Village Connect
On February 19, 2025, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility wing of SM Supermalls, took a groundbreaking step toward enhancing maternal and child health by launching the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative.
This collaborative venture, forged in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines (HMBAP), was inaugurated at SM City San Lazaro with inspirational addresses from key figures committed to breastfeeding advocacy.
Recognizing the challenges that many mothers encounter in providing adequate milk due to various medical and circumstantial issues, the initiative aims to ensure a reliable supply of safe and nutritious donor human milk, especially during emergencies or disasters.
By processing and distributing this donated milk through accredited Human Milk Banks, the initiative promises to reach infants in dire need. Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and the Program Director for Women & Breastfeeding Mothers at SM Cares, articulated the significance of this initiative in addressing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goals associated with eliminating hunger and improving health outcomes.
“Our aim is to make breastfeeding accessible to all mothers—both those currently nursing and those who are contemplating it. Establishing milk depots in our malls is a transformative step in realizing this vision,” she stated.
This project embodies SM’s ongoing commitment to fostering safe, supportive environments conducive to maternal and child health, with aspirations to expand the initiative nationwide. The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative is also aligned with the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ philosophy of being “A Mall for All.”
Through strategic partnerships, this initiative promotes breastfeeding awareness while offering essential facilities and support programs for mothers. During the launch, Usec. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral of the Public Health Services Cluster and Dr. Estrella Jusi, President of the HMBAP, praised the leadership of SM Cares in this critical advocacy.
“This partnership illustrates the impactful results achievable through collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance maternal and infant health,” remarked Usec. Maestral, emphasizing the potential for positive change.
The initiative is set to roll out initially in two pilot locations, with plans for further expansion based on its success. SM Cares will engage actively with communities, raising awareness about breast milk donation and nurturing a culture of support and advocacy.
The anticipated impact of the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative is profound, expected to enhance participation in breast milk donation while improving health outcomes for infants and fostering breastfeeding-friendly communities across the Philippines.
“We dream of a future where every child can thrive and every mother feels fully supported in her breastfeeding journey,” Atty. Turley expressed. To learn more about the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative and discover how to contribute to this life-saving cause, visit SM City San Lazaro or SM City Manila, and stay tuned to SM Cares’ social media channels for updates regarding program availability.
Through this transformative initiative, SM Cares is dedicated to making every drop of breast milk count, one life at a time.
