Happy to serve, even through storms

The synergy behind SM's disaster response

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An SM employee-volunteer, along with a social good partner, navigate flooded alleys in Pampanga to personally hand a Kalinga Pack to a resident.

In a country visited by an average of 20 typhoons a year and prone to earthquakes, communities across the Philippines often face the daunting task of having to rebuild lives overnight. During these moments, collaboration becomes a lifeline, especially for thousands of Filipinos whose lives have been upended by disasters.

For the SM Group, helping communities get back on their feet is more than just a responsibility: it is a shared commitment woven into its culture of service. At the heart of this mission is Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), SM Foundation's disaster response initiative.

Carried out through close coordination among SM Foundation, SM Markets, and SM Supermalls, OPTE brings together dedicated volunteer teams united by a shared commitment to serve those in need. SM Markets employees assemble Kalinga Packs in warehouse hubs that double as packing centers, while SM trucks and vans transport the goods to affected areas.

experiences, especially since her family was among those affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Years later, she witnessed devastation firsthand during the 2019 earthquake that affected her province and the rest of Luzon.