Nearly 100,000 notebooks turned over to 14,000 underprivileged students

Recognizing the need of many Filipino children for adequate school resources, SM Store recently launched a program called Shop & Share to Bridge Access to Education, which aims to help many underprivileged students in their learning journey.

For the entire month of August, several SM Stores across the country participated in the initiative, where loyal customers could help students in need by donating a school kit. Originally retailing for P149 per bundle, the school kits were made available for customer purchase and donation at a reasonable amount of P99.

On 1 September 2023, SM Store started to turn over more than 13,000 notebooks to thousands of underprivileged pupils in different parts of the Philippines.

In partnership with SM Foundation, SM Stationery and some local government units, 20 public schools received school kits through the program, namely: Capatan Elementary School in Tuguegarao City; Balanga Elementary School in Balanga, Bataan; Federated PTA Division in San Fernando, Pampanga; Osorio Elementary School in Trece Martires, Cavite; Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas; Pateros Elementary School in Metro, Manila; Sampaloc Site II Elementary School in Parañaque City; Tungkong Mangga Elementary School in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan; Universidad de Manila Annex in Manila; Efraim Santibanez National High School in Passi, Iloilo; Jugan Elementary School in Consolacion, Cebu; Mabolo Elementary School in Cebu; Barrio Luz Elementary School in Cebu; Carreta Elementary School in Cebu; F. Ubay Elementary School in Puerto Princesa; Nessia Elementary School in Bacolod; Macasandig Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro; Banisil National High School in General Santos City; and Zamboanga Central School SPED in Zamboanga City and the City Government of Basilan.

In accepting the notebook bundles donated by SM Store, Dr. Ramonit Belascuain, principal of Efraim M. Santibañez National High School in Passi, Iloilo, said: "These are not just ordinary school supplies; they serve as inspiration for children who are studying and valuing education."

Peter Galimba, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent at DepEd-Bacolod City Division, echoed that sentiment, saying: "These notebooks are the keystones to their academic success, providing a solid foundation for their educational pursuits."

SM Store considers education one of the foundations of a progressive society. This initiative holds a huge importance in the company's advocacy not only to give back to the community but to uplift the lives of every individual, especially children.

The collective efforts of SM's loyal patrons, partners and stakeholders show that great things are done through a series of small things. The partners' commitment to help led to almost 100,000 notebooks being given to 14,000 students, providing them support, encouragement, a chance to learn and an opportunity to dream beyond limits.

The undying compassion and generosity of SM Store's customers continue to inspire more programs that exhibit collaboration and involvement within the community, aiming to benefit those who are most in need.