SM MOBILIZE RELIEF EFFORTS IN TYPHOON-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

SM City Grand Central keeps the bayanihan spirit alive as it mobilizes relief efforts and extends immediate relief assistance to communities affected by the typhoon Kristine.

In the wake of Typhoon ‘Kristine,’ SM Supermalls and SM Foundation Inc., through its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, mobilized simultaneous relief operations across the affected communities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela.

Families in Brgy 35 Maypajo in Caloocan city were happy to receive their relief packs distributed by the SM Foundation through SM City Grand Central. Under the program Operation Tulong Express, a total of 500 relief packs were distributed to Brgy 35 Maypajo in Caloocan City. 

In Caloocan and Malabon, volunteers from SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM Savemore Malabon distributed truckloads of “kalinga packs” containing rice, canned goods, noodles, and bottled water. Aid focused on the hardest-hit barangays, including Brgy. 35 Maypajo and Brgy. 2 Sangandaan in Caloocan and Brgy.Tinajeros in Malabon City. With support from the local rescue team, 850 families received direct assistance, providing critical relief in areas with significant displacement. 

A heartwarming moment as a senior citizen receives a much-needed relief pack from SM City Valenzuela. 

Meanwhile, SM City Valenzuela went beyond standard relief measures, employing a door-to-door relief pack distribution in Brgy.Viente Reales in Valenzuela City. Volunteers visited homes individually, ensuring that those unable to reach relief centers were provided with necessities. This personalized distribution approach benefited 200 families. 

SM City Valenzuela conducts door-to-door relief pack distribution in Brgy.Viente Reales in Valenzuela City

The kalinga pack distribution effort is a part of Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social program of the SM Foundation in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets. It aims to address the needs of communities during calamities and crises. Its implementation includes close coordination with SM Supermalls employees and volunteers. 

Volunteers from SM Center Sangandaan and SM Savemore Malabon were grouped, deployed, and sent to areas with the highest number of displaced families and recurring floodwaters, like Brgy 2 Sangandaan in Caloocan and Brgy.Tinajeros in Malabon City. 

Rounds of relief operations were conducted by SM Center Sangandaan and SM Savemore Malabon in typhoon-stricken barangays in Caloocan and Malabon city. A total of 350 beneficiaries were given aid during the relief distribution.