The synergy behind SM's disaster response

“We were at the forefront during that time na tumutulong. In fact, as soon as tumigil ang pagyanig nung time na ‘yun, all hands on deck na kami. Hindi ko pa nun alam kung ano yung OPTE, pero ‘yung mga kasama ko sa mall, sabi nila, may opportunity para makatulong dun sa mga nabaha nearby. Sabi nila, ‘sama tayo. Nung inabutan namin, umiyak siya nang umiyak. Sabi niya, hindi siya makapunta dun sa barangay hall kasi binaha ang bahay niya... Sabi niya, parang akala niya, makakalimutan na siya. Pero ang saya-saya niya na pinuntahan namin siya, na may pag-asa. It’s really great to be part of a team, a group that is able to support and help the community in good times and in bad times.” ~Andrea Rodriguez, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Pampanga

In a country that suffers an average of 20 typhoons per year and is susceptible to earthquakes, communities in the Philippines often face the challenging task of having to rebuild lives overnight. Cooperation becomes crucial in these circumstances, especially for thousands of Filipinos whose lives have been completely upended by natural disasters.

For the SM Group, assisting communities in getting back on their feet is more than just a responsibility; it is a shared commitment embedded in its service culture. At the heart of this effort is the SM Foundation's disaster response program, Operation Tulong Express (OPTE).

OPTE brings together dedicated volunteer teams with the shared objective of assisting those in need. It is carefully supervised by the SM Foundation, SM Markets, and SM Supermalls. Workers at SM Markets construct Kalinga Packs in warehouse hubs that act as packaging centers while SM trucks and vans transport the goods to the affected areas. Employee volunteers from the foundation and SM Supermalls personally provide supplies in the spirit of bayanihan. They also support medical missions that offer free consultations, first aid, and medication in more badly impacted areas.

For Andrea Rodriguez, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Pampanga, service is rooted in lived experiences, especially since her family was among those affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Years later, she witnessed devastation firsthand during the 2019 earthquake that affected her province and the rest of Luzon.

Her first OPTE experience came earlier when, as a new SM employee, flooding hit communities near the San Fernando mall. One of her most vivid memories was when they provided support to an 80-year-old resident in a remote barangay in Angeles following widespread floods during the pandemic.

According to Ana Datu, Regional Operations Head for Bulacan and CAMANAVA, the company’s strong culture of helping others has shaped the way employees live and work. Because of this, lending a hand has become second nature.

“We normally conduct OPTE in basketball courts so that mas marami ‘yung mapuntahan namin. But we also take time to go to the eskinitas — na kung minsan may naiiwan na mga bata at matatanda. Kapag nakita mo sila, parang may lungkot. ‘Nakalimutan kami, naiwan kami kasi nandun sila lahat sa basketball court. But when they see us there with the Kalinga Packs at inabot mo ito sa kanila, they feel ‘Wow! Hindi kami nakalimutan. These are the people who remember us.’ When I joined SM, I learned that community service and social responsibility are a big thing here. It has been a culture. It has been a habit. And it's not difficult to imbibe this because you see it, and it transcends. It starts from the leaders, trickling down to the entire team. So, everybody's moving. If you see the environment and the environment forges you to help and to be empathetic to the plight of everyone surrounding the community, surrounding the mall, your community; then mai-imbibe mo siya.” ~Ana Datu, Regional Operations Head for Bulacan and CAMANAVA

Regional Operations Head Ana Datu delivers essential relief to a flood-impacted resident, embodying the spirit of SM's volunteerism. She ensures even those in hard-to-reach areas feel: "Wow! Hindi kami nakalimutan."

Both Ana and Andrea highlighted how volunteering shaped their outlook on work and in life.

A heartfelt embrace from a CAMANAVA resident receiving essential relief. By reaching deep into communities, SM volunteers ensure those affected feels remembered and supported, embodying the commitment of OPTE.

Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social good collaboration of SM Foundation, SM Supermalls and SM Markets, is the group’s disaster response initiative that provides immediate relief and essential goods to communities affected by calamities. In heavily impacted areas, it also deploys medical missions that offer basic healthcare and first aid.

SM Strengthens Commitment to Community Resilience

“The SM Group, through SM Foundation, has been working directly with communities to give them the assistance they require, especially in times of calamities and natural disasters, by leveraging our corporate assets to secure resources. We are committed to being a responsible neighbor in the communities where we operate. SM Foundation works in synergy alongside the different business units of SM. We actively engage with affected communities through dialogues, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with their needs on the ground. This collaborative approach helps us strengthen the impact of our initiatives, and we follow up with an impact assessment to continuously improve our programs.” ~Debbie Sy, SM Foundation Executive Director

The Operation Tulong Express program was mobilized to assist families displaced by a fire in Tondo, Manila in 2024.

By employing corporate resources, like as products and company volunteers, to provide urgent aid to underprivileged areas in times of need, SM continues to uphold its commitment to responsible and inclusive growth.  To date, the SM Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) division of the SM group, has carried out 783 relief missions and distributed 982,415 Kalinga Packs, demonstrating its dependability as a partner in disaster response and recovery.

Together with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, the SM Foundation carried out 41 Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) in 2024, distributing over 108,000 Kalinga Packs. The SM Foundation's disaster relief program, OPTE, delivers basic essentials and necessary medications to victims of natural disasters in a timely and critical manner.

SM Foundation continues to advance SM’s vision of committed partnership with their host communities. 

In underprivileged communities, SM Markets is typically the first to provide assistance with their Kalinga packs, which include rice, mineral water, ready-to-eat meals, and instant noodles.  Additionally, Airspeed and 2GO are involved in logistics.  Essential goods are provided by SM Malls through SM Cares, a branch of SM Foundation.  Employees of the mall also assist in getting aid to the impacted communities. 

Since electricity is sometimes interrupted during major calamities, SM facilities also frequently act as makeshift residences for victims, offering them places to rest in addition to charging stations.

With focus on development approaches in operational areas, SM Foundation also collaborates with employees allowing them to take part in relief operations.

From education to a holistic community service

SM founder Henry Sy, Sr,’s advocacy was primarily education. He believed that it is key to ending the cycle of poverty in the Philippines. 

Committed to its advocacy in promoting quality education, the SM Foundation inaugurated a school building at the San Fernando South Central Integrated School in San Fernando, La Union in 2024.

However, Super Typhoon Haiyan, also referred to as Yolanda in the Philippines, struck the country in November 2013.  Eastern Visayas and the adjacent areas suffered significant damage as a result of the super storm.  For the first time, the SM Foundation made a comprehensive attempt to support the impacted areas.  Later on, the group felt compelled to assist with disaster relief.  They carried out emergency medical assistance, disaster relief, scholarship programs, public school construction projects, medical missions, housing projects, and even farmer trainings. 

Now, SM Foundation has targeted social investments not only in education but in healthcare, livelihood, and shelter. 

The SM Foundation acknowledges the critical role that education plays in community development, particularly in times of crisis.  From repairing a fire-damaged school in Tagbilaran City to rehabilitating Sta.  Barbara Central Elementary School in Zamboanga City after the 2013 siege, the Foundation is committed to reconstructing educational infrastructure.  To provide a secure learning environment, it also provides hygiene kits and builds handwashing stations in schools.  Over 370 classrooms and 110 school buildings have been constructed by the SM Foundation to date, bolstering regional educational institutions and boosting catastrophe resilience.

Just like a good neighbor present in both the good times and the bad, SM Foundation is ready to assist their host communities when needed. 

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

SM Recognized with 13 Anvils for Excellence in Public Relations

“The success of our Euro Medium-Term Notes issuance underscores the strength of investing in Philippine companies. A well-executed PR strategy played a crucial role in achieving positive results, and we are grateful to the Anvil Awards for this recognition.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments

Mr. Erwin G. Pato, SM Investments Executive Vice President for Treasury, Finance and Planning, receives the Anvil Award from Mr. Norman Agatep, Vice President for External, Public Relations Society of the Philippines for SM’s landmark Euro Medium-Term Notes Program.

With the help of the SM Foundation, China Banking Corporation, Watsons, and its parent company, SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the SM Group won 13 awards at the 60th Anvil Awards for its exceptional public relations initiatives in investor relations, financial communications, branding, social good, sustainability, and governance.

For its strategic communications promoting its historic Euro Medium-Term Notes (EMTN) Program, SM Investments was recognized as the Best Public Relations Program for Investor Relations. A USD 500 million withdrawal from SM's USD 3 billion EMTN program was recently priced. In the midst of market volatility, this is SM Investments' largest bond issuance since 2014, giving the group flexible access to capital.

SM Investments was also recognized for its 2023 Integrated Report, “Committed to Our Customers,” which went beyond financial disclosures to highlight SM’s commitment to communities, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. In addition, its financial communication campaign, “Behind the Headlines: How SM Became the Pulse of Economic Growth,” and its corporate social responsibility and governance initiative, “The Strategy and Philosophy of CSR and Good Governance,” were acknowledged for effectively communicating the company’s role in economic development and responsible business practices. SM Investments also received an award for its special event, “SM Investments and GCNP Team UP to Empower MSMEs: Nego-Unlad MSME Caravan,” which supported micro, small, and medium enterprises.

SM Foundation earned recognition for its We Care newsletter and its initiative “Uplifting Lives Through Social Good,” which showcased the foundation’s efforts in education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

 

Meanwhile, Watsons secured multiple wins, including recognition for its HIMtayan advocacy campaign, which promoted responsible medicine disposal; the Watsons Health Expo, which championed accessible healthcare solutions; Watsons and SM Beauty – Beautycon, which leveraged influencer marketing to engage consumers; and the Watsons Sustainable Art Competition, which fostered creativity and environmental awareness.

Additionally, China Banking Corporation received recognition for its Brand Refresh program, which aimed to update the bank's image after more than a century and engage with a younger clientele. Additionally acknowledged was the bank's One China Bank initiative, which improved employee engagement and experience.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) presents the Anvil Awards every year to recognize exceptional PR campaigns and resources that have a significant influence on companies and their important stakeholders.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

SM's Loyalty Program Raises PHP30 Million to address the lack of Food Security and Quality Education

“We owe our success to the participation of our loyal SMAC membership. Every purchase they made, every point they donated, goes a long way to the underprivileged families. Together, we can build a future where no one goes hungry. These will go into programs that will directly impact the lives of many Filipinos. Hapag's vision of fighting involuntary hunger resonates with SMAC, our retail partners, and our SMAC member base.” ~Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer, SMAC

Collaborating for good: SMAC and Globe executives as well as the campaign’s beneficiaries attended the turnover ceremony. From left to right: David Y. Jo, Head of Partnerships, Communications and Reports, UN World Food Programme; Eduardo C. Jimenez, Vice Chairperson, World Vision; Jun N. Godornes, Director for Resource Development, World Vision; Celerina R. Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Communications, Ayala Foundation; Yoly C. Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe; Kevin Y. Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC; and Yaracel S. Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing of SMAC.

SMAC, SM's loyalty program, raised nearly PHP30 million between December 2023 and January 2024 to help address involuntary hunger and a lack of access to quality education across the country, in collaboration with Globe's Hapag Movement and the SM Foundation.

This is SMAC's second year working with the Hapag Movement, which aims to provide supplemental feeding and sustainable livelihood training to 100,000 Filipino families. Last year's campaign raised PHP5.5 million, benefiting 10,000 families.  

SMAC supported the campaign by donating P50 for every SMAC kit sold. Bonus points were also donated to the campaign for every eligible purchase made at participating SM Retail affiliates, which included SM Store, SM Fashion, SM Beauty, SM Appliance Center, Kultura, Our Home, Surplus, Sport Central, Silk Issues, Levi's, Forever 21, The Body Shop, Echo, and Crate and Barrel. 

This year, SMAC and Globe's collaboration generated nearly 30 million points, which will be donated to the Hapag Movement and the SM Foundation. 

United to make a difference

According to the most recent June 2024 Social Weather Station (SWS) survey, the country's hunger rate has risen to 17.6% from 14.2% in March. 

Meanwhile, Yoly Crisanto, Globe's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, emphasized the importance of working with SMAC.

“This partnership goes beyond seasonal efforts, providing sustainable support to families. By helping stave off involuntary hunger and enabling households to improve their livelihood, we’re building a foundation for lasting change. We are excited to continue this work and invite other organizations to collaborate with us so that together, we can make a difference.” Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer

Partner organizations of the Hapag Movement include UN World Food Programme, Ayala Foundation, and World Vision Philippines. 

Half of the raised funds, almost PHP15 million, were donated to SM Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Group. In photo are (from left to right): Ramon Gil Macapagal, Board of Trustee of SM Foundation, Yaracel Macalindong, VP for Sales and Marketing of SMAC, Carmen Atayde, Director for Education of SM Foundation, and Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC. 

“SMAC has proven that business and customers can unite to make a meaningful difference, and together we are helping build communities across the nation. Simply chose to give have changed lives, especially for economically challenged but deserving students from vulnerable communities. SMFI shares with our fellow recipients, our fellow beneficiaries, the deep appreciation of SMAC's big heart to make a difference in the lives of the underserved members of our society.” ~Carmen Atayde, Director for Education, SM Foundation

The donation will allow 35 underprivileged students to pursue and finish their education. On the 31st year of the SM Foundation, they have already supported 4,500 graduates. 

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth-largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com.

Medical Care to low-income families in Cagayan

“Napansin ko na kahit malakas ako kumain, namamayat ako at nanghihina. Nalaman ko na may diabetes na po ako. Pero hindi pwedeng pabayaan ko ang sarili ko. Hindi pwedeng maging tamad ako dahil may sakit ako. Kung tamad po ako mamasada, wala kaming pangaraw-araw at gagastushin pambili ng gamot. Dahil magastos po magpagamot, kadalasan po akong pumunta sa city health office para sa lahat ng aking checkups. Ngayon, nataon pong nalaman kong mayroon medical mission dito sa SM City Tuguegarao. Ang kinikita ko sa pamamasada ang ginagamit ko at ng pamilya ko para sa aming pangangailangan. Kaya mahalaga sa akin ang aking kalusugan. Ang magandang pangangatawan ang nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas para mas lalo pang pagsumikapan ang pamamasada. Pero bilang tricycle driver, hindi namin maiiwasang magkasakit dahil usok ang kasabayan namin sa pamamasada. Kaya malaking tulong ang libreng check-up sa ang libreng gamot mula sa SM Foundation. Malaking tulong ito dahil kahit papaano, hindi ko muna iisipin ang pang gamot ko.” ~Roland Bariuan, a tricycle driver in Tuguegarao City since 1994

Roland Bariuan takes home free medicines after his medical check-up.

Medical missions have emerged as an increasingly important means of providing assistance to low-income communities despite the fact that obstacles to accessing high-quality healthcare continue to exist. They have expanded their responsibilities over time to include a new one: transforming individuals' and communities' lives.

The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) recognizes just this, so it has made its mission to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from various hard-pressed communities.

The medical mission team recently traveled to the Northern Luzon towns of Tuguegarao and Cauayan to assist thousands of low-income families. Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin are two of them.

Medical Mission Tuguegarao and Cauayan

Strength to do more

Roland has been a tricycle driver in Tuguegarao City since 1994. But, two years ago, he suddenly felt weak and had to spend money on medical consultations and examinations.

Determined to care for his health, he goes to the city health office for his routine checkups. The same drive to boost his health is also what led him to SM group’s medical mission, led by SMFI:

He received a free consultation, x-ray, blood test, and medication as part of the medical mission, services that would have cost him a lot of money if he had them done elsewhere. With the help stretched out to him, he had his planned exam without agonizing over the funds and, surprisingly, figured out how to set to the side cash initially allocated for medication and lab tests.

Making quality healthcare attainable

Roland’s fellow resident from Cagayan Valley, Angeline Cacanindin, knows full well the need to maintain a healthy body, for this is her tool to fulfill her duty as a house helper. She also believes that this is what her children can rely on as they strive in school.

However, her youngest daughter has been complaining about a toothache, which was already interfering with her nutrition and attendance in school.

When she heard about SMFI’s medical mission in SM City Cauayan, she immediately brought her daughter for a checkup. Here, her daughter’s tooth was extracted. She also received free paracetamol, antibiotics, vitamins apt for her child’s age, and dental hygiene tips from volunteer dentists.

“Butas na po ang mga ngipin niya. Kaya tuwing kumakain po siya, pumapasok ang kanin at nasasaktan siya. Hindi na rin po siya makapag focus sa school dahil sa sakit. Nito lang po, tumawag po ang teacher niya at sinabing umiiyak po ang anak ko per hindi umiimik. Nung kinausap ko po siya, nalaman kong sobrang sakit na po ng ngipin niya. Umiyak din po ako dahil ramdam ko ‘yung sakit. Hindi ko siya agad madala sa dental clinic dahil nasa trabaho po ako at mahal din po ang magpabunot. Ang medical mission na ito ay malaking tulong kasi libre po serbisyo pati ang mga gamot. Ngayon po, makakapagsimula muli kaming subaybayan ang kalusugan ng aming anak para maganda po ang kinabukasan niya.” ~Angeline Cacanindin

Angeline Cacanindin (rightmost) hold the hand ofher daughter during the tooth extraction.

Many economically disadvantaged people, like Roland and Angeline, receive lifelines through the ongoing medical missions of SMFI. A lifeline is an intervention that gives those in need immediate relief and the chance to access medical care and resources that are frequently unavailable or unattainable.

To download the photo options, please visit: https://bit.ly/3FDFNdX

SM Foundation and Fast Retailing Foundation join hands to protect coastal villages

“Yun ang pinakamalupit. Akala ko nga natapos na ang mundo sa akin noon (I thought life was too harsh. I thought that was the end of my world). Malaking tulong itong mangroves para sa akin, para sa pamilya ko at sa aking mga kababaryo na magkaroon din po ng hanapbuhay. Sa darating na mga henerasyon, makakatulong ang mga bakawan sa dipensa sa malalakas na alon at hangin (Mangroves are a huge help not just to my family but to my fellow villagers, also in supporting livelihood. The bakawan will help the next generation gain protection against strong winds and waves).” ~Mr. Canilao, a fisherman by trade

Mario Flores Canilao thought his world was about to end when Typhoon Glenda (International: Rammasun) struck his village in the province of Pampanga in July 2014 and ravaged a fishing pond where he derived his main source of livelihood.

Despite the blow he was dealt, he mustered the will and determination to move forward. Soon, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources enlisted his help to plant Bakawan or mangrove trees.

As the president of the Samahang Makakalikasan ng Pampanga, Inc. (SAMAPA), Mr. Canilao has been working tirelessly with the government and the private sector in the last decade to help build a coastal forest for the natural protection of their community in the municipality of Macabebe, to avoid pitfalls in the wake of another storm like Typhoon Glenda.

This year, he is delighted to know that SM Foundation, the social good arm of SM and Fast Retailing Foundation, a general incorporated foundation in Japan, are providing extensive support by planting Bakawan trees in his coastal community under their joint ‘Grow Trees Community’ project. This reforestation initiative is set to introduce at least 100,000 mangrove trees of the Bakawan babae and lalaki species in Barangay Consuelo in the municipality of Macabebe, the second site after the project formally launched in Batangas last September 27.

Aside from providing a natural coastal defense against storm surges, the Bakawan has been widely personified in Filipino fiction and many children’s books for its role in nurturing biodiversity in the environment.

“As visitors, we often see the beauty of the mangrove thickets, but for communities, this is nature’s shield that protects them from natural calamities and serves as breeding grounds for fishes and shellfishes. A well-preserved mangrove forest can provide an ecosystem of interconnected benefits promoting biodiversity in marine life and a reserve of valuable resources. Beyond this, the collective efforts of the community are vital to the preservation of the environment. As SM enables the growth of so many communities, we are also enabling these communities to lead the preservation of the environment in their areas. What’s good about this project is it goes beyond enriching the environment. We have an opportunity here to boost livelihood in the community while at the same time, helping improve the disaster risk reduction capabilities of the locality.” ~Cristie S. Angeles, SM Foundation Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs

As part of their community engagement strategy and to sustain the project, the proponents are tapping the expertise of the community and partner agencies in monitoring the propagules to ensure their growth as mature trees.

The full impact of the project will all go to the community as they look after the trees moving forward.

“We are particularly drawn to this project which is a first in terms of our partnerships here in the country. Mangrove trees have an enormous capacity not only to absorb greenhouse gases making them ideal in bringing about climate benefits but they also enrich the biodiversity as well.  After we can confirm the success of this Pampanga project, we are looking forward to pursue more of these types of projects in the near future in collaboration with our partner, SM Foundation.” ~Mr. Yoshio Ishida, Secretary-General of FR Foundation

Apart from the two foundations, the Grow Trees Community initiative harnesses partnerships with SM Supermalls, various government agencies, as well as volunteers from the chosen provinces. These include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, DA-BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine National Police, the local government of Macabebe and Peoples’ Organizations (POs) such as SAMAPA.

The Grow Trees Community is in support of the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

FR Foundation focuses on promoting research designed to help make the world a better place, spurring technological development, nurturing human resources, and supporting socially vulnerable individuals or groups.

It is part of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the leading Japanese retail company that owns well-loved casual wear brand, Uniqlo.

UNIQLO, to support relief and recovery efforts to The Philippines for the Families Affected by Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses

 

UNIQLO Philippines donates 300,000 pieces of AIRism masks through SM Foundation, Inc. for the families affected by the recent typhoons in the Philippines. In photo: UNIQLO Philippines Co-COO Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines COO Masayoshi Nakamura, SM Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Debbie Sy, and SM Foundation, Inc. Executive Director for Medical and Health Programs Connie Angeles.

To support relief and recovery efforts, UNIQLO, via its parent company Fast Retailing, will donate 1 million USD (approx. 48 million in PHP) in aid.

The donation will be made through the SM Foundation, an entity that manages the CSR activities of the SM Group - the managing partner of UNIQLO in the Philippines. The donation will be used to provide emergency food supplies and rebuild flooded housing, as well as build preventative infrastructure in areas susceptible to flooding.

Furthermore, UNIQLO in the Philippines will donate 300,000 AIRism masks to affected areas through the SM Foundation. The masks will be donated to evacuees in the affected areas of the Bicol Region, Bulacan, Cagayan, Isabela, Pampanga, and Rizal provinces, as well as Marikina City.

UNIQLO opened its first store in the Philippines in Manila, in June 2012, and currently operates 60 stores throughout the country. The typhoons have not caused any direct damage to UNIQLO stores.

UNIQLO hopes for the speedy recovery of these regions and that the families affected by these disasters can return to their normal lives as soon as possible. Japanese global apparel retailer UNIQLO offers its deepest condolences to the families affected by Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses in the Philippines. 

For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.

About UNIQLO LifeWear

Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, Helmut Lang, PLST (Plus T), Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam and J Brand. With global sales of approximately 2.0088 trillion yen for the 2020 fiscal year ending August 31, 2020 (US $19.06 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2020 rate of $1 = 105.4 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has more than 2,200 stores in 25 markets including Japan. In alphabetical order, the other markets are Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, U.K. U.S., and Vietnam. In addition, UNIQLO established a social business in Bangladesh together with the Grameen Bank in 2010, and today there are more than 15 Grameen-UNIQLO stores, mostly located in Dhaka.

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom, and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere. 

Uniqlo and SM Foundation donate AIRism Masks to frontliners in San Mateo and Antipolo City

Antipolo City Mayor Andrea Bautista-Ynares receives the 2,000 pieces of Uniqlo AIRism masks from SM Foundation. With her are SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President Johanna Rupisan and Regional Operations Manager Engr. Dennis Martel

Recently, 4,000 pieces of AIRism masks were distributed to the Municipality of San Mateo and the City of Antipolo in Rizal. Frontliners of San Mateo Rizal receive 2,000 pieces of AIRism masks which were turned over to San Mateo Municipal Administrator Ricardo Gomez. Present during the turnover ceremony were SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager Engr. Dennis Martel, SM City San Mateo Mall Manager Lorna Paderon, and Assistant Mall Manager Sean Arroyo.  

Antipolo City Mayor Andrea Bautista-Ynares tries on a Uniqlo AIRism mask during the turnover ceremony. Photo courtesy of Antipolo PIO

San Mateo Municipal Administrator Ricardo Gomez poses for the camera after trying on a Uniqlo AIRism mask

The City of Antipolo also gets 2,000 pieces of AIRism masks which were received by Mayor Andrea Bautista-Ynares. Joining Mayor Ynares during the turnover ceremony were SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President Johanna Rupisan and Regional Operations Manager Engr. Dennis Martel. The masks are to be handed over to frontliners and be included in the hygiene packs that the city provides for its constituents. 

San Mateo Municipal Administrator Ricardo Gomez with SM City San Mateo team during the turnover ceremony of Uniqlo AIRism masks at the municipal hall. 

The Uniqlo AIRism mask has a BFE (Bacteria Filtration Efficiency) of 99% and pollen filtration of 99% (initial values). It also features UV Protection (UPF 50) and a smooth texture, which helps prevent contaminants that linger in the air we breathe. The AIRism Mask reflects the UNIQLO commitment to making everyone’s life better through their LifeWear line. 

SM Foundation Donates test kits to Municipality of Taytay

Taytay, Rizal Mayor Joric Gacula, and Vice-Mayor Mitch Bermundo receive the donation of Covid-19 test kits from SM Foundation, turned over by SM Supermalls' Johanna Rupisan, Cid Victoria and Maureen Fernandez. 

The 2,400 test kits worth close to PHP5M is in support of wider access to testing. These Test Kits were turned over by SM Supermall Representative Johanna Rupisan and Cid Victoria respectively. The donation was an initiative by SM Foundation that aims to strengthen our fight against COVID-19 Pandemic by improving our testing capability and screening to immediately diagnose and impose quarantine management to those who are suspected.