Following the recent flooding caused by Typhoon Carina, SM Supermalls and SM Foundation Inc. have conducted simultaneous Operations Tulong Express to provide immediate assistance to affected communities.
Relief operations were in full swing in Caloocan City, as 1,000 families received “kalinga packs” that contained rice, canned sardines, instant noodles, and bottled waters. SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan focused their outreach on the hardest-hit areas of the city in Barangay Maypajo, as well as Barangays 3 and 4.
The neighboring city of Caloocan also received a total of 1,000 relief packs from SM Savemore Malabon. Volunteers from SM Savemore Malabon and SM Center Sangandaan took a proactive approach by conducting door-to-door relief pack distribution in Barangay Tañong and Barangay Potrero. This initiative, in collaboration with local rescue teams, ensures that individuals and families unable to reach centralized relief centers receive the necessary aid directly at their homes.
Rounds of relief operations, on the other hand, were conducted by SM City Valenzuela in designated evacuation centers in Valenzuela City. A total of 1,200 relief packs, or “kalinga packs,” were distributed to evacuees of Pinalagad Elementary School, Malinta National High School, and Malinta Elementary School.
The Kalinga pack distribution effort is part of Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a corporate social program of SM Foundation in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets. It aims to address the needs of communities during calamities and crises. Its implementation includes close coordination with SM Supermalls employees and volunteers.