CITY OF MALOLOS — As the enhanced southwest monsoon, combined with the consecutive typhoons “Crising,” “Dante,” and “Emong,” left vast destruction in many parts of Bulacan, SM Foundation Inc., in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, initiated simultaneous relief efforts through the Operation Tulong Express, bringing aid to typhoon-stricken communities in the province.
SM City Marilao led large-scale relief operations, reaching 1,500 flood-affected families in the town’s most disaster-prone barangays. With Marilao placed under a state of calamity following extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and farmlands, the mall mobilized support to reach the severely affected barangays and deliver aid.
Rounds of relief operations were likewise conducted by SM City Baliwag in at least 2 barangays, including Tibag and Poblacion. A total of 200 beneficiaries were given aid during the respective relief distributions.
SM Center Pulilan, on the other hand, carried out the distribution of Kalinga packs in Barangay Tabon, benefiting at least 200 families in the town.
To date, the SM Foundation Inc., through its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, has distributed over 18,800 Kalinga Packs to families affected by disasters in key areas across the country.
Beyond Central Luzon, the relief efforts have extended to Metro Manila, Rizal, Pangasinan, Cavite, La Union, Laguna, and Cebu City. Carried out in close coordination with employees and volunteers from SM Supermalls and SM Markets, the large-scale relief effort underscores SM Foundation Inc.’s enduring commitment to provide timely and compassionate support to Filipinos in times of crisis. (UnliNews Online)
