Village Connect
In times of crisis, communities rely on swift and dependable assistance, and SM Foundation has consistently stepped up to provide relief and recovery aid. From responding to devastating fires in urban centers to aiding disaster-stricken provinces, the foundation has reinforced its commitment to supporting underserved communities through its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program.
In 2024, a fire displaced families in Tondo, Manila, prompting SM to mobilize its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Leveraging its vast resources, including volunteers, logistics, and essential goods, SM Foundation ensured that immediate aid reached those in need. This initiative is just one of the 783 relief missions the foundation has conducted, distributing nearly one million Kalinga Packs filled with food and basic necessities.
A Network of Support
SM Foundation’s efforts extend beyond immediate disaster relief. Through strategic collaboration with various business units, it ensures a coordinated response:
- SM Markets prepares and distributes Kalinga Packs, containing food and drinking water.
- Airspeed and 2GO provide logistics support, enabling fast delivery of relief goods.
- SM Supermalls, through SM Cares, offers temporary shelter, charging stations, and other essential services.
- Mall employees actively participate in relief operations, ensuring aid reaches affected families efficiently.
This synergized approach allows SM Foundation to respond swiftly while fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among its stakeholders.
Expanding Beyond Disaster Response
While disaster relief remains a core pillar of SM Foundation’s mission, its impact extends far beyond emergency aid. Education has always been at the heart of its initiatives, inspired by SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s belief that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
The foundation’s first large-scale humanitarian mission came in 2013, following the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda. It was then that SM realized the necessity of a holistic approach—integrating relief efforts with long-term rebuilding programs. Since then, the foundation has invested in:
- Education: Rebuilding schools, offering scholarships, and providing learning materials.
- Healthcare: Conducting medical missions and building community health centers.
- Livelihood: Supporting farmers with training programs and sustainable initiatives.
- Shelter: Providing housing for displaced families.
To date, SM Foundation has constructed 110 school buildings with over 370 classrooms, ensuring that education continues even in the aftermath of calamities. It has also equipped schools with handwashing facilities and hygiene kits to promote a safe learning environment.
A Commitment to Community Resilience
More than just a corporate initiative, SM Foundation’s work embodies the spirit of bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of communal unity. Through open dialogue with affected communities, the foundation ensures that its programs address real needs, making a tangible and lasting impact.
“We don’t just provide aid; we engage, listen, and respond to what communities truly need,” shared Debbie Sy, SM Foundation Executive Director. “Our goal is not just to rebuild, but to create a foundation for resilience and sustainable growth.”
With every relief mission, school rebuilt, and livelihood program launched, SM Foundation stands as a steadfast partner in nation-building. Like a dependable neighbor, it remains present through both triumphs and trials—ready to lend a helping hand whenever it is needed most.
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