SM Foundation volunteers bring Kalinga Packs in typhoon-hit Masantol, Pampanga. The Filipino community was set to solemnly celebrate the Undas when Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae, locally called Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, hammered the Philippines and caused widespread damage. According to the Philippines’ disaster agency, over two million people were affected by widespread flooding and landslides triggered by … Continued

Volunteerism. An SM employee undergoes an initial check-up before proceeding to donate blood. All it takes is just one poke to save lives. While blood donation drives are often conducted, blood shortages remain pressing in low- to middle-income countries. In the Philippines, blood donation activities were reduced during the height of COVID-19, making it even … Continued

SM school building in Sorsogon City More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills. … Continued

Summa cum laude graduate and SM scholar Alyza Jane Adduan caps a fulfilling college journey. There’s an old adage that says earning a degree is a rite of passage. Finishing college is truly a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. As one throws a graduation cap in the air, one begins to open … Continued

SM Foundation, through its Operation Tulong Express Program (OPTE), distributed Kalinga packs to more than 500 families affected by the recent flashfloods in Cagayan de Oro. OPTE is a social good program of SM Foundation in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets which aims to address the needs of communities during calamities and crises. … Continued

John Dizon, Jr. of Benguet-based environmental conservation group NAMALISA plants trees in support of SM Foundation’s and Fast Retailing Foundation’s Grow Trees Community project. Like his father before him, John Dizon, Jr. and his family have been long-time stewards of protected trees in their community in Tuba, Benguet. When the time came for him to … Continued

SMFI mounts medical missions in Pasay, Quezon City The sprouting acts of kindness have been one of the positive outcomes of the pandemic. As the world began to realize the value of health, stakeholders and volunteers stepped up and came together to respond to the needs of communities, especially its vulnerable members. SM Foundation, Inc. … Continued

Aspiring young Filipinos from low-income households hold dreams of their own. While they lack resources, many of them hold a treasure no one can take: a steadfast grit to provide a comfortable life for their family. Filipinos like these dedicate their skills and abilities to pursue every possibility. Two young women and SM scholars from … Continued

Rising beyond the challenges, SM scholar Harvey Diño finishes a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science with flying colors. Tenacious and sedulous. These are words one utters when looking into the eyes of students who went through the dynamic educational landscape during the course of the pandemic. When the world was caught off guard … Continued

SM to honor over 300 scholar-graduates anew Access to education and support has long been recognized globally as one of the keys to ending the cycle of poverty. The resources, experiences, and skills gained in schools enable students, especially those in low-income households, to explore possibilities, dream, and build successful lives for themselves and those around … Continued

While the world is yet to see the long-term effects of the pandemic, ​it is shaping into an era of hope and resilience, with individuals creating a brighter version of the new normal and many others coming together to overcome hurdles. Putting a face to the image of strength and determination amidst the challenging times … Continued

Thumbs up for social good (L-R): Mark Carlos Tito Gumapon, External Relations Officer, Johnnie Santos, Assistant Technical Director, Fr. Jose Dindo Vitug, Executive Director, One TVET Philippines; Eleanor Lansang, Senior Assistant Vice President, SM Foundation Inc. Nasugbu Batangas – 29 residents completed their technical and vocational (tech-voc) courses on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (NCII) and … Continued