SM Foundation, DSWD Region XI to strengthen partnership for disaster relief
SM Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office in Region XI recently held a ceremonial MOA signing to strengthen their partnership in providing assistance to communities affected by calamities and disasters.
Joining the ceremonial signing of MOA are SMFI asst. vice president for livelihood and outreach programs Cristie Angeles and DSWD XI regional director Atty. Vanessa Goc-Ong.
The MOA is set to pave the way for the strengthened distribution of aid to affected areas during times of crisis and calamities in the region.
SM Group, through SM Foundation and SM Supermalls, activated the OPTE at Brgy. Pagsabangan, Tagum City, providing about 1,000 Kalinga Packs to families affected by flood.
OPTE is a social good program of the SM Foundation, in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, which is dedicated to providing timely assistance to communities in times of calamities and crises. To date, the program has distributed over 800,000 Kalinga Packs to various locations in the Philippines. (PR)
SM distributes 108 Kalinga packs to fire-affected families in Bucana
A total of 108 families who were recently affected by fire incidents in Barangay Bucana received Kalinga packs from SM City Davao through SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE).
Data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) bared that a total of 90 families were affected in the fire incident last April 7 at Puroks 25 and 26a while 18 households in Purok 4, all in Barangay Bucana, Davao City.
The recent OPTE was in collaboration with CSWDO. Employees and agency personnel from SM City Davao also volunteered to join in the distribution of Kalinga packs, which consist of rice, canned goods, water bottles, and noodles.
Through this initiative, SM aims to be one of the first responders that provide immediate relief to individuals and families affected by calamities through its corporate social good arm, SM Foundation.
SM Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI also signed the memorandum of agreement on April 15 during the Kapehan sa Dabaw in SM City Davao. The agreement intends to formalized the partnership with the department, including the deployment of donation boxes within SM malls in times of disasters.
With the partnership, proceeds from the donation boxes will be turned over to DSWD XI./PR
SM Prime Embarks on a Unified Waste Management Programfor an #SMWasteFreeFutureÂ
MANILA – SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is embarking on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste. SM Prime aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), humanity generates more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which 45 percent is mismanaged. Without urgent action, municipal solid waste will double to almost 4 billion tons each year by 2050. On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste.
The following year, UNEP inaugurated the First International Day of Zero Waste, to bolster actions to address the global pollution crisis. It aims to encourage global action and bring the world’s attention to zero waste.
Strong foundations
SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “business growth and social development must go hand in hand.” The company follows this guiding principle and has formed a sustainability policy that commits to the following: Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Disaster Resilience, Climate Advocacy, Social Integration, and Transparent Reporting.
Anchored on these sustainability commitments are the SM Supermalls’ Environmental Programs on Waste Management. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM Supermalls has pioneered longstanding programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, and provided support to the annual International Coastal Clean Up, among other national events.
The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community.
Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
In the hotel and tourism sector, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has taken the lead in mitigating global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its properties in the Philippines. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Sustainable Diner Program, that aims to transform and help the food service sector minimize its impact on the environment thru resource efficiency, plastic refusal and food waste management and contribute to the world’s future food security.
Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.
To support these programs, SM Prime also recently unveiled its waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.
No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource.
A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture
To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today’s waste issues,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion.
SM Prime’s announcement of its vision of an #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company’s strong commitment and sustainability stewardship, by inviting its stakeholders to engage in activities that will help spread zero-waste awareness and work for a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach on waste management.
“We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together,” said Sy.
SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future. ###
SM extends Aid to Over 3K Families in Davao Region
SM Foundation, SM Cares and SM Supermalls share over 1,000 Kalinga packs to flood-affected families in Barangay Pagsabangan, Tagum City
SM Lanang and SM City Davao, through SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), extended Kalinga packs to 3,166 families affected by the recent heavy downpour that inundated several areas in Davao Region.
SM Foundation, SM Cares and SM Supermalls share over 1,000 Kalinga packs to flood-affected families in Barangay Pagsabangan, Tagum City
Following the flood and incessant rains brought about by the trough of the Low Pressure Area which struck several areas in the region in late January and early February, the two malls joined hands with the Eastern Mindanao Command and the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao to deliver aid to 2,620 severely affected
A grandma happily thank SM Foundation, SM Cares and SM Supermalls on the provision of Kalinga Packs
families in the cities of Davao, Tagum, and Panabo on February 6 and 7, respectively.
Another 546 relief packs were also distributed to the affected families in Barangay Salvacion, Municipality of Carmen on February 9, 2024.
In ensuring the smooth distribution of Kalinga packs to recipients, SM also coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the City Social Welfare Offices of Davao, Tagum and Panabo, and the Office of Barangay Salvacion.
Through OPTE, SM aims to be among the first responders providing immediate relief to individuals and families affected by calamities.
Beneficiaries happily thank SM Foundation, SM Cares and SM Supermalls on the provision of Kalinga Packs
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Davao pushes this campaign ”January is Zero Waste Month” towards SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN LIVABLE COMMUNITIES for ”Zero Waste to Philippine Waters by 2040″.
SM Foundation and SM Supermalls, together with City Social Welfare and Development Office, distributed 461 Kalinga packs on December 30 to families affected by the recent fire incident in Barangay Leon Garcia, Agdao, Davao City.Â
This collaborative effort is under SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express, which intends to provide immediate relief to affected families in times of calamities./SM PR
The Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI) made a resounding mark on the scientific and technological landscape with the launching of four important projects during the Regional Science Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) held last November 9-10, 2023 at the Tagum City Hall Atrium in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Projects introduced include the Sentro Mindanao which is set to revolutionize the way the people of Mindanao engage with science. Formerly dubbed as the “Science Centrum,” this innovative center features interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments designed to spark curiosity and nurture a love for science among visitors.
DOST XI also introduced the Saliklakbay Program, initiated by the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND). Saliklakbay came from two (2) Filipino words, “Saliksik” which means research and “Lakbay” which means to go on a journey. This program aims to empower local communities by providing support and resources for grassroots innovators. It recognizes that innovation is not confined within laboratories and research institutions, but rather found in the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens. The Saliklakbay Program seeks to foster these creative sparks to drive inclusive development through research and community engagement.
DOST XI also launched a tool that measures the contribution of various programs, projects, and activities, particularly those aligned with Social Science, Education, Culture and Communications and Information (SECCI) towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dubbed as the SECCI for SDGs Scorecard, the tool shall also create a better understanding of the social, economic, and cultural dynamics that shape the lives of people. It was developed by DOST XI together with the HELP Davao Network.
Lastly, the Food Processing Innovation Center-Davao (FPIC-Davao), the innovation hub committed to developing ready-to-eat foods that are not only delicious but also highly nutritious, was also launched. The FPIC Davao ensures that people affected by crises, whether natural disasters or other emergencies, have access to sustenance when they need it most. Furthermore, advanced equipment like the Water Retort, Spray Dryer, and Vacuum Fryer transform raw ingredients into meals that can be stored for extended periods without compromising taste or nutritional value. In times of crisis, when access to fresh food may be scarce, these innovations are essential.
The RSTW celebration served as the ideal platform for DOST XI to unveil these groundbreaking initiatives. Dr. Anthony C. Sales, Regional Director of DOST XI, emphasized the importance of these projects in shaping the region’s scientific and technological landscape.
“Sentro Mindanao, the Saliklakbay Program, SECCI for SDG Scorecard, and the FPIC are all integral to our vision for a thriving, innovative Mindanao,” he said.
Slate celebration on regional science, technology and innovation
DOST Davao leads Regional Science, Technology, and Innoation Week
To celebrate the invaluable contributions of Science and Technology (S&T) to society, The Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI) will host the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Tagum City Hall Atrium, Davao del Norte this coming November 9-10, 2023 focusing on the invaluable contributions of Science and Technology (S&T) to society..
With the theme, “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan”, the RSTW will stage various S&T programs, projects, and initiatives of DOST through a series of exhibits, scientific fora, and lectures to different audiences.
The RSTW is held outside Davao City for the first time since 1996 to further highlight the significant contributions of S&T in the provinces this time in Davao del Norte and to also showcase Tagum City as a progressive and supportive community to such initiatives.
The two-day activity will also feature various seminars on technologies for farmers, silk textile innovation, plant propagation, disaster management, and science education. It will also exhibit DOST programs and projects including products of DOST-assisted Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, DOST-PAGASA mobile planetarium, and technology innovations to name a few.
DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony Sales said that the event is a celebration of Science being a bedrock of innovation and progress and he is hopeful that this will further heighten interest in Science among students, farmers, businessmen, public servants, and the general public in Davao del Norte and the rest of Davao Region.
“This event promises to be a testament to the power of Science, Technology, and Innovation fostering a brighter future for our communities, and the world at large. DOST is encouraging everyone to join and celebrate Science with us,” he added.
The RSTW is the localized celebration of National Science and Technology Week which serves as an avenue to highlight the critical importance of Science, Technology, and Innovation in society through a series of activities with participants from various sectors.
In 2022, the City Government of Davao commended the DOST XI for the annual conduct of the RSTW Celebration and advancing S&T in the Davao Region through a Resolution filed and voted for by the Davao City 20th Council.
Participants of the IFI Plenary Meeting on Water Resilience and Disasters
The International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management-Japan (ICHARM Japan) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) organized an International Flood Initiatives (IFI) Plenary Meeting on Water Resilience and Disasters to discuss the current initiatives in the country to achieve effective management of water-related disasters.
The IFI Plenary meeting highlighted the water disaster platforms, systems, and models implemented in the Philippines such as the Davao Online Synthesis System (OSS) and the Hybrid Water-Related Disaster Risk Assessment Technology for Sustainable Local Economic Development Policy (HyDEPP).
The Davao OSS synthesizes data on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development measures. This system also provides data and information on climate change impact assessment, real-time flood monitoring & forecasting, and inundation prediction models.
Meanwhile, the HyDEPP project creates hybrid water-related disaster risk assessment models by combining climate change, hydrological, agricultural, and economic models. It conducts objective assessments of the effectiveness of investing in disaster prevention measures.
These platforms were developed by ICHARM Japan and designed to improve the management of water-related disasters such as floods which are common occurrences in the Philippines.
Dr. Toshio Koike, Executive Director of ICHARM Japan, highlighted the need to showcase the effective implementation of the project on the global level with the presence of high-level leaders to contribute to risk reduction and resilience enhancement against water-related disasters.
In his remarks, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the Agency’s efforts to build disaster capacity, increase the resilience of vulnerable sectors, and fully optimize disaster mitigation opportunities in the country. He also acknowledged the need to do more.
“We find it critically important to involve the international community in making disaster risk management an integral part of national and international development policies, programs, and strategies,” he added.
The IFI Plenary session also provided an avenue to discuss scaling-up approaches and ways forward in developing and implementing disaster platforms.
The Davao City Mayor, Hon. Sebastian Duterte, also supported the initiative through Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. In his message, he highlighted the need to utilize platforms to reduce the impacts of water disasters on the communities.
“The City Government of Davao will always support pursuits to strengthen the country’s disaster resilience and sustainability,” he added.
500 Davaoeño Seniors, PWDs join SM Cares’Emergency Preparedness Forum
Some 500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in Davao City gathered for the Emergency Preparedness Forum organized by SM Cares at the SM Lanang Cinema 6 on Friday, July 28.
SM Cares conducted the forum in celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month with the goal to educate participants on natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, and equip them with essential survival tips to prepare for these situations.
The forum also recognizes the capability of seniors and PWDs as leaders in their households and communities, especially in times of natural disasters.
SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo (center) together with guests and participants of the Emergency Preparedness Forum conducted by SM Cares at SM Lanang on July 28.
“Naniniwala po ang SM Cares na walang dapat maiwanan, may edad man o may kapansanan, pagdating sa kahandaan sa mga kalamidad. Sa pamamagitan ng Emergency Preparedness Forum na ito, tuturuan natin ang mga senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities ng iba’t-ibang survival tips na maghahanda sa kanila sa iba’t-ibang uri ng sakuna,” SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo said.
Among the guest speakers for the forum were Jeffrey Perez, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Lolita Vinalay, Chief Meteorological Officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) Davao; and Disaster Management Specialist Dr. Ted Esguerra.
Since the forum’s inception in 2015, SM Cares has been able to provide training to 7,417 senior citizens and PWDs across the country. It has received accolades such as the Gold and Silver Awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ annual Anvil Awards in 2020 and 2023, respectively.Â
This initiative is part of SM Cares’ push to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being”, “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities”, and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities”.
Disaster Management Specialist Dr. Ted Esguerra discussing survival tips for senior citizens and PWDs at the Emergency Preparedness Forum conducted by SM Cares at SM Lanang on July 28.
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include programs for the environment, PWDs, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, senior citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. (PR)
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