In a significant move to support the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749), SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to enhance air quality monitoring through the provision of Air Quality Monitoring Equipment (AQME). This groudbreaking program aims to assess and manage air pollution levels in the surrounding environment effectively.
Memorandum of Agreement Signing (L-R): Engr. Orliber Paule, Senior Assistant Vice President, SM Estates; Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group, SM Supermalls; Engr. Maira Dorica Naz-Hipe, Regional Director, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (DENR-EMB – NCR); Engr. Jessel Kabigting, SVP, SM Estates; and Atty. Linel Manayang, Officer-In-Charge (OIC), Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division, DENR-EMB-NCR
The Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) of DENR leads the Adopt-a-Continuous Ambient Air Monitoring System (CAMS) program, which focuses on comprehensive air pollution management. In alignment with this, SMPH integrates innovation and technology in its environmental stewardship efforts, reinforcing its commitment to benefiting the communities its serves.
Stationed along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, the Air Quality Monitoring Equipment (AQME) provides real-time data on particulate matter present in the air.
The collaboration was formalized through a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on November 26 during DENR’s Airshed Governing Board Year-End Meeting in Cubao. Under the five-year agreement, SMPH has committed a donation valued at P7 million, including the installation of a CAMS unit on an SMPH-owned lot located at the Villa Beatriz Extension, Commonwealth Avenue, Brgy. Matandang Balara, Quezon City.
In her special message, SM Supermalls Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Lead, Engr. Liza Silerio, emphasized the importance of air quality initiatives:
“There is a need for an air quality program and this type of equipment to raise awareness about public health and the importance of clean air. It enables us to monitor pollution levels more effectively and implement data-driven solutions.”
Engr. Silerio also highlighted the role of the private sector:
“It is an honor for us at SM to partner with and support DENR’s programs toward a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable environment.”
The real-time data collected by CAMS is crucial in helping local authorities and communities understand air quality trends, identify pollution sources, and implement effective measures to improve air health. For updates on air quality, visit https://air.emb.gov.ph/ambient-air-quality-monitoring/ .
SMPH and its business units advocate for clean air through various initiatives, including pedestrian- and transport-friendly properties, the Bike-Friendly Malls program with over 6,000 bike parking slots, 19.6 kilometers of bike lanes, and a 2.1-hectare bike trail. SM Supermalls also hosts electric vehicle charging stations at 67 locations and engages in tree-planting activities.
As a proven responsible property developer, SMPH remains committed to achieving its Net Zero by 2040 goal through decarbonization efforts, which include proper waste management, renewable energy utilization, and investments in sustainability and disaster risk resilience.
