SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express rush to aid Typhoon Glenda victims

Victims of Typhoon Glenda queued in nearby community centers to receive kalinga (relief) goods from SM employee-volunteers.

The SM Group of Companies, through its socio-civic arm SM Foundation’s quick-response disaster system Operation Tulong Express, immediately distributed 10,000 kalinga (relief) packs to the victims of Typhoon Glenda (international name: Rammasun) in Rosario in Cavite; Naga City; Nasugbu in Batangas; Calamba in Laguna; Muntinlupa City and Bataan hours after the storm struck.

On July 16, Typhoon Glenda made landfall carrying 150-kph winds and devastating numerous areas in regions I, III, IV-a, IV-B, V, VI, VIII and NCR.

“Days before Typhoon Glenda, SM Foundation has already allotted 10,000 kalinga packs for immediate disaster response for areas that will be affected,” said Cristie Angeles, Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs.

During strong typhoons and other calamities, SM Malls, SM Supermarkets, SM Hypermarkets, and Savemore Markets are also open to serve as temporary shelters for victims of calamities. Charging stations are also made available to the public in instances when there is no electricity in the affected area.

In 2013, Operation Tulong Express also immediately provided relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan). The Foundation was able to distribute 148,030 kalinga packs as well as provided medical and emotional assistance through the Foundation’s medical missions. Seven months after Yolanda hit the country, the Foundation continues to help out Yolanda-stricken areas through college scholarships, construction of school buildings, medical missions, construction of wellness centers, livelihood trainings through its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training and houses for those left homeless by Yolanda.