SM Foundation Turns Over Rehabilitated Health Center in Zamboanga City

(L-R): Dr. Rhodora Rivera of Edwin Andrews Air Base, District Medical Director Dr. Rossana Arquiza, Niña Jean Pagotaisidro representing Congressman Jerry Perez, City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite, Putik Barangay Chairman Geronimo Lao, Kaiser Adan Olaso representing City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Ms. Connie Angeles, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs Ms. Ms. Linda Atayde, and SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

 

Zamboanga City – SM Foundation formally turned over the newly rehabilitated Putik Health Center to the Zamboanga City government, reinforcing its commitment to accessible and quality primary healthcare for residents of Barangay Putik.

 

Serving a population of 23,247 as of 2025, the health center has been a vital frontline facility since the early 1990s. Its rehabilitation upgrades the facility to better deliver consultations, treatment, free medicines when available, immunization, nutrition programs, maternal and family planning services, tuberculosis treatment, non-communicable disease monitoring, and infectious disease surveillance.

 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted strong public-private partnership, with representatives of City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso and Congressman Jerry Perez in attendance, alongside SM Foundation executives led by Ms. Connie Angeles, Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs, and Ms. Linda Atayde, Executive Director for Education Programs. They were joined by SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite, District Medical Director Dr. Rossana Arquiza, Dr. Rhodora Rivera of Edwin Andrews Air Base, and Barangay Chairman Geronimo Lao.

 

During the ceremony, Angeles shared that the facility is the 226th SM Foundation Wellness Center and the 91st community health center supported nationwide. She emphasized that beyond upgrading infrastructure, the initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery and support health workers, with continued maintenance assistance from SM Foundation and SM malls in Zamboanga.

 

The turnover forms part of SM Foundation’s Health and Medical Program, which has supported more than 200 health centers nationwide, benefiting over seven million patients. For Barangay Putik, the renewed facility stands as a symbol of strengthened partnership and a continued commitment to community health in Zamboanga City.

SM Foundation Earns Silver Anvil Award for its #SpreadingSocialGood Online Campaign

SM Foundation (SMFI) received a Silver Anvil Award under the PR Tools, Multimedia category from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines for its #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online campaign. The initiative strengthened the Foundation’s digital presence and translated online engagement into tangible social impact. Through strategic storytelling on Facebook, SMFI grew its online community to more than one million followers and deepened engagement around its social good initiatives.

Grounded in the belief that stories can inspire action, SMFI continues to invest in social media as a platform to amplify social good, inspire more Filipinos, and honor the enduring legacy of SM founder Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr., whose vision of creating opportunities for Filipinos continues to resonate across generations. Alongside Facebook, the Foundation maintains an active presence on Instagram and TikTok, extending the reach of its social good stories across multiple platforms and audiences.

The #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online campaign was designed to bring the Foundation’s mission to life by sharing authentic, people-centered stories on Facebook, a platform used by around 102 million Filipinos to connect, engage, and discover, while complementing these efforts with platform-specific content on Instagram and TikTok. Through dynamic and audience-focused storytelling, the campaign ensured that SM Foundation’s narratives remained visible, relatable, inclusive, and accessible, while encouraging partners and communities to take part in life-changing programs through collaboration.

By combining meaningful storytelling with deliberate digital engagement, SM Foundation shows how social media can go beyond communication and become a catalyst for action, a gateway to opportunities, and a space for nationwide collaboration. With every like, share, and comment, more Filipinos are drawn into a shared mission to uplift communities and spread social good across the country, reflecting Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr.’s philosophy of people helping people.

 

SM Investments Senior Assistant Vice President Victor Chan (third from left), Anne Racoma, SMFI External Programs Manager (second from left), Joy Guevarra, SMFI Manager for Partnerships (third from right), and Darel Colarina, SMFI Senior Program Manager for the Livelihood Program (second from right), receive the Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, recognizing SM Foundation’s #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online campaign and its effective use of digital storytelling to drive meaningful social impact.

 

SM Investments Senior Assistant Vice President Victor Chan (second from left), Anne Racoma, SM Foundation External Programs Manager (first from left), Joy Guevarra, SM Foundation Manager for Partnerships (second from right), and Darel Colarina, SM Foundation Senior Program Manager for the Livelihood Program (rightmost), receive the Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

 

The Silver Anvil Award trophy received by SM Foundation for its #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online campaign, recognizing the Foundation’s effective use of digital storytelling to expand its reach and drive meaningful social impact. (SM Foundation)

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)