BAGUIO CITY, April 28 (PIA) --SM City Baguio celebrated Earth Day with a series of activities designed to promote environmental sustainability and inspire action towards a more sustainable future.

WIth the theme “Earth Day 2023: Invest in Our Planet, Invest in Our Youth,”  the  occassion featured an art and storytelling activity, a Sustainability Tour, and a tree Planting activity.

At least 100 pine tree seedlings were planted by elementary  pupils of the University of the Cordilleras and   personnel of the SM City Baguio with the assistance of representatives  from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office - Baguio during the observance of the Earth Day on  April 22 at the SM City Baguio grounds. 

CENRO Information Officer Belinda Ngolab said  the tree planting activity aims to increase awareness of the importance of trees in the ecosystem to the youth and inspire others to act towards reforestation and conservation.

Ngolab and National Greening Program Site Manager Melody Llaban oriented the 45 school children on tree planting and the proper caring of the seedings.

The school children  were also  educated on the importance and the benefits of planting trees  like  averting  the harsh impacts of climate change.  Trees play a crucial role in the planet's ecosystem and help combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.

SM Baguio personnel also led the Sustainability Tour around the mall and its facilities for the learners as part of the information and education  of the mall's programs on environmental care and protection.

Among the facilities visited were the Electronic Vehicle Charging Station, the bike parking facility, the waste system, and the eco-space at the Sky Terrace.

Assistant Mall Manager Jason Pena explained to the children how the Electronic Vehicle Charging Station works, the first facility of its kind in Baguio. EVs are true zero emission vehicles since they have no tailpipe exhaust and no evaporative emissions from fuel systems.

The activity was capped by an Art and Storytelling activity with Maricar Docyogen of the Pasakalye Arts Group and Bookends and SM HR Manager Ruel Ramirez. 

The Art and Storytelling activity highlighted the celebration to express their love for the planet and share their stories through various artistic forms like the coloring activity and the reading of a story based on Manny Baldemor’s artworks. The story reflects the simple ways children can participate in living sustainably on their own and with their family.(JDP/ RMC- PIA-CAR)