SM Store and Mastercard are teaming up again for an exciting partnership that will uplift the learning experience of select public schools in the country. In partnership with SM Foundation, four (4) public schools, across the country, will be equipped with 20 computer desktop sets and LCD TVs, providing students with the proper tools for their digital learning activities, collaboration and training. These partner-schools are Tuba Central Elementary School in Baguio (Northern Luzon), Lemery Pilot School in Batangas (Southern Luzon), Efraim Santibanez National High School in Ilo-Ilo (Visayas), and Macasandig Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao).
Through continuous collaboration, the vision to provide students an accessible and modern approach to learning is a dream within reach. From November 10-12, 2023, customers of SM Store will be given the opportunity to take part in this noble initiative by shopping using their Mastercard. For every P3,000 minimum single-receipt spent at any SM Store, P100 will be donated to SM Foundation. These donations will directly contribute to the creation of digital learning hubs in different provinces within the country.
Visit your favorite SM Store from November 10-12, 2023 and use your Mastercard and be an instrument into building progressive learning facilities for Filipino students. SM Store and Mastercard invite everyone to partake in this initiative that provides tools and equipment that may help improve the digital learning experience. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-178682 Series of 2023.
“Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world – Nelson Mandela“
SM Store Corporate Social Responsibility through SM Store Bacolod donated hundreds of school kits to Illuminado Nessia Elementary School in Bacolod City. From left, Mr. Willie Gamboa-Branch Manager of SM Store Bacolod, Ms. Corazon Alfiscar-Principal of Illuminado Nessia Elementary School, (center) Mr. Aries Pineda-Sr. Manager of SM Store Corporate Social Responsibility, Mr. Pete Galimba-Asst Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Bacolod and Mr. Celestino Nifras Jr-Sr. Education Specialist of DepEd Bacolod.
Recognizing the need of many Filipino children towards having adequate school resources, SM Store launched a program called Shop & Share to Bridge Access to Education, which aims to help many underprivileged students in their learning journey.
During the entire month of August, several SM Stores across the country participated in the initiative that allowed their loyal customers to take part in helping a student in need through donating a school kit. Originally retailing for P149 per bundle, the school kits were made available for customer purchase and donation at a reasonable amount of P99. Last September 1, 2023, SM Store started to turn over more than 13,000 notebooks to thousands of underprivileged pupils in different parts of the Philippines.
In partnership with SM Foundation, SM Stationery and some local government units, a total of twenty (20) public schools received school kits through the program, namely: Capatan Elementary School in Tuguegarao City; Balanga Elementary School in Balanga, Bataan; Federated PTA Division in San Fernando, Pampanga; Osorio Elementary School in Trece Martires, Cavite; Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas; Pateros Elementary School in Metro, Manila; Sampaloc Site II Elementary School in Paranaque City; Tungkong Mangga Elementary School in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan; Universidad de Manila Annex in Manila; Efraim Santibanez National High School in Passi, Iloilo; Jugan Elementary School in Consolacion, Cebu; Mabolo Elementary School in Cebu, Barrio Luz Elementary School in Cebu, Carreta Elementary School in Cebu, F. Ubay Elementary School in Puerto Princesa; Nessia Elementary School in Bacolod; Macasandig Elementary School in Cagayan De Oro; Banisil National High School in General Santos, Zamboanga Central School SPED in Zamboanga City and City Government of Basilan.
Mr. Peter Galimba, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent at DepEd – Division of Bacolod City, expressed how this initiative will help and impact the students of their school – “These notebooks are the keystones to their academic success, providing a solid foundation for their educational pursuits.”
In accepting the notebook bundles donated by SM Store, Dr. Ramonit Belascuain, Principal of Efraim M. Santibañez National High School in Municipality of Passi, Province of Iloilo, conveyed the symbolism and significance of notebooks in the lives of the students – “These are not just ordinary school supplies; they serve as inspiration for children who are studying and valuing education.”
SM Store considers education as one of the foundations of a progressive society. This initiative holds a huge importance in the company’s advocacy not only to give back to the community but to uplift the lives of every individual, especially the children.
The collective efforts of SM’s loyal patrons, partners, and stakeholders embody that great things are done by a series of small things. Through their commitment to help, almost one hundred thousand notebooks were provided to fourteen thousand students, which means giving them support, encouragement, a chance to learn, and an opportunity to dream beyond limits.
The undying compassion and generosity of SM Store’s customers continue to inspire to create more programs that exhibit collaboration and involvement within the community, which in the end, aims to benefit those who are the most in need.
When people are accepted, they become empowered and feel appreciated and recognized.
In celebration of the International Day of Sign Language, SM Cares of the SM Group continues its mission to provide inclusive spaces as a mall for all through its yearly sensitivity training for its frontline employees. The training equips them with skills to better serve customers with different needs or persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Engr. Bien Mateo, Senior Vice President for Mall Operations and Program Director of SM Cares Disability Affairs noted the company’s dedication to creating positive impacts within its communities.
“Genuine inclusion starts with us,” he said. “One of the integral steps in line with this effort is by conducting sensitivity training for our employees.”
A PWD-friendly mall for all
Apart from SM Supermalls’ facilities, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.’s shopping malls promote inclusive spaces through features such as ramps, handlebars in comfort rooms, and Braille-labeled elevator buttons. The efforts to promote inclusivity within the malls also rely on equipping its workers with the knowledge and best practices for assisting PWDs.
Jay Jess Aquino, a security personnel in SM Mall of Asia for 15 years shared how helpful the annual sensitivity training is in learning how to respectfully assist customers who have different needs.
With daily interactions from different PWD communities, he shared how a simple act of acknowledging guests on the autism spectrum or persons with Down syndrome every time they playfully salute them goes a long way.
SM Mall of Asia (MOA) security personnel Jay Jess Aquino and Rebecca Flores pose with their sensitivity training manuals on how to care for patrons with different needs.
“Pagpasok po nila sa mall, sumalaudo po sila sa amin mga guards, he said. “Natutuwa rin po kami kasi kahit sa simpleng pag-acknowledge po namin, eh napapangiti na po namin sila.”
(They salute us guards as they enter the mall. We are also pleased because even with simple acknowledgement, we can make them smile.)
As SM front liners, they must be quick to recognize guests with mobility issues to provide alternative solutions such as wheelchairs and even drive them via golf karts when available. The mall’s administration office is also open to serve as a safe and quiet space for guests who may be sensitive to several sensory inputs.
His colleague and fellow security staff Rebecca Flores in Mall of Asia expressed how the sensitivity training has made her more confident to assist patrons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over her nine-year experience in SM.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and building rapport with customers on the spectrum before they enter. This approach helps dismiss any notion that security guards are intimidating.
“Opo. Sa entrance pa lang talaga hina-hi (saying hi/hello) na namin sila,” Ms Flores said. “Nagrerespond sila. Bumati ka sa kanila para di sila matakot sa guard. Para kahit mawala sila, di sila matatakot lumapit sa guard. Kasi maalala nila ay ito yung bumati sa akin.”
(We see to it that we give them a lively greeting as they enter the mall because they remember you. Even in the unfortunate event of being lost in the mall, they won’t hesitate to approach you to find their way since they will recall the friendly face who said hi to them.)
Ms. Flores even recalled to her initial experience when a child on the autism spectrum playfully kicked her. She remembered how shocked she was during the exchange. And although the child’s parent immediately explained the situation, Ms. Flores recalled in jest how the child tried to get her again on the way out.
“Di ako nagalit. Mas nagpasalamat ako sa training kasi may kaalaman kami,” she said.
(I didn’t get mad. I’m thankful because the training imparted learnings on this.)
SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls and a division of SM Foundation, Inc. ensures a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment for PWDs in all of its malls nationwide.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) celebrated its 30th founding anniversary on Tuesday, September 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasasy City, Philippines.
The occasion marked three decades of peacebuilding, peacekeeping, and peacemaking for the agency.
Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. led the celebration and awarding ceremony, together with OPAPRU officials and personnel.
“Over the past three decades, the agency has led the government’s efforts to bring harmony, mutual understanding, and solidarity among Filipinos. It has navigated the turbulent waters of conflict and division, working tirelessly with peace stakeholders to bridge gaps and heal wounds amidst socio-political, religious and cultural differences,” Galvez said in his message to the employees,” Galvez said in his keynote address.
“To our OPAPRU Service and Loyalty awardees, I have only one request, and that is, to keep the fire in your bellies burning as brightly as ever. You have become an integral member of our organization because you have chosen to champion the cause of peace, reconciliation and unity. It is truly an honor and a pleasure to be working with all of you,” he added.
Presidential Assistant Arnulfo R. Pajarillo of the agency’s Office for Finance and Administrative Services, Plans and Programs also lauded OPAPRU staff, saying, “In our organization, loyalty and hard work never go unnoticed. And today, we proudly shine the spotlight on 37 dedicated employees — 15 loyalty awardees and 22 service awardees.”
“It is not only these awardees we are recognizing on this occasion, but all of you who are present here at the PICC and those joining us from the field,” Pajarillo added. “Being at the forefront of building a culture of peace, mutual understanding and solidarity in the country, you have not only effectively carried out your crucial mandate; you have gone over and beyond what is expected of you.”
Peace milestones
With Galvez at the helm of the OPAPRU, it helped reunite the Misuari and Sema groups of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) after decades of separation, which is considered a landmark development under the Bangsamoro peace process.
The agency also played a key role in establishing an inclusive Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Together with its peace partners, it also assisted in the rebuilding of Marawi and implemented social healing interventions for the victims of the siege.
Currently, the OPAPRU is implementing the political and normalization tracks of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which is a testament to the strong partnership between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Under the Normalization Program, around 65% of the 40,000 MILF combatants have already been decommissioned.
The agency is also implementing Transformation Programs for the MNLF, RPMP-RPA-ABB-TPG also known as KAPATIRAN, the CBA-CPLA and former rebels.
The dividends of peace are now being felt nationwide, as communities situated in once conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities are becoming show windows of peace and development.
During the opening of the National Peace Consciousness Month this September, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared the province of Palawan as insurgency free.
Historic peace agreements
Over the past three decades, OPAPRU has led the government’s efforts in forging landmark peace agreements with revolutionary organizations in the country.
These include the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the CAB signed between the Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The agency also played a crucial role in the passage and ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which gave birth to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
It is also leading the implementation of the 1986 SIPAT Agreement with the Cordillera Bodong Administration/Cordillera People’s Liberation Army.
Empowering communities
The agency continues to roll out projects under its PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program which aims, among others, to improve the access of residents to much-needed socio-economic interventions, and empower communities and strengthen their capacities to address issues of conflict and peace.
The PAMANA Program has completed a total of 21,914 projects which cover agricultural productivity support, agri-fishery, capacity building, natural resource management, community infrastructure, electrification, water system, flood control, and health centers.
The program, which is anchored on conflict-sensitive and peacebuilding (CSPP) approaches, has 2,585 ongoing projects nationwide.
With all of these peace gains, the OPAPRU has been instrumental in pushing forward the Philippine peace process over the past 30 years.
Today, OPAPRU’s 600-strong peace workers throughout the country stand as solid proof of the national government’s commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace across the country.
SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, together with SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is gearing up to gather the biggest haul of trash and marine debris at this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 16, 2023, at SM By the BAY and at multiple SM Malls across the country.
SM’s expanded participation – 15 SM malls in 12 locations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – will enable more volunteers and employees to join the cleanup drive to help safeguard the marine environment and its resources in the communities it serves.
SM Prime calls on communities to sign up and join clean-up drives with designated SM malls.
Since 2015, SM has been committed to supporting International Coastal Cleanup Day every September and mounting several cleanup drives throughout the year. The recent cleanup last June to celebrate World Environment Day and World Oceans Day generated 29,272 kilograms of trash across 5 SM malls nationwide. In addition, SM By the BAY, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Offices regularly conduct cleanup drives twice a month at the
Over 11,000 volunteers are expected to gather at SM malls in support of International Coastal Clean Up Day.
The coastal cleanup drive is one of the many projects mounted by SM Cares and leading real estate developer, SM Prime Holdings Inc., to support the marine environment and ocean conservation efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
To know more about SM’s International Coastal Cleanup Day activities, follow the SM Cares Official Facebook page. Volunteers may participate in designated clean-up sites through the following malls and sign up via:
Metro Manila – SM by the BAY
Tuguegarao – SM City Tuguegarao, together with SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown
Bataan – SM City Bataan
Olongapo – SM City Olongapo Central, together with SM City Olongapo Downtown
Sorsogon – SM City Sorsogon
Legazpi – SM City Legazpi
Daet – SM City Daet
Puerto Princesa – SM City Puerto Princesa
Capiz – SM City Roxas
Cebu – SM Seaside City Cebu, together with SM City Cebu
Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers 2023. Honoring Exceptional Individuals, Companies, and Achievements.
Last September 8, 2023 at The Hexagon Events Place in Quezon City the stage was set for an extraordinary celebration of excellence as the prestigious “Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers 2023” gear up to recognize and honor exceptional individuals, companies, and achievements that have made a significant impact on the business landscape. Organized by La Visual Corporation and SIRBISU Channel, the “Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers 2023” is a testament to the pursuit of excellence, innovation, and dedication to outstanding business practices. The awards ceremony aims to honor businesses and individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to consumer welfare, product quality, and outstanding customer service. With categories ranging from “Business Excellence” to “Outstanding Individual Achievements,” the event seeks to highlight and applaud a diverse array of accomplishments across various industries.
“We are thrilled to bring together exceptional individuals, companies, and achievers under one roof to celebrate their remarkable contributions to the business world,” at La Visual Corporation. “This event is not just about awards; it’s a platform to inspire others to strive for excellence and foster a stronger business community.”
91.5 Win Radio Manila received the Most Empowered FM Radio Station Award, Thoney S. Pascual Advertising Account Manager with Nirro De Leon Marcelo Chairman, Awards Committee
The “Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers 2023” gave an evening filled with excitement, inspiration, and the celebration of exceptional success stories.
La Visual Corporation is a prominent name in event management, known for its expertise in organizing exceptional events that celebrate excellence, innovation, and success. Furthermore, SIRBISU Channel is a trusted media company dedicated to providing quality content that informs, educates, and entertains its viewers.
