The SM Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, SM Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible and inclusive growth by providing swift assistance to underserved communities in times of need. With a focus on disaster relief and community development, SM Foundation has distributed nearly one million Kalinga Packs and conducted over 780 relief missions to date.
In 2024 alone, the Foundation, in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, organized 41 Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) missions, distributing over 108,000 Kalinga Packs to those affected by natural calamities. The Kalinga Packs, which contain essential supplies such as rice, water, and ready-to-eat meals, are part of SM Foundation’s initiative to support disaster victims and provide vital relief during emergencies.
Debbie Sy, SM Foundation executive director, emphasized the importance of leveraging corporate resources for disaster response, noting that SM Foundation works in synergy with other SM business units, such as SM Markets and SM Malls, to maximize impact. SM malls also serve as temporary shelters for disaster victims, providing rest areas and charging stations when electricity is disrupted.
Since its first large-scale relief effort after Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, SM Foundation has expanded its scope beyond disaster relief to focus on education, healthcare, livelihood, and shelter initiatives. SM founder, Henry Sy Sr., believed in the transformative power of education to break the cycle of poverty, a vision SM Foundation continues to uphold with projects like the construction of school buildings, including a new school at the San Fernando South Central Integrated School in La Union.
SM Foundation’s efforts reflect a holistic approach to CSR, integrating community engagement and impact assessments to ensure that initiatives are tailored to the needs of local communities. With its strong commitment to both immediate disaster relief and long-term community development, SM Foundation stands as a reliable and proactive partner in fostering sustainable growth in the Philippines.
