SM Supermalls together with SM Cares Program for the Youth Children’s Welfare in partnership with Unilever, World Health Organization, Department of Health and UNICEF celebrated its 3rd simultaneous Global Handwashing Day in 41 SM Malls nationwide. This is one of many sustainable efforts of SM Cares in promoting good health and proper education to children.

Handwashing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrhea diseases and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the majority of child deaths. Every year, more than 3.5 million children do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday because of diseases that can be prevented through proper handwashing.

Present at the SM Mall of Asia were TV Stars Dominic Ochoa, Dimples Romana, and child stars Zaijan Jaranillo and Xyriel Manabat. TV journalist Vicky Morales showed the children how to properly wash their hands.

At present, SM Supermalls receive an average of 3 million shoppers daily. They are also home to 12,000 tenants, served by more than 25,000 SM employees. Because of SM’s size and reach, they have virtually become information gateways, and venues that promote and propagate such worthwhile activities. And as part of SM Supermalls’ Corporate Social Responsibility and celebration of Children’s month every October yearly, they help develop a healthy habit for our future and forthcoming generations.

‘While proper handwashing has been part of the malls advocacy to inform and educate its customers, we have embraced that challenge, to further step up beyond what is necessary and continuously promote good hygiene and clean living. We enjoin everybody in this worthwhile activity because the responsibility to care for our people is not just a task of one, but of many, we hope to give back, reach out and help educate children, because SM Cares,’ Mr. Royston Cabunag, AVP for Operations and Program Director for Youth and Children’s Welfare of SM Supermalls, said.