MANILA, Philippines - The SM Supermalls program on disability affairs, under its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares received the first ever Presidential Hall of Fame Award during the Apolinario Mabini Awards 2015 ceremonies held at Malacañang the other day.
During the same event, recognition was given to ten SM malls and stores for their outstanding contributions in advancing the rights and welfare of people with disabilities under the PWD-friendly establishment category.
SM Aura Premier received a Silver Award while SM City Clark received a Bronze Award, as did department stores in SM North EDSA, SM Cauayan, SM Bacolod and SM BF Parañaque.
SM Makati and SM Tarlac also received Bronze Awards for their PWD-friendly supermarkets, as did SM Mezza for its Savemore outlet. SM Pampanga was likewise given a special award.
The Apolinario Mabini Awards are spearheaded by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD) and named after Apolinario Mabini, the Sublime Paralytic, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Philippine Revolution despite his disability.
PFRD has long recognized SM’s pioneering programs in supporting PWDs, honoring the company with numerous PWD Friendly Establishment Awards given to businesses, buildings or facilities that are fully accessible to PWDs. These include providing the required architectural features in accordance with law, including ramps, handrails, toilets, elevators, telephones and automated teller machines accessible to PWDs.
With these, SM malls have earned the reputation of being the most PWD-friendly malls in the country, setting the bar on serving people with disabilities by providing them with easy access and convenience.
To know more about SM Cares and its program for persons with disabilities, visit www.smcares.com.ph or www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares.