When one mentions Baguio City, one thing that would come to mind aside from the cool climate is its abundance of flora and fauna. Personally, I love traveling to Baguio not just to enjoy the weather, the food, and the shopping, but to take all sorts of pictures, with nature as my main subject. Anything that has to do with preserving the nature, I agree with… that’s why when I found out SM Care’s “Green Road to 50,000 Trees,” I was more than happy to be part of it as my way of giving back something to Mother Nature.
Last Wednesday, the 20th of February 2013, SM Cares hit a milestone by planting its 30,000th tree. This ceremonial tree planting activity was held at the grounds of SM City Baguio (near the Pine Tree Nursery) and was attended by the executives of SM Supermalls, DENR representatives as well as celebrities. Present at the event were cosplay sisters Ashley and Alodia Gosiengfiao, singer and actor Sam Concepcion, and Ms. Earth 2012 – Air Stefany Stefanowitz.
Also that day, SM City Baguio opened an exhibit showcasing the journey to the “Green Road to 50,000 Trees,” plus a short program featuring performances by Danse de Ballet and Sam Concepcion. Shoppers were also given the chance to meet and greet the guest celebrities by purchasing an SM Eco Bag, which they can let the celebrities sign. The exhibit is located at the atrium of the mall and will run until summer.
The “Green Road to 50,000 Trees” started in January 2012, aiming to plant 50,000 trees within the three year period. This project was initially launched in compliance to DENR’s directive in relation to SM Baguio’s redevelopment plan. With SM employees working side by side with independent groups and local agencies in Baguio, pine tree saplings have been planted in various areas including the Busol Watershed, Buyog Watershed, Tuba Benguet, Burnham Park, Public School premises, and SM City Baguio mall grounds. What’s interesting to know is that, prior to this project, SM has already been donating tree saplings to the city, and in effect, has planted more trees than what is required by the DENR.
Another initiative SM did in accordance to this project is to let consumers be a part of it, too. Shoppers with purchases of more 1,500 pesos above (excluding SM Supermarkets) will receive a pine tree sapling to encourage shoppers to plant this sapling in their own backyards.
The project’s mission doesn’t just end by planting trees. Nurturing and making sure these trees will grow and live up to be big pine trees are also part of SM Cares’ priorities. Time to time, these saplings are checked, and those that died will be replaced immediately.
As the flagship of CSR program of SM Supermalls, SM Cares also do programs on waste management and recycling to ensure the cleanliness of its mall surroundings and the communities where SM operates. To know more about SM Cares, please visit http://www.facebook.com/smcsrprogram.
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About the Contributor:
Jennifer Valmonte is also a food blogger who travels from time to time. You can reach her at Tara Lets Eat website: http://taraletseat.blogspot.com.
