The SM Group has expanded its conservation partnerships through another collaboration with the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to host the "Celebrating People and Biodiversity" film festival at SM Mall of Asia Cinema 8.
SM Group reinforced its ongoing collaboration with environmental organizations by co-hosting a biodiversity film festival with the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.
The "Celebrating People and Biodiversity" festival at SM Mall of Asia Cinema 8 featured locally-produced documentaries highlighting the Philippines' threatened ecosystems under the theme "Harmony with nature and sustainable development."
The centerpiece screening was "Suwag o Suko," a documentary on endangered tamaraw conservation, followed by six YouTube productions on Philippine wetlands. Director Mark Gatdula and content creators Renzo Maano and Xzar Lim led post-screening discussions.
SCPW Executive Director Amy Lecciones emphasized the value of the partnership in expanding their organization's reach beyond conservation circles. "It really enables us to reach more audiences and other sectors," she said.
SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin also reinforced the impact of such collaborations: "When society, NGOs, government, and the private sector work together, they form an alliance that can deliver meaningful outcomes."
Meanwhile, attendees received commemorative items featuring endangered Philippine species—marine turtles, Philippine eagles, and dugongs—also featured in SM's ongoing "Save from Extinction" campaign.
The initiative reinforces SM Group's sustained commitment to promoting biodiversity conservation efforts nationwide.
SCPW, through its Executive Director Amy Lecciones, recognized content creators Renzo Maano, Xzar Lim, film director Mark Gatdula, and TCP Deputy Coordinator Neil Del Mundo with tokens of appreciation for their creative efforts in promoting environmental awareness and conservation.
Mark Gatdula, director of Suwag o Suko talked about how the continuous calls and efforts have led to several changes since they filmed the documentary, like the salary increase for the Mount Iglit-Baco Natural Park rangers, during the question and answer session.
Attendees seized the opportunity to question content creators about their experiences filming across diverse wetlands nationwide and sought advice for enhancing their cinematography and filming techniques.
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