SM’s “Green Road to 50,000 Trees” project recently held a celebration to mark the planting of its 30,000th tree in SM City Baguio, coinciding with a photo exhibit held at the mall premises. The exhibit captured the highlights of the Green Road project, and it will run until summer.
The event was graced by Ms. Earth Philippines 2012 runner-up Stephany Stefanowitz, singer Sam Concepcion, and cosplay celebrity sisters Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao. SM executives and representatives from local government units and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were present during the event.
The “Green Road” project, which began last year, has 30,000 tree saplings that have been planted in coordination with various partners from local communities and schools. The project aims to plant 50,000 trees throughout the city and surrounding communities within the next three years to support the government’s National Greening Program. Trees were planted at the Busol Watershed, Buyog Watershed, Tuba Benguet, Burnham Park, public school premises and within SM City Baguio mall grounds. There will be continual monitoring and nurturing of these trees to ensure high survival rates.
SM initiated the tree-planting activity to promote environmental awareness and start sustainable development leading to a better quality of life for Baguio residents. Aside from planting trees, it regularly donates tree saplings to be planted elsewhere. It has instituted programs on waste management and recycling to ensure the cleanliness of its mall surroundings including the community where it operates.