The Operation Tulong Express program of SM Foundation, recently provided assistance to 81 families in Sagay City, identified by Department of Social Welfare and Development.

In cooperation with Sagay City government, SM Foundation, SM City Bacolod and SM Supermarket distributed food and clothing to the flood victims whose homes were destroyed by floods on December 27, a press release from SM said.

Barangay Captain Merle Dimavibas gathered 28 beneficiaries from Barangay Fabrica at the Barangay Hall where the goods were distributed by SM assistant mall manager Julia Javellana, public relations officer Lorena Martinez, Marketing Officer Nep Grandea and operations assistant Billy Martinez.

Fifty-three beneficiaries in Barangay Paraiso also benefited from the relief distribution led by Paraiso Barangay Captain Eufemio Doronila.

Sagay City DSWD Social Welfare Officer II Janice Cajulao, said Sagay was one of the worst-hit areas in Negros Occidental with more than 1,000 families from six barangays affected when the Himogaan River overflowed.

DSWD Social Welfare Officer Concepcion Javellana, Cajulao thanked SM Foundation for the assistance it extended to the Sagaynons in behalf of Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva.

SM Foundation also turned over additional relief goods to the Sagay DSWD that may be given to other affected residents, the press release said. SM Foundation’s Operations Tulong Express is an SM group-wide effort that responds to calamity, the press release added.*