SM Cares promotes biking, sustainability for eco-friendly cities

AHEAD of National Bicycle Day, SM Supermalls — through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares — partnered with local government units in a series of events to promote biking as a sustainable form of transportation.

Padyak Pasay, led by the city of Pasay and JCI Manilena, gathered over 400 cyclists for a fun bike ride at SM by the BAY and across stops around the city.

In partnership with SM Cares and Break the Cycle bike coalition, children and youth of Pasay joined a bike safety clinic and bike eco tour.

Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls vice president and SM Cares program director, said: “As the next generation of leaders, it is important to teach our youth not only to bike safely on the road, but also to see biking as a way to ensure a clean environment. Through our bike eco tour, we hope to inspire children to adopt sustainable practices at home as they learn how we operate our properties responsibly.”

Meanwhile, SM City Iloilo hosted a three-day festival together with the City of Iloilo and the Department of Transportation. Drawing a crowd of nearly 14,500 attendees, activities include a bike expo, vintage bike exhibit, bike food tours, fun rides and races.

As a mall for all, SM Cares further supported the Active Mobility forum, bringing in woman leader and inclusive biking advocate Early Sol Gadong.

The festival culminates on National Bicycle Day on November 26 with the annual Bike Lane awards, recognizing bike-friendly cities.