Power of collective effort: SM, PRC’s Operation Tulong Express
IN times of calamity, SM has always ensured it was one of the first responders, providing immediate relief to affected individuals and families.
Through its corporate social good arm, SM Foundation (SMFI), SM had activated Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) as the need arose.
Just before the year 2021 ended, Typhoon “Odette” (international name: “Rai”) struck the country and left thousands of families homeless.
Staying true to its commitment, SM Foundation — together with SM Supermalls, SM Markets, and other SM affiliates and partners — immediately mobilized OPTE. No one was left behind.
As of this writing, more than 33,000 Kalinga packs had been allocated for the victims of the typhoon. Consisting of rice, bottled water and other basic essentials, the Kalinga packs were distributed to over 35 barangay (villages) in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, which were heavily devastated by Typhoon “Odette.”
Included in the recipient areas were Butuan City, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City, Iloilo and Palawan, among others.
The relief operations became part of SM’s Christmas drive, “100 Days of Caring,” which was launched in September and was aimed at giving back to various communities and groups in need during the holiday season.
Under OPTE, SMFI also partnered with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to provide aid to families affected by Typhoon “Odette” through the donation of P5 million.
The check donation was turned over to PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard “Dick” Gordon and Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla. Through this initiative, SM hoped to reach more affected families by partnering with other humanitarian organizations to fast track and meet post-disaster needs in critical areas.
SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy expressed her gratitude to all partners and SM employee-volunteers who went the extra mile and dedicated their time and effort to the mobilization of OPTE: “As a company that has been committed to social good since it was founded, it is part of SMFI’s vision to engage our employees through volunteeriSM.”