SM employees raise over P1 M for Yolanda victims

MANILA, Philippines - Employees of SM Investments Corp. and SM subsidiaries have raised over P1 million in cash donations in support of rehabilitation projects for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

 â€œWe are very grateful to our SM employees for this donation and for sharing not just their hard-earned money but for also generously giving their time as volunteers in providing comfort and attention to our countrymen affected by Typhoon Yolanda,” said Cristie Angeles, assistant vice president for livelihood and outreach programs of SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI).

“This is indeed an affirmation of people helping people and through our joint efforts, we hope to continue responding and alleviating the lives of those who need us the most,” Angeles added.

The SM Group earlier pledged P100 million as a calamity fund in 2013 for areas devastated by Yolanda and the magnitude 7.2 earthquake, particularly in the Visayas.

The fund will focus on five types of assistance: rebuilding homes, community centers, schools, and churches, and providing immediate relief through food and supplies.

In 2013, SMFI mobilized and responded to the victims of the southwest monsoon, and Typhoon Maring, which struck Northern Luzon and Metro Manila. With the help of volunteer doctors, pharmaceutical companies, teachers, students and other volunteers, Operation Tulong medical missions served 2,700 families in 32 barangays in Pampanga, Parañaque City, Valenzuela City, and Cavite.

SMFI’s Operation Tulong Express also conducted a medical mission in SM City Consolacion in coordination with the Watson’s Group last November in the aftermath of Yolanda, covering Cebu City and nearby areas affected by the super typhoon. Over 1,500 people in eight barangays were served.

SMFI has distributed 50,000 relief packs to victims of Yolanda, particularly in Tacloban, Samar, Panay Island (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo), Cebu, Bicol, and Bacolod.