In an effort to resolve the number of disruptions experienced by residents during rainy season and in consideration of the lasting support that SM upholds for the people of Olongapo City, SM has funded the construction of a new drainage canal/line along 6th St. Brgy. Pagasa Olongapo City (adjacent to the mall).
The new drainage line will carry out water from surrounding communities and will be carried via the 6ft. diameter pipes to the river.
Barangay Pagasa Chairman Rodolfo Catologan, whose area is directly affected by the circumstance, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to SM for spearheading the project. “Umaasa ang mga residente ng Brgy Pagasa na mababawasan na ang pagbaha sa aming lugar, ngayon pa lang ay laking pasasalamat na ng mga taga rito sa gagawing drainage ng SM,” Catologan added.
On the other hand, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino constantly remind the public to cooperate with the city government to help avoid blockage and misuse of the drainage system, he also called the attention of each barangay that coordinated efforts should be followed to keep the streets clean in order to prevent rubbish from blocking the roadside drainages.
It can be recalled that in 2013 SM donated a unit of “Backhoe” to the city as assistance in clearing and rescue operations, and re-building of its flood-hit areas during the Typhoon Odette.
With the continuous efforts of SM on environment and sustainability program, the drainage system project aims to help reduce if not entirely eliminate the flooding risks in the surrounding communities in the city.
Apart from this endeavor, SM malls have various programs that focus on environment protection, quoting from the SM Cares page, “SM Cares has employed a holistic approach to managing the environment which builds on safety and security through disaster resilience, business continuity programs and emergency preparedness. Environmental sustainability runs at the core of every project by adopting measures to conserve and preserve energy, water and air quality. The SM malls have an active solid waste management system that engages not just the employees and customers, but the whole community.” By taking care of the environment, SM also takes care of the communities they are part of and help promote sustainable progress.