Kick off the New Year right! Support the Hapag Movement and fight hunger with Globe and SMAC

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As we enter the new year, it's once again time for resolutions and a fresh start. If you're looking to make a positive impact on society, consider supporting the Hapag Movement with Globe and SMAC (SM Advantage Card).

The Hapag Movement is a technology-driven program against involuntary hunger, initiated by Globe to help Filipinos severely affected by the pandemic. It leverages technology and collaboration to help 100,000 families experiencing involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood assistance.

And now, it's easier than ever to support the Hapag Movement. Globe and SMAC have joined forces to help put meals on the table of those who continuously experience involuntary hunger, which the Social Weather Stations (SWS) estimates to be about 15 million individuals.

By participating in this partnership, P50 will be donated to the Hapag Movement and other SM Foundation programs every time you purchase a new SMAC.

You'll also earn up to 1,000 extra SMAC points when you shop at select stores, including the SM Store, SM Beauty, SM Appliance, Kultura, Surplus, Our Home, Baby Company, Crate and Barrel, Levi's, The Body Shop, Forever21, Ecco, and Miniso. Half of those extra points will be donated to the Hapag Movement until January 15, 2023.

This partnership between Globe and SMAC is a groundbreaking way for shoppers to give back and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable Filipinos. By participating in this program, you also help bring them hope in the new year.

“As we kick off the new year, it's important to remember that there are still many people in our communities who are facing the challenges of hunger. This can be a difficult and overwhelming time but we can work together towards creating a more compassionate and supportive community for all,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

“Let us start the New Year by doing good. You can do this while doing your New Year shopping at SM and partner brands using your SMAC (SM Advantage Card). You get to tick-off your shopping list, earn extra points, and lend a hand at the same time. It’s a win-win for all as we welcome 2023 with kindness and love,” said Jay Beltran, SMAC SAVP Head of Sales and Marketing.

So if you're looking to start 2023 off on the right foot, consider supporting the Hapag Movement through your SMAC purchases.

To learn more about the Hapag Movement and the partnership between Globe and SMAC, visit the official Hapag Movement page or https://smac.ph/ or download the SMAC app.

Shoppers and partners of The SM Store give back to communities

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Sharing the gift of learning. The SM Store’s Donate-A-Book gathered more than 130,000 books in 2021 from customers and partner organizations. The books were distributed to over 100 public schools and community organizations nationwide. 

Through the generosity of its shoppers and partners, The SM Store was able to gather more than 130,000 books and 45,000 toys through its Donate-A-Book and Share-A-Toy programs in 2021. The SM Store gave shoppers a Php 100 discount coupon for each toy or book that they donated. Along with the books and toys, The SM Store also donated backpacks and school supplies.

The community programs were implemented in partnership with SM Foundation for children in public schools, orphanages, pediatric hospitals, health centers, Christian- and Muslim-run charitable institutions, non-government institutions, and Indigenous People communities. Each of the 68 branches of The SM Store identified two or more community beneficiaries for the donation drive. A list of beneficiaries can be found at www.thesmstore.com.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support of our shoppers for our Donate-A-Book and Share-A-Toy. Our shoppers are looking for ways to give back, especially during challenging times, and we at The SM Store are happy to share this mission with them,” said Chelo Monasterio, President of The SM Store.

She added that last years’ programs were special because aside from the generous shoppers of The SM Store, academic institutions, private companies, and non-government organizations took part in the initiative and donated books and toys for the communities.

Schools, publications, and NGOs mobilized communities to share the joy of learning

For Donate-A-Book, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA); Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU); and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) mobilized their members to donate quality books and reference materials that will help rebuild and enrich the collections of community and public school libraries.

Olivia Camatog, principal of De La Salle Zobel in Alabang, a member school of PAPSCU and COCOPEA, said the books they donated came from their library collection, some of which have multiple copies. Through this program with SM, Camatog expressed their happiness in giving a meaningful contribution toto rebuilding other schools' libraries.

Publishing companies like Learning Is Fun WS Publication, one of the business partners of The SM Store Stationery, donated reference and activity books. Trailblazing Publishing from the PAPSCU network also shared brand new K to 12 books for public schools.

Representatives from Learning is Fun WS Publication turned over its book donations to The SM Store and SM Foundation through an online event. The donated books were given to children from hospitals, health centers and charitable institutions.

The Philippine Commission on Women and the National Council of Women of the Philippines also shared books they gathered from partner NGOs. “Through the distribution network of The SM Store and their presence all over the country, we are happy to partner with them so that our book collection will reach more girls and boys in far flung communities,” said Sandy Montano, Chairwoman of the Philippine Commission on Women.

Donate-A-Book was implemented in select branches of The SM Store from August 15 to September 30, 2021. Books were donated to more than 100 public schools and community organizations.

Trade partners and private firms shared toys to make kids happy

The SM Store and the Toy Kingdom teamed up for Share-A-Toy from December 1 to 31, 2021 in all branches of The SM Store and Toy Kingdom nationwide.

HSBC Global Service Center Philippines adopted the Share-A-Toy program as part of its employee engagement activity. HSBC employees shared 4,000 new toys and educational materials.

Sharing joy through toys. The SM Store and Toy Kingdom’s Share A Toy collected around 45,000 toys in 2021. The SM Store branches nationwide are currently rolling out the distribution to the selected communities.

The SM Store is currently rolling out the distribution of donations to the selected communities. The SM Store branches already distributed a portion of the donated toysto children from remote Aeta communities in Guimaras and Antique; Jalaud Elementary School in Iloilo; Bahay ni San Jose orphanage; Benguet General Hospital and Medical Center; Philippine General Hospital; Mary the Queen Parish in Quezon City; and San Mateo Elementary School and Guitnang Bayan Elementary School in Rizal.

This year, The SM Store started its donation drive with Share Your Extras to benefit communities impacted by Typhoon Odette. SM shoppers were encouraged to donate old and new clothes. Collections from Metro Manila and Luzon branches will be distributed to typhoon-hit areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. Share Your Extras will run from January 15 to February 15, 2021, for Metro Manila branches and February 1 to February 28 for north and south Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao branches. For every donation, shoppers will receive a Php 100 discount voucher valid for their next purchase.

Sharing clothes for Odette-hit communities. Share Your Extras is currently accepting clothing donations in participating The SM Store branches nationwide until February 28.

The SM Store launches Share Your Extras for the benefit of Typhoon Odette communities

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Let’s make the start of the year more meaningful by donating new or gently used clothes via The SM Store and SM Foundation’s Share Your Extras. Donations pooled this year will be for the benefit of communities impacted by Typhoon Odette.

Shoppers can drop off their pre-loved clothes or purchase new ones for donation at any of The SM Store branches from January 15 to February 15 in Metro Manila, and February 1 to 28 at the rest of the branches nationwide.

For every donated item, shoppers will receive a P100 discount coupon voucher courtesy of The SM Store. This can be redeemed at their next single-receipt purchase of a minimum of P1,000-worth of select items in-store or via Call To Deliver.

What are the DOs and DON’Ts?

·     Donate clothes in good condition. The clothes should be gently used and in good, wearable condition, without holes or damages.

·    Donate practical clothes only. Remember that your donations will go to communities who have lost access to basic needs. Please donate tops and bottoms for everyday wear that can be used comfortably by infants or adults. Avoid donating suits, gowns, uniforms, and costumes.

·    Wash the clothes first. For the safety of the people handling and receiving your donations, clean the clothes first and try to remove spots or stains. Skip donating used undergarments and bathing suits.

·    Check the pockets. Double and triple check to make sure there are no valuables or pieces of trash, such as used tissue or candy wrappers, left in the pockets.

Share Your Extras is an annual initiative of The SM Store and SM Foundation aimed at helping communities in need, such as those impacted by calamities. In 2018, we provided personal hygiene items for families in Marawi, and in 2020, we donated packed relief items for the communities in Isabela impacted by Typhoon Ulysses. This year, Share Your Extras will benefit families affected by Typhoon Odette, which has displaced millions of individuals in Mimaropa, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Other The SM Store campaigns like Share Shoes, Donate A Book, and Share A Toy have received overwhelming support from customers.

For more updates and ways to donate, visit www.thesmstore.com and follow its social media pages @thesmstore on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

UNIQLO Provides Aid to the Philippines for the Families Affected by Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses

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UNIQLO Philippines donates 300,000 pieces of AIRism masks through SM Foundation, Inc. for the families affected by the recent typhoons in the Philippines. In photo: UNIQLO Philippines Co-COO Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines COO Masayoshi Nakamura, SM Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Debbie Sy, and SM Foundation, Inc. Executive Director for Medical and Health Programs Connie Angeles. 

Japanese global apparel retailer UNIQLO offers its deepest condolences to the families affected by Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses in the Philippines. To support relief and recovery efforts, UNIQLO, via its parent company Fast Retailing, will donate 1 million USD (approx. 48 million in PHP) in aid. 

The donation will be made through the SM Foundation, an entity that manages the CSR activities of the SM Group - the management partner of UNIQLO in the Philippines. The donation will be used to provide emergency food supplies and rebuild flooded housing, as well as build preventative infrastructure in areas susceptible to flooding. 

Furthermore, UNIQLO in the Philippines will donate 300,000 AIRism masks to affected areas through the SM Foundation. The masks will be donated to evacuees in the affected areas of the Bicol Region, Bulacan, Cagayan, Isabela, Pampanga, and Rizal provinces, as well as Marikina City. 

UNIQLO opened its first store in the Philippines in Manila, in June 2012, and currently operates 60 stores throughout the country. The typhoons have not caused any direct damage to UNIQLO stores. 

UNIQLO hopes for the speedy recovery of these regions and that the families affected by these disasters can return to their normal lives as soon as possible. 

Hamilo Coast takes leadership position in sustainable practices

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Hamilo Coast is a sprawling seaside sanctuary along Nasugbu, Batangas, encompassing three major mountain peaks and thirteen coves, three of which are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

SM’s premier beach resort development in Nasugbu, Batangas has once again received the Bronze Benchmark Status from EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry. 

This status recognizes Hamilo Coast’s environmental impact through its commitment in achieving sustainable operations based on global standards. Hamilo Coast received its first certification of a Bronze Benchmark status from EarthCheck in 2015.

Pico de Loro Cove is Hamilo Coast’s maiden development. Here, environmental and social sustainability is ensured in its operations to provide premier beach resort living in the country. Pico de Loro Cove was also declared a marine protected area (MPA). 

As can be seen in its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove, the design and architecture of key structures clearly show attention to energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and proper waste management.

“Sustainability has always been at the forefront of Hamilo Coast’s vision of providing premier beach resort living in the country and what better way to realize this vision than being recognized with such milestone that further intensify our unfailing commitment to flourishing a sustainable beach resort community,” stated Shirley C. Ong, Executive Vice President for Hamilo Coast.

Together with WWF Philippines, coastal and terrestrial resources are also managed to protect and nurture biodiversity. Ongoing projects include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring. Marine sanctuaries have also been created such as that located in Santelmo Cove where giant clams are being cultivated.

Santelmo Cove, one of Hamilo Coast’s marine protected areas (MPA), is also an important site for marine biodiversity, where preservation programs such as giant clam seeding and regular reef monitoring are being sustained.

Such initiatives are also intended to benefit neighboring communities. It is of paramount consideration to Hamilo Coast to enhance not only the areas where they live, but their sources of livelihood as well. And with the assistance of the SM Foundation, community members are involved, motivated, and educated to be prime movers themselves of these sustainability efforts.

EarthCheck CEO Steward Moore has said that Hamilo Coast has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.

Moore further added: “I would like to congratulate the whole team on their achievement. Hamilo Coast is an advocate of sustainable tourism who dares to make a difference.”

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. Hamilo Coast is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com

Wounded Marawi Soldiers Get Care from SM Foundation Fit for Heroes

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At least two medical facilities at the AFP Medical Center in V Luna – the Heroes’ Ward and Convalescence Ward – are giving proper recovery care for wounded soldiers from Marawi courtesy of a health and wellness program by SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI).

Under SMFI’s program, health facilities and dispensaries of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are renovated to improve the facilities and services for soldiers deployed and injured from armed conflicts in various parts of the country . The program has so far renovated 22 military health facilities that provide medical treatment and care to the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force.

As of June, at least 240 soldiers coming from Marawi are being cared for in the two renovated wards of the AFP Medical Center , SM Foundation Health and Medical Programs Project Manager Albert Uy said. The Heroes’ Ward serves as the recovery facility, after which the patients will be brought to the Convalescence Ward where they will go through therapy that will help them back on their feet and into their normal lives.

“We are deeply thankful for our beloved soldiers’ service to the country, risking their lives so that we may enjoy our own with utmost freedom. SM Foundation’s program is dedicated to improving AFP’s health facilities so that our wounded soldiers can have the best medical care fit for heroes,” said Connie Angeles, Senior Assistant Vice President and Executive Director for health and medical programs of SMFI.

Medical facilities that go through renovation and rehabilitation under SMFI’s program get full enhancement from new paint to improved toilets, air conditioning systems, hospital beds, and other necessary reconstruction. The program has been recognized with an award by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, citing SMFI’s sincere efforts in alleviating the plight of injured personnel of the Philippine military forces.

Dream Big, Work Hard - SM Foundation celebrates 20th batch of scholar-graduates

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SM Scholars 2016

SM Foundation celebrated another milestone under its education program as it produced 225 graduates from its 20th batch of scholars since its college scholarship program started in 1993. 

This year’s Presentation of Graduates produced 71 honor students of which, 4 are summa cum laude, 11 are magna cum laude, 44 are cum laude, and 12 finished with academic distinction.

This year’s theme of ‘Dream big, Work hard’, emphasizes and strengthens SM Foundation's continuing commitment of providing opportunities for the youth who best exemplifies its founder Henry Sy, Sr’s words of ‘Dream Big’.

Henry Sy and his vision has been a constant inspiration to the youth, SM scholars. As the heart of the SM group of companies, SM Foundation is focused on social development and helps the underprivileged in communities where SM is present.

SM Foundation was established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, anchored on its founding principle of PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE.

Henry Sy, SM Founder and Board of Chairman, celebrates with the SM  Scholars 

SM Foundation is committed to serve by supporting and empowering its host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, farmers’ training, environmental programs and care for persons with special needs. SMFI work hand in hand with our communities to create opportunities and improve lives.

Creating Better Opportunities for the Future

Henry Sy, Sr. believes that education is the best defense against poverty. We at SM Foundation provide the youth both college and technical-vocational scholarship grants to help them achieve their dreams.  

Dream Big Work Hard: SM Foundation 20th Presentation of Scholar Graduates press conference held at the SMX Mall of Asia, May 25, 2016.

During the SM Scholars presentation, Kim Atienza, more known as ‘Kuya Kim’, was  the guest this year’s as keynote speaker. Atienza hosts a weekly science and environmental-centric show Matanglawin and is currently the resident weather anchor in ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol segment ‘Weather-Weather Lang’.

An exclusive job offer was also held for scholars preceding the event. The SM scholar-graduates completed their courses in accountancy, computer science, information technology, education, computer engineering, electronics and communications engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering and mechanical engineering.

They were interviewed by the human resources team of participating SM companies which include SM Investments, Inc., Shopping Center Management Corp., SM Department Store, SM Retail, SM Food Group (Supermarket, Hypermarket, Savemore and Alfamart), Uniqlo, H&M, Body Shop and Asia Pacific College, to name a few.

SM Foundation has, to date, produced a total of 2,385 graduates under its college scholarship program. Most of its graduates are now gainfully employed or running their own businesses here and abroad. A number of them have opted to work with SM and its related companies. 

#smiskolarako

SM Foundation Sends Out 50,000 Relief Packs to Yolanda Victims

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Typhoon Yolanda have caused a massive disaster in the Philippines that needs a swift response to help and save lives in the affected areas.

The SM Group of Companies, through the SM Foundation's disaster relief program, Operation Tulong Express, has started relief operations in typhoon-stricken areas across Luzon and the Visayas region to provide assistance to the families greatly affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

An SM Foundation “Operation Tulong” truck carrying relief goods for disaster survivors arrives in Cebu.

“The SM Group of Companies has mobilized SM Foundation’s Tulong Express disaster relief facility. We are distributing 50,000 kalinga packages to typhoon victims in Tacloban, Samar, Panay Island (Iloilo, Antique, Capiz), Cebu, Bicol and Bacolod," said SM Foundation executive director Debbie Sy.

Following the onslaught of “Yolanda,” SM Foundation volunteers and partners were able to immediately prepare 20,000 relief goods and have repacked 30,000 more for distribution to various areas at once.

Survivors receive aid from “Operation Tulong”, an SM Foundation relief drive, in typhoon-ravaged Cebu.

The Kalinga relief packages consist of bottles of mineral water, rice, ready-to-eat ulam packs, and instant noodles. A total of 50,000 relief packs are allocated in the following areas, Tacloban (20,000 packs); Cebu (10,000); Panay Island (7,000); Samar (5,000); Bohol (4,000); Bicol (3,000); and Bacolod (1,000).

A resident of Cebu clasping a relief pack she received from SM Foundation’s “Operation Tulong”.

The distribution is done in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Air Force, local government units, SM Malls, SM Hypermaket, SM Supermarket, and SaveMore.

SM Foundation also accepts donations in kind through Tulong Express booths in all SM Malls nationwide or in cash deposited at BDO account name: SM Foundation Inc.-Operation Tulong Express with savings account number: 15000 70694. SM Foundation will issue receipt of donations for deposit slips faxed to 831-8282.

For SM employees, they were able to raise more than Php100,000 for the Bohol earthquake victims. Currently, the employees are raising funds for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

While for its other ongoing relief efforts, the Foundation vowed that it will push through with the assistance it is currently extending to other regions in the country that were hit by previous calamities, such as the earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu in October and typhoon Maring which battered various parts of the Philippines last August.

#ReliefPH operations for #YolandaPH