SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines (HMBAP), has officially launched the groundbreaking SM Human Milk Depot Initiative. The partnership was inaugurated on February 19, 2025, with special messages from key representatives at SM City San Lazaro.

Empowering Communities, Saving Lives

Breastfeeding is critical to maternal and child health, yet many mothers face challenges in providing sufficient milk for their infants due to medical or circumstantial limitations. The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative seeks to address this gap by ensuring the availability of safe, nutritious donor human milk, particularly during emergencies and disasters. The donated milk will be processed and distributed through accredited Human Milk Banks, reaching the infants who need it most.

“The Human Milk Depot initiative is a vital step towards achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 2 and 3 — eliminating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting health and wellness. Our goal is to make breastfeeding more accessible, not only for current breastfeeding mothers but also for those considering breastfeeding. By establishing a milk depot inside our malls, we are taking a significant step toward this objective.” said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women & Breastfeeding Mothers. “This milestone initiative reflects SM’s continuing commitment to fostering safe spaces and advocating for maternal and child health, and we will ensure that it expands across the nation, serving mothers and children all around the country.”

Strengthening a Culture of Breastfeeding Advocacy

Aligned with the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative reinforces SM Supermalls’ mission of being “A Mall for All.” Through partnerships with health institutions, the program promotes breastfeeding awareness and supports mothers by offering facilities and programs that cater to their needs.

During the launch event, Usec. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral of the Public Health Services Cluster and Dr. Estrella Jusi, President of the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines, commended SM Cares for its leadership in this critical advocacy. “This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together to support maternal and infant health,” said Usec. Maestral.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Community Engagement

The initiative will initially roll out in two pilot locations, with plans for expansion to additional SM malls based on the program’s success. Beyond the depots, SM Cares will also strengthen its community engagement efforts, raising awareness about the importance of breast milk donation and fostering a culture of care and advocacy.

Impacting Lives One Drop at a Time

The launch of the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative marks another significant milestone in SM Cares’ Women and Breastfeeding Advocacy program. The initiative is expected to increase participation in breast milk donation, improve infant health outcomes, and promote breastfeeding-friendly communities across the Philippines.

“We envision a future where every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive, and every mother feels supported and empowered in her breastfeeding journey,” said Atty. Pearly Turley.

For more information about the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative and how you can contribute to this life-saving program, visit SM City San Lazaro and SM City Manila, and follow SM Cares’ social media channels for updates on when the program will be available soon.