PERHAPS it is within SM's DNA that volunteerism commands a great deal of attention and deserves implementation amongs its rank-and-file.
It was, after all, SM's beloved founder, Henry Sy, Sr., who, before his passing, inculcated in the minds of the officials of the retail giant the spirit of giving back for the favors rendered by the employees on the firms they worked for and succeeded in making them successful.
Thus I came across an article in a national daily whih featured the employees of 70 branches of SM Store and SM retail headquarters who shared their unspent vacation leaves and days off in observancd of their first Give Bak celebration to be able to do their part to help various communities and organization in need of assistance.
The volunteers were able to gather books and school supplies and gave these to their traditional beneficiaries including those in Baseco compound where lived marginalized members of the society.
It is some sort of mission, this volunteerism spirit of SM employees who pledged to continue this activity year after year to complement the scholarship programs of the SM Foundation which has seen thousands of students supported through their graduation.
Perhaps it is Tatang Henry Sy, Srs legacy to see his employees come together for a noble purpose and that is to help others in need as a way of paying forward they far received.
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Meanwhile, SM Foundation continues to provide for learners in the form of school rooms conducive to their learning with complete facilities and adequate spaces for learners.
SM Foundation, together with SM Prime Holdings sustain its commitment to provide school buildings in far-away and remote communities and bring them closer to students of lesser means.
In a testament to SM Foundation's fulfilled commitments, Banisil National High School, Gen. Santos City Principal Sheila Balbon has this to say: Itong SM Foundation walang pande-pandemya sa kanila. Talagang desidido silang matugunan ang pangangailangan sa classroom ng mga estudyante.
A fitting tribute to SM Foundation's noble work, indeed!