MANILA, Philippines - “Thank you very much to SM Supermalls. Without them, we would not know where to go.”
These were the words of gratitude of Alfredo Carcosa, chairman of Barangay Balulang in Cagayan de Oro City. His village was one of the hardest-hit areas during the wrath of typhoon “Pablo.”
SM City Cagayan de Oro opened its doors to 1,221 family evacuees who were affected by the typhoon. SM used its Door 5, fourth level car park building as the venue for evacuation.
Mall staff took turns in making sure that the evacuees were supplied with safe drinking and hot water. SM also provided them with light and electricity for charging mobile phones.
The evacuees came from the barangays of Carmen, Kauswagan, Bonbon and Balulang. They thanked SM for giving them a second home during the calamity.
They were initially instructed by the city government to seek shelter at the Manresa Farm of the Xavier University’s College of Agriculture but they were apprehensive about living in temporary tents as these were unstable and put up under coconut trees. They chose to go to SM because it was safe, had stable walls and bigger space, and the SM staff would take care of them.
“I have been going around evacuation centers in Cagayan de Oro and I may say that SM City Cagayan de Oro has the best evacuation area. They even have hot water,” said Tito Mora, chairperson of Save CDO Now Movement.
SM malls are open wherever possible for customers looking for basic necessities or simply seeking alternative venues from home away from typhoon, rain and floods.
During times of calamities, SM has drop-off points for donations and relief goods. All these efforts are part of the SM Cares program.