SM City La Union Strengthens Climate Resilience with Advanced Rainwater Catchment System
San Fernando, La Union, Philippines — With climate change bringing heavier rainfall and increased flood risks, proactive measures are essential to build resilient communities. SM City La Union, the 30th mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) to feature a rainwater catchment system, adds to the growing network of climate-smart infrastructure across the country.
The facility is engineered to collect and store stormwater, reducing runoff that could overwhelm local drainage systems. During intense rain, the system temporarily holds stormwater and gradually releases it through proper channels. SM City La Union’s underground catchment has a total capacity of 760 cubic meters, helping protect the surrounding community from flooding.
(Photo caption: SM City La Union, the 30th SM mall with a rainwater catchment system, enhances flood resilience and safeguards thousands of residents in flood-prone areas.)
(Photo caption: Sustainable design for the future—SM Supermalls manages water responsibly to secure resources for generations to come.)
Each drop captured contributes to a safer and more sustainable future. The Water for Tomorrow initiative also focuses on reusing water as an additional resource, significantly lowering reliance on freshwater. In 2024, SM Prime increased recycled water usage by 26.23%, from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters.
Equally important is community awareness. Through SM Cares, the company educates residents about water conservation and sustainable practices, fostering social resilience alongside physical infrastructure.
Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President, stated:
“Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control—they create safer environments for communities. This shows how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can safeguard lives, livelihoods, and progress.”
About SM Green Movement
SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, is committed to sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces. Through the SM Green Movement, the company emphasizes water stewardship, waste management, and energy efficiency, empowering communities to take meaningful actions toward shared prosperity and a sustainable future.
