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Providing better opportunities for scholars

Safeguarding Mothers

Wellness for the NavyPAGE 6

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F E A T U R E D A R T I C L E

Partners in Farming HopePrioritizing agriculture in Pampanga

Modern agropolis in Bataan

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Timely medical aidPAGE 4HEALTH AND WELLNESS

EDUCATION

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

HEALTH AND WELLNESSOPERATION TULONG EXPRESS

Reaching out to displaced fire victims in Las Piňas and Taguig

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Partners in Farming HopeSM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farmers’ Training Program is gaining a groundswell with government as it capped two batches in San Fernando, Pampanga and Dinalupihan, Bataan in April. The Foundation worked with the local government units, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

BDO Foundation, together with BDO Unibank rural subsidiary, One Network Bank, also participated in KSK to impart financial skills that would help the farmers with their business plans. The KSK trainees were taught how to manage their finances, including how to earn more, how to save, and how to budget their money to grow their livelihood.

Launched on January 24, KSK Batch 156 helped farmers improve their skills in organic farming thru a season-long training in Barangay Maimpis, San Fernando, Pampanga. In a span of 12 weeks, the 84 graduates were taught modern methods and technologies for productive backyard farming by the Foundation’s program partner, Harbest Agribusiness Corporation. They were instructed on the how-to’s of planting and harvesting high quality farm produce such as eggplants, watermelon, honeydew, chili and cucumber, which they can either sell to SM’s suppliers or through direct selling in markets near them.

During the Harvest Festival, Mayor Edwin Santiago emphasized that it is essential that the graduates know about effective farming practices to achieve sustainable agriculture, which is a priority of the city. He encouraged the Fernandinos to enhance their production to contribute to the city’s food security. He also advised them to keep their land instead of succumbing to the temptation of earning quick money by selling their property.

“Farmers form the backbone of our food sector. Support from non-government organizations is something that the city welcomes for our farmers,” San Fernando City Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin said as he commended SM Foundation for teaching farmers new techniques in planting and harvesting. He added that KSKis a great boost to the city’s decliningpopulation of farmers.

Prioritizing agriculture in Pampanga City Agriculture and Veterinary Officer Cristina Sangumay conveyed her appreciation to SM Foundation for conducting the second KSK training in their community.

The farmer-beneficiaries are from eight barangays of San Fernando and its neighboring areas. Five of them are employees of the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office of San Fernando while many are under 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program).

Jason Garcia, a backyard farmer and one of the beneficiaries of KSK Batch 156, said he is now ready to expand his livelihood. Selling vegetables in front of his house along the road, he foresees a boost in production and improvement in the quality of his produce after the KSK training.

KSK Batch 156 graduates with Mayor Edwin Santiago and Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Modern agropolis in Bataan

The Batch 157 Harvest Festival in Barangay Payangan, Dinalupihan in Bataan saw a full-court of government agencies now participating in SM Foundation’s KSK, together with the active local government headed by the dynamic Mayor Gila Garcia, who is steering the province into her vision of a modern agropolis by 2022.

Director Gemma B. Gabuya of DSWD Field Office attended the harvest festival and was delighted to see how everyone’s efforts paid off. “Congratulations sa napakasaya at napaka-successful na kwento ng karanasan na ito sa ating buhay. Mahalaga na makita natin ang pagbabago sa ating sarili at magkaroon ng pagbabago sa pananaw ng ating mga sarili, na kayang-kaya nating harapin ang mga hamon ng buhay,” she said.

The Department of Trade and Industry is assisting the farmers in marketing their produce by empowering them and bridging them to the food chain. According to DTI Provincial Director Nelin Cabahug, a program such as KSK supports inclusive growth for the country by involving all sectors, the indigenous peoples especially, in development efforts through productive projects like high value crop farming.

The participants were also taught business planning and project proposal writing by Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Implementing Project Development Officer Khristine Fernandez.

A KSK-trained farmer happy with his harvest!

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“Hindi ito ang pagtatapos kundi simula pa lamang ng pag-abot ng pangarap ng mga pamilya,” Mayor Garcia declared as she expressed her gratitude to SM Foundation for giving their constituents the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. She committed to provide each of the “production groups” with a capital of P100,000 to ensure the sustainability of the projects, as she prodded them to bring pride to Dinalupihan in their quest to become a modern agropolis.

KSK Batch 157 is composed of 216 new and long-time farmers, beneficiaries of 4Ps and tribal Aetas from 20 barangays in Dinalupihan. From January 26, they attended the hands-on training every Friday for 12 weeks. The Aetas used to plant rootcrops and vegetables only during rainy season as water is very scarce in the highlands. The greenhouse farming technology will help them plant even during the dry season. After the KSK training, they proudly announced their

in his eight hectare farm. He used to plant cassava and papaya only during the rainy season. Grateful to be part of KSK, he said, “I wanted to learn more skills and plant in the uplands. Kasi wala kaming tubig kung hindi ulan. Mabuti ngayon sinali ako sa KSK ng SM Foundation. Now I know we can plant even without the rains.”

Merly Gonzales, 62 years old, has been farming since 1987. She is the breadwinner in their family as her husband is sick. Though diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, she said her illness never stopped her from doing what she loves. “Prayer, gratitude and farming, masaya na ako,” she revealed. Used to planting mangoes, she was glad to learn how to plant watermelon, melon, eggplant, okra and other crops. Moreover, she was pleased to learn new techniques using readily available materials, claiming “Dito ko lang natutunan gamitin ang mga dahon. Na-realize ko na nasa paligid lang pala ang mga kailangan ko.”

The participants enjoyed harvesting their crops, which they used as ingredients in the cooking contest featuring their original recipes. The remaining produce were sold.

Other memorable highlights of the day included the boodle fight and intermission numbers from the various groups, including a tribal dance from the Aetas.

In the next harvest season, produce would be sold by their association to sell to the local market and to the bulk suppliers of the SM Group who will put up a Buyer’s Station in markets during their harvest season. 

Amidst the scorching heat during the harvest festivals was the robust fervor of the newly-trained farmers and their supporters in government and the SM Group.

plans to plant the same high-value crops within their respective upland barangays and teach their neighbors their newly -acquired skills on what and how to farm year-round.

Barangay Bayan-bayanan Chieftain Reggie Paule, 43 years old with six kids, had been farming all his life following his father’s footsteps. He has 24 members in their association, who are all upland farmers. He said he is happy to obtain more knowledge in modern farming.

Paule, together with Maritess Sarte, Rosa David and Sam Panganiban, voiced their disdain for begging by their peers. They said they have lots of upland ancestral lands to till and would rather work than beg.

“Dati rati, kumukuha ang traders ng kamote, sitao, papaya at gabi sa amin. Ang baba ng kita namin, napupunta lang sa pamasahe ng tricycle. Kahit ganun, hindi kami nagpapalimos,” said Sarte, who has been planting for more than 10 years. “Sa KSK, natutunan namin ang organic farming at paano mag fertilize nang tama. Dati, basta nagtanim ako, hinahayaan ko na lang sa ulan. Ngayon, mas alam ko na paano mag-alaga ng pananim,”she added.

David, 70 years old and a beneficiary of the government’s 4Ps, disclosed competition was high -- they all sold at the same time in the same market, hence, many of them had a hard time finding buyers for their produce and had to return home with no revenues. “Sayang ang pagod namin,” she admitted. She is hopeful that with the help of Mayor Garcia and the SM Group, they will have additional market for their produce.

One of their group mates, Roman Perez, has been seeking the help of the Department of Agriculture for 10 years to teach him other technologies to use

1. KSK Batch 157 learned how to farm uplands in Dinalupihan, Bataan. | 2. Farmer-graduates with Mayor Gila Garcia. | 3. Tribal dance performed by the Aetas

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SM Foundation was on its programmed medical and dental mission in Barangay Calayo, Nasugbu, Batangas on April 23 when three emergency cases involving young boys were brought before them and were immediately attended to, sparing the patients from prolonged pain and suffering.

One emergency case involved an 11-year old boy whose arm got accidentally stuck in a machine at a bakery. The SM Foundation Health and Medical team -- the first responders – rushed to the bakery. First aid was administered and pain relievers were injected to the patient. Upon extraction of his arm from the machine, an x-ray was conducted at the SM Mobile Clinic to check for fractures. Oxygen was also given to the child. With a diagnosis of avulsed wound on the forearm with fracture on the distal ends of the arm and forearm, he was brought to the nearest hospital with the help of the MDRRMO (Municipal Disaster Risk

Timely Medical Aid

Reduction and Management Office) of Nasugbu.

The second emergency case was a boy with folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicle usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. The draining of the infected area was done.

The third case was a six-year old boy with a week-old wound on his right foot, which was cleansed, mended and dressed. X-ray of the foot of the patient was also done to check forany foreign bodies.

From February to March 2018, the SM Foundation Health and Medical team was able to serve a total of 18,332 patients in 18 medical-dental missions nationwide, namely in Metro Manila (SM City Sta. Mesa and Mowelfund in Quezon City), Bulacan (SM City San Jose del Monte), Cavite (SM City Trece Martires), Laguna (SM City San Pablo and

1. Young boy rushed to the SM Mobile Clinic for first aid, oxygen & x-ray. | 2. Medical mission held at the mall. | 3. Tooth extraction is free at SM medical-dental missions.

Safeguarding MothersSM Foundation holds Safe Motherhood Caravans for the first time this year!

In partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and City Health Offices, the Safe Motherhood Caravan aims to contribute to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality in the Philippines by educating women of reproductive age about life-saving maternal, newborn, and child health practices. Free pre-natal consultation, immunization and newborn screening were provided to 280 mothers in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, in April. Lectures on nutrition, breastfeeding, family planning, responsible parenthood and PhilHealth were given by health experts.

Previously, SM Foundation and PBSP, in partnership with the City of Manila through the Manila Health Department, served over 200 mothers in Brgy. 128 Balut, Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila, in February. The next Safe Motherhood Caravan will be held in June.

SM City Calamba), Batangas (SM City Batangas, SM Center Lemery and Brgy. Calayo, Nasugbu), Pampanga (SM City Pampanga), Pangasinan (Bayambang Event Center), La Union (SM City San Fernando Downtown), Nueva Ecija (SM City Cabanatuan), Tarlac (SM City Tarlac), Cebu (SM City Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu), Legazpi (Ibalong Centrum), and Camarines Sur (SM City Naga). The Foundation provided free consultation, physical exams, diagnostic tests (including x-ray, ECG and blood tests for cholesterol, uric acic acid and sugar), full dosage of medicinesand tooth extraction.

The Foundation is actively promoting health and wellness in the communities where the SM Group operates. Its medical programs are aligned with Goal 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Mothers with their children at the Safe Motherhood Caravan.

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1. Philippine Navy Flag Officer-In-Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad presents a plaque of appreciation to Ms. Connie Angeles | 2. Patients will be more comfortable at

the renovated Cavite Naval Hospital OPD.

Reaching out to displaced fire victims inLas Piňas and TaguigMost fire incidents happen in March, one the hottest months of the year. Three noted large fires displaced thousands of families in Barangay Almanza Uno in Las Pinas City, Barangay Pilar in Taguig City and TUP Compound in Taguig.

Operation Tulong Express served as one of the first responders during the calamities. Immediate assistance was extended to more than 1,600 victims, who received Kalinga Packs with water, rice and ready-to-eat meals.

From January to March of this year, the Foundation has distributed almost 9,000 kalinga packs to victims of disastersand calamities nationwide.

Wellness for the NavySM Foundation has turned over the newly-renovated Out-Patient Department (OPD) of the Cavite Naval Hospital (CNH) in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City. The refurbished facility caters to about 90,000 military personnel and their dependents. The improved OPD now has a Diabetes Clinic, Specialty Clinic, ENT & Ophthalmology Clinic, Dermatology Clinic, General Surgery and Bone Clinic, Pediatric Clinic, Pharmacy, Breastfeeding Room and a Felicidad Sy Center for Children. In addition, SM Foundation donated 12 desktop computers.

Cavite Naval Hospital is the 136th  Wellness Center and the 24th military facility which the Foundation has helped renovate. Ms. Connie Angeles, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs, committed

continuous support for the building’s upkeep and maintenance. She shared that, “This is our way to help the men and women in uniform who risk their lives and limb for all of us to enjoy our freedom. We are your partners.”

The hospital is the first ever military facility to use PN MedICS (Philippine Navy Medical Information System), a homegrown web-based Electronic Medical Records System. PN MedICS is Team Navy’s winning entry for the CUPPPIDD (Connection Upgrade through Public-Private Partnerships in Information Design) Innovation Competition conducted among AFP Major Services. The system was a project developed by Makati Medical Center Foundation, Ideaspace, PLDT and the Philippine Navy.

The inauguration of the OPD was keynoted by Philippine Navy Flag Officer-In-Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, who thanked SM Foundation for their donation. He expressed his hope that with the help of concerned Filipinos and companies with big, caring hearts, quality care will be provided to their men and women.

Commanding Officer of CNH, Capt. Ma. Jessica Vallanca, declared that the service upgrade is a morale booster for military personnel, their dependents and civilians. She extended her heartfelt thanks for another fruit of SM’s support to the military as prior to her transfer to Cavite, she was the Commanding Officer of Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City, which the Foundation renovated and turned over in July 2017.

SM Foundation Operation Tulong Express distributed kalinga packs to fire victims at evacuation centers.

Providing Better Opportunities for Scholars

The incoming college freshmen who qualified for SM Foundation’s scholarship program now have a greater chance to fulfill their aspirations for better opportunities.

Without the scholarship grant, they could have very little, if any, chance to obtain a college degree—their stepping stone to good jobs, higher wages and improved quality of life for them and their loved ones. Most come from families that barely have the means to make ends meet. The new scholars were relieved of being a burden to their parents and depriving their siblings of the benefits of finishing primary education.

The coming school year is unique as colleges and universities welcome the first batch of Grade 12 graduates. Five hundred new SM scholars for the school year 2018-2019 have signed their memorandum of agreement to the program simultaneously throughout the country.

The new scholars from Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal & Bulacan gathered at SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia. The signing of agreements was witnessed by Mrs. Felicidad Sy, matriarch of the SM Group, and son, Harley, Executive Director of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), together with SMIC Chairman and SMFI President Jose Sio, SMIC Head of Corporate Affairs and SMFI Trustee Chito Macapagal, and SMFI Executive Director for Education Linda Atayde.

Scholars from other provinces, meanwhile, were welcomed by mall executives in different branches nationwide.

The scholarship, covering full tuition plus

allowances, also comes with other benefits (like free movies, personality development seminars, religious retreats, Christmas parties and other fun-filled activities) to develop the social skills of the scholars and make them more well-rounded. If he/she so desires, a scholar can also work at an SM store during semestral breaks to augment his/her allowances.

When they complete their college education, scholars get to participate in an exclusive job fair by the SM Group. They are not, however, bound to work in any SM Group company but are only required to pay it forward by being productive and viable citizens to their country and their families.

Arwin Stephen Samonte Lalim, son of a driver from Marikina, will enroll at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) for a degree in Accountancy. “I must study hard so I can help my two younger siblings go to school. Ano na lang ang saya at ginhawa maibibigay ko sa mga magulang kung makatapos ako ng pag-aaral? Salamat sa Panginoon at sa SM sa malaking biyayang ito!” he exclaimed.

Kit Adrian Marrin came to the awarding with his father, an air-con technician, who encouraged him to pursue an Electrical Engineering course in Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) after his graduation from the Malabon National High School. He would not have gone to college if he did not qualify for this grant and gratefully said, “I must give back to SM the greatest & the best graduation gift I have ever received as soon as I finish my studies”.

Ashley Khay Hanapin graduated Valedictorian at the Amazing Grace School and went to

senior high of the University of Perpetual Help in Laguna. She qualified as an SM scholar to take up BS Accountancy at the PUP in Sta Mesa. Her father earns a living as a barber while her mom is a casual teacher aide. Ashley says she is determined to finish college so she can help her parents, sharing “Makabawi man lamang ako sa hirap nila at makabawi ako sa SM sa binigay nitong oportunidad saisang estudyanteng tulad ko.”

Chenalyn Rioveros, from Bacoor, Cavite, is 17 years old and a graduate of Gov. Juanito Reyes Remulla Senior High School. She will pursue college in San Sebastian College in Cavite City, which is near her residence, to save on transportation expenses & so she can still help help out her carpenter father, Noel & her mother Emelita who runs a small carinderia at home. “Ma’am, ipaabot naman po ninyo kay Tat mat sa binigay na scholarship ninyo sa anak ko”, said Mang Noel. “Balang araw, masusuklian ko rin sa SM ang kabaitan ninyo,” added Chenalyn.

SM scholar-graduates Christian Acosta and Katherine Velasquez shared their experiences as SM scholars and how the scholarships changed their lives.

Katherine, who recently ranked top 7 in the Electronics Engineering board exams, motivated the new scholars by saying they should never give up. She shared her personal mantra – SPF, which stands for Scholarship, Prayer and Failures. She explained that to succeed, they should value their scholarship, their faith, and how they rise up from failures.

1. All the new scholars had fun posing for a groufie with Nanang Felicidad Sy, Harley Sy and Jose Sio | 2. Welcoming new scholars from Zamboanga

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