SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, uncovered its immersive exhibit promoting blind awareness dubbed ‘The Blackout’ Zone at SM City Clark.
“Nobody gets left behind. This is aligned with SM Cares advocacy to make malls accessible especially for the blind persons,” SM Malls Senior Vice President for Operations Engr. Bien Mateo said during the opening on Friday.
Inside the room, blindfolded participants will accomplish a 20-minute task: watch a movie, prepare your own food and play games with other participants.
Blind Masters will orient them on the proper use of cane, guiding arm, and the clock face technique.
“Gusto naming maexperience nila ng ilang minuto kung paano ang buhay ng isang taong may kapansanan sa paningin. Para kapag may nakita silang bulag sa mall o sa kalsada, alam nila kung paano sila tutulungan at i-clear ang way para makadaan sila,” added Mateo, who is also the program director of SM Cares Committee on Persons with Disabities.
“We salute SM Malls thru the SM Cares for initiating this project, ” expressed Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Head Jimmy Silva, a professional architect despite his visual impairment.
Also present at the event are SM Malls Regional Operations Head Andrea Rodriguez and SM City Clark Mall Manager Jerwin Jalandoni SM Cares Marketing Officer Von Villanueva.
Individuals ages 12 to 55 with no history of nyctophobia or claustrophobia are welcome to join Participants who will get three stars are up for rewards.
The Blackout Zone located at Cinema 6 of SM City Clark will run from March 3 to March 19, 2023.
Catch the next leg at SM City Tanza (March 22 to April 16), SM Seaside Cebu (April 19 to May 14), SM Lanang Premier (May 17 to June 3) and SM Megamall (August 1 to 20).