**Guided by Vision: Catalysts for Responsible Development**
SM is driven by the vision of being a catalyst for responsible development in the communities it serves. Corporate social responsibility (CSR), alongside expansion and sustainability, is a key driver of its growth. SM’s social good programs focus on making a meaningful impact on critical areas that affect vulnerable communities, such as health, education, and jobs.
By partnering with public and private sectors and leveraging its extensive reach, SM maximizes the potential of its programs for chosen communities and beneficiaries. “SM Foundation integrates in communities to grasp their unique social challenges, enabling us to create localized, relevant, and sustainable programs. Engaging stakeholders in planning and execution drives the success of our social good initiatives,” said Deborah Pe-Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation, SM’s CSR arm.
**Accessible Healthcare for Vulnerable Communities**
SM Foundation’s efforts to refurbish medical facilities, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), ensure they meet PhilHealth Accreditation standards. By working with the national government and local government units (LGUs), the foundation identifies the best ways to facilitate healthcare in remote areas.
Recently, SM Foundation refurbished the Polomolok East Community Clinic in South Cotabato, which serves nearly 50,000 people, mainly in GIDAs. The upgraded facility now includes specialized areas for programs such as Animal Bite and Treatment, TB-Dots, Nebulization, Counseling, and Family Planning. It also features an enhanced dental clinic, operation room, conference room, physician's room, and a PWD-friendly restroom.
Additionally, SM launched SM DigiKonsulta for teleconsultations and digital patient records and partnered with an NGO to renovate a pharmacy to ensure reliable access to medicines.
**Tools for Learning**
SM Foundation’s education programs focus on supporting underprivileged learners and communities. Through partnerships, such as with the Department of Education’s Adopt-A-School Program, SM addresses infrastructure needs and classroom shortages. To date, SM Foundation has constructed 366 classrooms, benefiting 18,300 students.
San Antonio Elementary School (SAES) in Batangas is among the beneficiaries, receiving a two-floor, four-classroom building. "Our students will now have enough time for intervention activities such as reading, numeracy, and more," said SAES Principal Joy Obreo.
The SM Store’s **Shop & Share for Education** program also supports education by providing school supplies. It invites shoppers to sponsor school kits for students with every purchase. In 2023, the program benefited 20 schools nationwide, and this year it aims to distribute back-to-school kits to 12,000 students in over 70 public schools.
**Empowered Workforce**
SM’s **Jobs Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.)** initiative, launched in January under the Private Sector Advisory Council, aims to provide quality jobs through job fairs and upskilling courses. SM recently signed an MOU with the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to offer upskilling opportunities to thousands of employees and allow AmCham’s 800-member companies to participate in SM Job Fairs nationwide. To date, SM J.O.B.S. has hosted 130 job fairs, accommodating over 70,000 job seekers and hiring nearly 11,000 on the spot.
By understanding how best to serve the communities and creating avenues for people to contribute to social good, SM consistently provides high standards of service and makes significant contributions to community development.
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