As probably the Philippines’ largest mall developer, SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s SM Baguio mall has recently caught the ire of the country’s netizens in its latest move on expanding the said shopping establishment. The expansion, which is planned to begin this weekend, would involve the cutting and replanting of almost up to 140 pine trees. The trees that are to be replanted are to be transferred to a DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) compound. The move will also make SM Baguio as the first shopping mall in the Philippines to be certified by an international environment-forward standard, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
SM Prime Holdings said that the expansion is to follow an eco-friendly model, primarily in-line with green building/architecture standards. This would involve a large roof garden, wherein plant growth is to be promoted by stimulating natural environment states, by means of green roof technology. Underground parking is also be done, to lessen heavy traffic jams in the streets, and avoiding “heat trap effects” that most malls are know for.
Concerned netizens fled into social media movements to rage their thoughts on the mall expansion. Some have created pages in popular Facebook to block the construction. Some voiced out their thoughts on how SM was able to get DENR permits in a fast and efficient manner. There are even those stressing the fact that Baguio is no place for big shopping malls.
Whatever the reason may be, pine trees – whether they be actually replanted in a different location – may soon be a thing in the past for the City of Pines. Regardless of having a green stance on building its facilities, SM Prime Holdings has now created another reason for the general social media public to come up and join their virtual hands together again.
