1,000 Puerto Princesa pupils receive #AweSM shoes
As it turns 60 this year, SM pays it forward thru various community projects like its nationwide #AweSM shoes donation drive held on October 1, 2018.
With more than 70 school and community beneficiaries nationwide, SM organized a simultaneous turnover of 60,000 pairs of shoes in line with the company’s 60th Anniversary celebration and its continuous efforts and commitment to give back to and uplift the lives of its surrounding communities.
For SM City Puerto Princesa, 1,000 pairs were distributed to public elementary schools in the City including the Don Ramon Roces Memorial Elementary School (DRRMES) in Bgy. Bagong Sikat and the Maranat Elementary School in Bgy. Bacungan, where all pupils received a brand new pair of #AweSM shoes.
The school beneficiaries cater pupils from poor communities and resolutely implement the zerocollection policy, according to DepEd Puerto Princesa Division Superintendent Dr. Elsie T. Barrios, who graced the turnover ceremony at DRRMES.
“Because no fees are collected from the pupils and parents, we greatly appreciate the support of the different stakeholders just like SM in upholding the learners’ holistic development,” said Dr. Barrios.
Education is one of the main thrusts of SM’s corporate social responsibility programs as the company donates school buildings, funds scholarships, supports educational programs, and promotes education for all.
SM City Puerto Princesa Mall Manager Maidja Saliente shared, “Mr. Henry Sy, Sr., our founder strongly believes that poverty should never be a hindrance to good education. His life is a living testimony that education can empower anyone to rise from poverty and deprivation, a kind of legacy that SM would like to share with all Filipinos especially the young generation of today.”
The 60,000 pairs of shoes were donated by SM employees from all of SM’s affiliates including the SM Supermalls, The SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Cinema, SM Appliance Center, Watsons, Miniso, Sports Central, Ace Hardware, Surplus, Primespots, Cyberzone, Kultura, and many more.