US Embassy, SM host environmental film fest
SM Cares together with long-time program partner, the US Embassy in the Philippines, held the second Virtual Green Film Festival which showcased two short videos. Focusing on protecting the world’s oceans, the live stream was part of a continuing program to educate the public about the importance of marine conservation.
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22 with the theme “Celebrating Earth Day: Protecting the Ocean from Surface to Bottom,” more than 500 students and professionals from all over the country attended the online event.
The first feature was “How’s My Fishing,” which revolved around illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Philippines, its socio-economic impacts and how it is affecting not only our seafood supplies but also the quality of the seafood we eat.
The second film, titled “Emden Deep Expedition: Filipino Scientist Reaching the 3rd Deepest Trench in the World,” featured microbial oceanographer Dr. Deo Onda and his experience being the first Filipino scientist to join an exploration of the third deepest spot-on earth, the Emden Deep found in the Philippine Trench.
In addition to the film viewing, the event also included presentations and a live panel discussion moderated by US Embassy Deputy for Environment, Science and Technology, and Health Ashley Tokic with IUU Fishing Specialist for USAid Fish Right Project Rollan Geronimo, Dr. Onda, and SM Supermalls Corporate Compliance Manager Belinda Gonzales.
“The films were chosen to hopefully spark this generation’s interests in the protection of our seas and oceans,” said Gonzales.
“We hope this online screening connects you with others interested in critical issues affecting the environment, saving our oceans, and meeting the challenge of climate change as a collective effort that must be prioritized,” said US Embassy in the Philippines Charge d’ Affaires John Law.
The 2nd Virtual Green Film Festival supports the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals, particularly “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities,” “SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,” and “SDG 14: Life Below Water.”
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs to support communities, and promote social inclusion and care for the environment. Its CSR advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth, Senior Citizens, and the creation of bike-friendly SM Malls across the country.
SM’s other external initiatives for the environment include the Trash to Cash recycling market; the Plastic Waste Collection and Electronic Waste Collection programs;and the AweSMSeas campaign on marine plastic pollution, in partnership with USAid and PRRCFI, to name a few.