It is expected of companies to engage in corporate social responsibility, but SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) takes a step further by giving its programs the human touch.

It simply means that SM companies go beyond their institutional missions by empowering the marginalized sector of society to live a decent life.

More than financial aid, SMFI provides opportunities that help sustain livelihood. This year, more lives have started to carve a path toward change because of SMFI’s continuous projects.

Education

SMFI empowers the youth through the SM College Scholarship. A dedicated team makes sure that the most financially challenged but most deserving students get their chance at formal education.

As of today, 1,300 scholar graduates are now working professionals both here and abroad. Half of them graduated from their respective colleges with Latin honors. Unlike other scholarship grants, SMFI’s college program does not require scholars to work in any SM company.

For the current school year, more than a thousand college and vocational course scholars were enrolled and hope to graduate by 2013. Applications for SY 2013-2014 are now being accepted at service counters of SM Supermalls, SM Department stores, SM Supermarkets, and Savemore Markets nationwide. Deadline for submission of requirements is December 20, 2012.

Apart from the scholarship grants, SMFI is also helping rebuild old school buildings and classrooms, and donating new ones. The selection of schools is closely coordinated with the Department of Education, which recommends schools that are short of classrooms and those that need major refurbishment.

There are 41 school buildings donated throughout the country so far, with nine of them installed with internet connection. By the end of this year, seven (7) school buildings with sixteen (16) classrooms combined will be turned over to various public elementary and secondary schools in Cagayan de Oro, General Trias (Cavite), Olongapo, and San Fernando (Pampanga).

Health

Medical and dental missions around the country are made possible through SMFI’s mobile clinics equipped with X-ray and ECG machines, with volunteer medical and health professionals giving their time and effort to help underprivileged patients.

These mobile clinics go around communities surrounding SM malls and stores to serve patients who do not have access to health facilities due to poverty. Those who have severe illnesses are provided with at least P5,000 and referred to accredited hospitals.

More than 600 medical missions have been conducted since 2001, with eight to ten more scheduled until December of this year. Aside from these medical missions, SMFI also helps refurbish health establishments, mostly public hospitals that either have dilapidated facilities or none at all.

Those that cater to adult patients are called the Felicidad Sy Wellness Centers, while those dedicated to children are referred to as Hospice Centers.

SMFI’s health advocacy has earned the Best in Health Special Award during the 2nd Management Association of the Philippines Corporate Social Responsibility (MAP-CSR) Challenge of 2011.

More work is needed to keep this going, so volunteers are encouraged to sign up and be part of this worthy crusade. Interested practitioners and other health workers may get more information by contacting the SMFI at tel. no. 831-1000 local 1494 & 1498.

Livelihood

Farmers and their families also get to benefit from SMFI’s livelihood programs. This year’s KabalikatsaKabuhayan Farmers Training Program is now in its final phase, with 483 recipients expected to graduate in Lucena City, Cagayan de Oro, and Calamba after the 3-month course. Farmers are given technical skills and know-how training, with free seeds to start them off.

Thus far, the program has produced 4,000 graduates. They get to have linkages to market opportunities courtesy of SM’s supply chain. One way to showcase the farmers’ produce is through Harvest Festivals, whichwill be held at the SMFI-KSK demo farms.Graduation ceremonies will be held in SM Malls.

Other livelihood projects implemented this year are the animal dispersals in Nasugbu, Batangas; Hospitality training; and the 3rd PistangPinoy, which will be held on December 5. Part of the activities held in Nasugbu this year was the planting of 31,000 trees.