As a company dedicated to promoting causes that advance all facets of society, SM Cares is dedicated to putting programs that promote inclusivity in disaster preparedness and resilience, developing activities that are pertinent to all people, not just women, seniors, people with disabilities, but also for children and teenagers.
In keeping with its Children’s Month celebrations this November, SM Cares recently teamed up with SMDC Light Mall and the Emmy-nominated animated children’s program Superbook for “GIZMO on the Go,” a specially-designed program to educate children the value of disaster preparedness in a exciting way.
“GIZMO on the Go,” which was held last November 17 at the SMDC Light Mall Cinema, provided children with information on typical calamities in the Philippines, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods, as well as advice on what to do in an emergency. Children from the Alay Pagasa Foundation, Ilaya Barangka Integrated School, and SMDC Residences formed a group of more than 150 participants. Teachers and parents attended the event as well.
The program also included a special viewing of the Superbook episode of Noah’s Ark to encourage personal resilience among the young viewers in addition to science-based lectures and survival advice. “Our initiatives always include values training for young people. Adults may be preoccupied with recovery efforts during calamities, but we also need to consider the psychological, emotional, and psychosocial effects on our kids, says Mr. Icko Gonzales, project head for the Superbook.
SM Cares and a variety of SMDC Light Mall tenants also contributed SM Bears of Joy to help ease the worries of children. “At SM Cares, we believe that in order to create a Philippines that is truly disaster resilient, we need to get everyone onboard, and that includes vulnerable sectors such as our children,” said SM Supermalls AVP for Operations and SM Cares Director for Children & Youth, Mr. Royston Cabunag.” stated Mr. Royston Cabunag, AVP for Operations at SM Supermalls and Director for Children & Youth at SM Cares.
“This is very important especially because these children are most likely the ones who will truly feel the effects of climate change, including the increased frequency of typhoons, by the time they become adults, and we want them to be ready.”
A number of interactive booths were also set up for participants to visit in addition to these activities. These included Superbook online games, a creative art station where attendees could show off their creativity, and an interactive booth where attendees could learn about culture, family, and the arts. Gizmo, a well-liked robot, also took part in the festivities. SM Cares, Superbook, Jollibee, Belgian Waffles, EggdropMNL, Smart Driving School, and NDZ Corporation made it possible to provide meals and treats.
This program is in line with RA No. 10661, which established National Children’s Month to raise awareness of children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation in the Filipino society. SM Cares supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, particularly “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities” and “SDG 13: Climate Action.”
The annual SM Bears of Joy initiative, the long-running Global Youth Summit in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation Philippines, and support programs with UNICEF Philippines and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are some of the additional children and youth-focused initiatives of SM Cares.
SM Supermalls’ corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, is in charge of programs that support communities and the environment. SM Cares’ advocacy causes include the following in addition to its programs for kids and teens:
programs on the environment, PWDs, senior citizens, and the Bike-friendly SM, as well as on women and breastfeeding mothers.
To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
