SM City Baguio's Rainwater Treatment Facility shines at prestigious awards

SM City Baguio's innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF) has been recognized by esteemed award-giving bodies, highlighting the mall's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.The RTF recently earned the Gold Award under the Brand Effectiveness through Corporate Sustainability and Brand Trust at the Philippine Association of National Advisers (PANA)'s PANAta Brand Effective Awards Night 2024. The RTF was recognized for its focus on community impact, transformative consumer behaviors, and brand-driven community upliftment. PANA, a leading professional organization for marketing and communications professionals in the Philippines, established the PANAta Awards to recognize outstanding achievements in the industry. The Gold Award is the highest honor bestowed by PANA, recognizing excellence in branding, marketing, and communications.SM City Baguio's pioneering rainwater treatment facility (RTF) has transformed over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into clean drinking water. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOIn addition to the PANAta Award, the RTF also received a Bronze Award in the Care for the Environment category at the 2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards in June 2024. The RTF won the award for its innovative approach to sustainability, demonstrating the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and its positive impact on the community. The Tambuli Awards, established in 2005, celebrate excellence in marketing communications and recognize successful marketing campaigns and sustainability initiatives that positively impact the world.SM Supermalls' President Steven Tan (center) and Vice President and Head of Sustainability and Resilience Engr. Liza Silerio (second from right) receive the Bronze Award in the Care for the Environment category at the 2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards in June 2024 for SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility (RTF). CONTRIBUTED PHOTOThe groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023, has made significant strides in water stewardship. Since its inception, the RTF has processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater—equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools—into potable water for the mall's operations and lessees' use. Strategically located at the mall's basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall's total monthly average requirement for clean, consumable water.The RTF employs a rigorous six-step treatment process, with equipment constantly monitored and parameters checked in real time to guarantee optimal performance. The treated water undergoes regular testing and consistently meets all water quality standards.SM Supermalls' Executive Vice President Jonjon San Agustin (second from left) and Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno (second from right) accept the Gold Award at the Philippine Association of National Advisers (PANA)'s recent PANAta Brand Effective Awards Night 2024 for SM City Baguio's innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO"We at SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) are proud to present this rainwater treatment facility as a symbol of our commitment to sustainability and community well-being," said SM Supermalls' Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head Engr. Liza Silerio. "By harnessing rainwater, we're conserving water resources and promoting a healthier Baguio City."SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.From left to right: Baguio City Environment and Parks Management Office Department Head Atty. Rhenan Diwas, SM Supermalls' Senior Vice President for Operations Bien Mateo, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and SM Supermalls' Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations - North Luzon Janssen Pe drink the now-potable rainwater processed at the rainwater treatment facility (RTF) in SM City Baguio. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO