With the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that jolted parts of Luzon on April 22 caused damages in several roads, infrastructures and homes in the area. SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI), SM Cares and SM Supermalls in partnership with SM Savemore and Supermarket with the support of Department Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) Region III join its efforts in helping more than 5000 quake-afflicted families of Pampanga.
As one of the first responders during the earthquake through the Operation Tulong Express actuated in giving immediate assistance to more than 5000 affected families in identified barangays in Porac, Floridablanca, Bataan and Zambales over the weekend. The volunteerism headed by Livelihood & Outreach Programs Assistant Vice President Cristie Angeles with SM malls employee volunteers in Pampanga headed by Aaron Montenegro and Kay Chua, Dale Parungao and Venus Manalang of SM Clark, Ana Azucena and Ninette Mortel of SM Olongapo, Lana Erroba of SM San Fernando Downtown, Bong Garcia and Bernadette Bautista of SM Telabastagan and Thelma Mangubat of SM Tarlac. The distribution of Kalinga Packs consist of 4 bottled mineral water, 2 packs of rice, 5 canned-goods and 4 instant cup noodles.
In close coordination with Porac Municipal Social Welfare Officer Jhoanne Arcega identified priority families whose homes are badly hit by the earthquake. Known barangays in Porac are Pio, Planas, Manibaug Pasig, Babo Pangulo, Mancatian, Cangatba, Sta Cruz, Manibaug Paralaya, Jalung, Palat, Babo Sasan, Sepung Bulaon, Balubad, Pias, Salu, Hacienda Dolores and Manibaug Libutad. SMFI also responded in Subic, Barangay San Marcelino in Zambales, Abucay and Hermosa in Bataan.
Moreover, other services offered through SM Foundation Inc. Health and Medical team headed by Dra Bles Bertos and Dalfhen Samson, provided medical care of X-ray services at Jose S. Lapid District Hospital.
Likewise, partner BDO Foundation Inc. initiated its disaster response program through relief operation in barangays of Sapang Uwak, Inararo, Diaz and Villa Maria in Porac and Barangay San Ramon and Nabuclod in Floridablanca.
Established in 1983 by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, SM Foundation Inc. is the heart of the SM Group of Companies focused on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for the under-served communities where SM is present. Anchored on its founding principle of “People Helping People”, the socio-civic arm of the SM Group of Companies, conducts charity projects under four areas of advocacy – education through scholarship programs and donations of schoolhouses; health-oriented projects like medical missions, mobile clinics and hospital activity centers; religious community projects and mall-based outreach programs. Committed to serve by supporting and empowering host communities through education, health care, shelter, disaster response, farmer’s training, environmental programs and care for person with disabilities. SMFI work hand in hand with communities to create opportunities and improve lives.