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)