Local  Government Units (LGUs). 

SM Supermalls strives to be a key role player in uniting these various sectors under one common goal, to  rehabilitate our urban ecosystems and promote sustainable lifestyle choices.  The program also intends to  provide an integrated undertaking in the light of the recent major floods in Metro Manila and other parts of  the country. 

In effect, various aspects  of  climate change adaptation, proper solid waste management (SWM) and the  participation of the private sector, were fused into one program. 

The river spans some 10.5 km and covers San Juan City, Manila and Quezon City.  Together with the DENR, MMDA, and other local governments, SM Supermalls, through its SM Cares Program on the Environment, planned for a comprehensive strategy to improve the health of the estero across this entire length.  These efforts include: the introduction of intervention methods such as installing trash traps, planting  trees and other plant species along the river banks and donating  material recovery facilities with the barangays. 

SM Supermalls’ major focal point is to provide information and education campaigns (IEC) to communicate  to the public, particularly with the local residence along the river, about the various environmental concerns  and how community members can do their share to keep rivers clean. 

Moreover, SM has partnered with the DENR in training community leaders about solid waste management and mobilizing their fellow residents to implement the San Juan River Environmental Improvement  Program.   It is SM’s goal that, through this community-based education and action plan, the San Juan River can begin  its road to recovery that will not only provide a positive impact on the river and communities themselves, but  also on the Manila Bay and entire Metro.

SM SUPERMALLS: ADOPTING THE SAN JUAN RIVER

page 12 - │ Operation Eposé Vol. 10 Blg. 03 July 29 - August 04, 2012