SM Group promotes social development through CSR

Manila, Philippines - In almost 30 years since establishing a foundation, the SM Group of Companies has kept its commitment to help in social development through its various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that have already reached thousands of less-privileged Filipinos.

Speaking at the recent International Conference on Corporate Communication and Consultancy held in Manila, Connie S. Angeles, assistant vice president of the SM Foundation, said that CSR has become part of SM’s business agenda that on March 24, 1983 it established the SM Foundation to respond to the social needs of the marginalized segments of society by serving communities.

The SM Investment Corp. in 1993, embarked on a college scholarship program, for numerous underprivileged but deserving Filipino youth. Scholars chosen for the program are children of farmers, fishermen, construction workers, mechanics, household helpers, public vehicle drivers, factory workers and the low-income workers.

Angeles said that unlike other scholarship programs, the Foundation provides for a full four- to five-year college degrees in major Philippine universities such as the University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, Asia Pacific College, Ateneo de Davao, De La Salle University Dasmariñas, and 80 other schools.

In 2002, SM started its school building program. She said that it has since built 114 classrooms in 46 public and elementary and high schools nationwide. Recently, SM donated the Henry Sy Sr. Hall to the De La Salle University Manila that will serve as intellectual crossroad for studying in the University. It also donated a primary school building to Xavier School in its Nuvali, Calamba City, Laguna campus which was formally opened in June.

Angeles also disclosed that SM’s first livelihood program was implemented on May 17, 2007 through the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program in Bacolod City in which farmers were taught theoretical and practical approach to farming. The program has since expanded and now includes animal dispersal projects, housekeeping, food and beverage, wait service and kitchen aide, basketry, mushroom production, candle-making, and hair-cutting for the out-of-school youth.

SM also has its Mall Outreach Program started in 1998 that encourages shoppers to donate whatever may be useful to the less fortunate. This and more mall-based CSR programs are being implemented by SM Cares that also implemented the SM Cares for the Environment, the SM Cares for the Elderly, and the establishment of Breastfeeding Stations in Malls nationwide.

“It is a fact that there is an element of heath in everything we do,” Angeles averred, adding that their health and medical programs have focused on areas of wellness such as the Medical Missions with Mobile Clinic Services, Wellness for the Children and the Elderly, the Hospice Units for the terminally ill, the Felicidad Sy Wards in government hospitals and the SM Foundation’s Multi Health Centers.

Since 2001, about 691 medical missions have already been conducted benefiting about 548,455 patients. Wellness Centers have also reached 71 nationwide.

Also, SM Foundation gives immediate assistance in the form of medicines and other basic needs through its Operation Tulong Express, the foundation’s emergency response to victims of natural calamities and disaster.

“We believe that SM has already created its niche… We hoped that the SM Group of Companies, through its CSR programs, have helped improve the lives of community members and their communities as we continue on doing more CSR programs as SM continues to build more malls and establishments around the country,” Angeles further said.

From education to livelihood, to medical missions, and to several other outreach programs, SM does not only fortify its foothold and leadership in various Philippine industries but in CSR programs as well that have also become synonymous with the SM Group of Companies.

“With all the challenges of the corporate world – the imaging, identity and advocacy – SM Foundation was created for its Group of Companies that in spite of being a diversified group, members are one in its mission and vision, since problems and issues do not recognize boundaries,” Angeles said.