IN the wake of the devastation brought about by the recent 7.2-magnitude earthquake and Yolanda, the SM Group announced its plan to allocate P100 million as a calamity fund for areas devastated by the earthquake and the typhoon, particularly in, Tacloban, Ormoc, Samar, Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz and Bicol.

The fund will focus on five different types of assistance: rebuilding homes, community centers, schools, and churches, and providing immediate relief through food and supplies. 

SM Foundation is taking the lead in the relief effort with the nationwide reach of SM Cares of the mall group, SM Savemore and BDO Foundation. Each group has a different expertise in the community support program, and will be working with community groups to expand the efforts and widen the reach of the relief operation.

In addition to these efforts, “Operation Tulong Express” will be open for the donation of relief goods in SM malls, and an account in both BDO and Chinabank will be open to accept cash donations.

With the P100 million calamity fund, SM seeks to extend an extra hand to these affected communities.