The SM Store reaches out to typhoon victims in Isabela

As part of the SM Group’s continuing efforts to help the victims of the typhoons that ravaged different parts of the country, The SM Store mobilized relief operations in Isabela, one of the hardest-hit provinces by the typhoons.

The relief operations in Isabela, in conjunction with the SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express, were carried out by The SM Store Cauayan and its employee volunteers. They packed relief items including brand new slippers, shoes, clothes, face masks, face shields and grocery items. They distributed them to more than 5,000 families in different barangays in Cauayan, Alicia, Benito Soliven, Reina Mercedes, Ramon and Luna in Isabela.

An employee volunteer helps in the repacking of the relief items

“The SM Store is committed to helping our kababayans who were affected by the typhoons. Through these relief efforts, we hope to stand by them especially during this most challenging time,” said Joseph Rosal, Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations of The SM Store.

The donations of new clothes and footwear brought relief and joy to the typhoon victims, most of whom evacuated with just the clothes on their backs and lost many of their properties to the floods.

Employee volunteers step up to help

The SM Store employees readily stepped up and volunteered to help the victims of the typhoons.

Even if some of them also experienced flooding in their areas, The SM Store Cauayan employees readily volunteered in the relief efforts.

“May mga kasamahan din kaming binaha. Gayunpaman, nagpapasalamat tayo kasi may pagkakataon tayong makatulong at mag-share ng blessings natin. Nakakagaan ng puso na kahit na may mga pagsubok, makikita mo na may mga napapasaya kang kapwa sa tulong mo,” said Peachy Maramba, Branch Manager of The SM Store Cauayan.

“During the typhoon, nakakakaba talaga kasi hindi namin alam ang mangyayari sa pamilya namin. Pero nu’ng nagkaroon ng call for volunteers, hindi na ako nag-alinlangan pa, kasi alam ko na may matutulungan kami at ang SM,” said Hubert Prudencio Jr., a stockman at The SM Store Cauayan.

Despite the fatigue, employee volunteers from The SM Store Cauayan derive fulfillment from the chance to help their kababayans.

“I really want to help even in my own little way. Nakakapagod, pero hindi mo na ‘yun maiisip kapag nakikita mong may mga natutulungan ka,” said Kathleen Martinez, Regional Support personnel.

The SM Store, The SM Foundation and the rest of the SM Group continue to assist the victims of the typhoons that recently hit the country. Operation Tulong Express has been distributing Kalinga Packs to communities in the Bicol Region, Bulacan, Marikina, Rizal, Cagayan, Isabela, and other hard-hit areas. SM Supermalls also opened its doors to stranded customers during the onslaught of the typhoons.