SM Foundation and SM Supermalls Extend Aid to Cebu Through Operation Tulong Express

Over 8,000 affected families in Cebu were given Kalinga Packs through SM Foundation's Operation Tulong Express (OPTE)

Through Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), SM Foundation, Inc. and SM Supermalls continue to bring comfort and care to communities in need. As part of this nationwide relief effort, Kalinga Packs filled with essential goods were distributed to over 8,000 affected families in Mandaue City, Consolacion, and Cebu City, offering hope and support as they recover and rebuild together.

In solidarity with this cause, SM City Mindpro encourages Zamboangueños to extend their compassion by donating to help families in Cebu. A dedicated Operation Tulong Express Donation Box is located at the Ground Level near Campaner Entrance of SM City Mindpro.

Every contribution, big or small, can help empower communities to rise again. Join us in supporting this relief drive and be part of SM’s continuing mission to uplift lives across the nation.

Visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/sm-malls-unite-for-cebu to view the locations of OPTE Donation Box in SM Supermalls nationwide.

SM Besties of Joy 2025: Share the Gift of Friendship This Christmas

 

The holiday season is about to get a little brighter, warmer, and more joyful as SM Cares introduces the SM Besties of Joy 2025 — four adorable bunnies who remind everyone that the meaningful gifts aren’t always wrapped—they’re shared through kindness, connection, and friendship.

 

Evolving from the beloved Bears of Joy, the Besties of Joy carry forward the tradition of giving twice the joy through SM Cares’ annual Buy-One-Donate-One initiative. For every Bestie of Joy purchased, SM Cares donates another plush toy to a child from one of the 72 SM partner communities nationwide—spreading comfort, hope, and happiness this Christmas.

Available from October 25 to December 25, 2025, each Bestie of Joy is priced at ₱330. With every purchase, you get to keep one plush toy while the other is donated to a child in need—turning a simple gift into a powerful gesture of kindness. This meaningful act of sharing brings joy not just to one, but to two hearts, creating thousands of uplifting moments across SM’s partner communities nationwide.

 

“The Besties of Joy remind us that the true spirit of Christmas lies in friendship and giving. Every hug shared is a reminder that small acts of kindness can make the world feel warmer and more connected,” said Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

Meet the Besties of Joy

This year’s plush toy collection features four lovable characters, each bringing their own charm and color to the season of giving.

 

Hannie, in soft white, is gentle and grateful—reminding us to appreciate life’s little blessings. Rumi, dressed in dreamy lilac, sparks imagination and creativity, encouraging everyone to dream and explore. Tala, glowing in cheerful yellow, is the sunshine of friendship, spreading laughter and love wherever she goes. And Nana, in warm red, is the heart of kindness, always ready with a comforting hug and a helping paw.

 

Each Bestie reflects the values SM Cares hopes to inspire this season—gratitude, creativity, joy, and compassion. Together, these vibrant and cuddly companions embody the joy of giving and the magic of connection.

Join the Tradition

The Besties of Joy campaign continues SM’s long-standing mission to bring people together through purposeful giving, in partnership with local charities and organizations that help ensure every Bestie finds its way to a child who needs it most.               

Visit SM City Mindpro and share the gift of friendship—because every Bestie given is a best friend made.

SM Foundation drives medical missions to more communities

SM Foundation is continuing its long-running effort to bring healthcare services to communities with limited healthcare access.

In Dumaguete City, beneficiaries line up at the SM Foundation mobile clinic to receive free X-rays and ECG services.

Its Medical Mission program began in 2001 and has since conducted more than 1,700 medical missions, reaching over 1.3 million patients across the country.

Dr. Bless Bertos, Senior Project Manager for SM Foundation’s Health and Medical Programs, examines a patient from San Remigio, Cebu to determine the appropriate care, medicines and vitamins to prescribe.

Carried out with the help of various social good partners, the initiative has adapted over time to address the needs of its beneficiaries. A mobile clinic has been supporting the missions, equipped with X-ray and ECG machines, as well as blood and urine analyzers for on-site diagnosis and treatment.

Volunteers and social good partners provide care for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa.

In recent weeks, the foundation has brought its services to multiple locations. These included SM City Puerto Princesa Brgy. Salvacion and Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Dumaguete City, and Valencia in Negros Oriental, San Remio, Bogo, and Naval Station Central Visayas in Cebu. Over a thousand patients in the said areas received consultations, diagnostic services, and basic medical care.

Philippine Navy personnel, their families, and nearby residents receive medical services during the mission at Naval Station Central Visayas.

SM Foundation is set to conduct more medical missions in the coming months. These activities will run alongside its Wellness Center program, which involves the revamp and rehabilitation of health centers and hospitals to improve healthcare delivery. (SM Foundation)

SM Group’s relief operations deliver aid to thousands

In the wake of continuous rains and widespread flooding brought by Severe Tropical Storms Crising, Dante, Typhoon Emong, and the southwest monsoon, SM Foundation rolled out its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) to provide immediate relief to affected communities across the country.

OPTE is activated in Quezon City. In photo: SM City Fairview volunteers as they hand over the Kalinga Packs

In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, the Foundation distributed more than 18,800 Kalinga Packs, containing food and basic essentials. Relief operations covered several areas, including Metro Manila, Olongapo City, Bataan, Pampanga, Rizal, Pangasinan, Cavite, Tarlac City, La Union, Laguna, Cebu City.

An employee-volunteer from SM City Pampanga made their way to a flood-affected area to ensure the timely delivery of Kalinga Packs to families impacted by the recent flooding in the province.

These were distributed in coordination with local government units and barangay officials.

SM Foundation AVP for Livelihood and Outreach Programs Cristie Angeles said that the collaboration across SM’s business units added value to the effort and enabled a quick response to community needs. Volunteers from SM Supermalls, SM Markets, and SM Foundation worked together to pack and distribute Kalinga Packs to households affected by recent storms.

A lifeline. Affected families from Olongapo City receive relief packs from SM City Olongapo

“Through OPTE, we make sure we are there for our communities not just in good times, but especially during crises,” Angeles said. “The dedication of our employees and partners allows us to respond quickly and compassionately when our fellow Filipinos need support the most.”

SM Center Lemery volunteer-employees offer a smile as they distribute the Kalinga Packs

OPTE is a social good program of SM Foundation, implemented in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets. It is aimed at delivering immediate relief to SM's host communities during calamities and emergencies.

OPTE for the flood victims in Pulilan, Bulacan

As of writing, relief operations are ongoing, with the SM Group preparing to continue the distribution in the coming days. (SM Foundation)