OLONGAPO CITY—SM Olongapo celebrated the 47th cityhood of this city on June 1 by giving tribute to Ayta children.

In a statement on Tuesday, SM said the tribute benefiting 56 children is “a way to celebrate with the host city and do its share in the community it serves.”

“SM is not only a retail industry leader, but also a catalyst toward positive change in our nation, leading by example when it comes to corporate social responsibility [CSR]. The SM Cares program serves as the holistic and cohesive flagship for the many SM Supermalls CSR programs,” said the statement.

The children are from Sitio Mampueng and were given tribute because they are considered the descendants of the early settlers of this city, SM said. It added the kids were chosen through the City Agriculture Office.

The SM management said the children aged 6 to 12 years old and students of Iram II Elementary School 2 enjoyed a day of entertainment with the Jollibee mascot, a movie treat in 3D format courtesy of SM Cinema, and a tour of the mall. They were given food and prizes.

Each child was also given a grocery bag from SM Supermarket, and school supplies furnished by SM Administration personnel, the National Book Store and City Councilor Tet Marzan.

“Yesterday, it was only a dream. Today, it becomes a reality. These kids will surely remember this day until they grow up. Thank you, SM Olongapo,” said school principal Nenita Alvarez who joined the tribute for their students. 

In his speech, Mayor James Gordon Jr. said Olongapo was first inhabited by the Aytas and governed by a chieftain called “Apo.”  

“I hope someday an indigenous person will become a leader of the great city of Olongapo,” he said.  

The other guests welcomed by SM City Olongapo Assistant Mall Manager Junias Eusebio were Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Director and the city’s “first lady” Anne Marie Gordon, City Councilors Eyrma Yvette Marzan, Eduardo Piano and BJ Cajudo, city museum curator Gregorio Elane and city librarian Beth Daduya.

The event was also supported by the Rotaract Club of Freeport Zone, the City Scholars and the Rotary Club of Freeport Zone.