SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines (HMBAP), officially inaugurated the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative on 19 February 2025 at SM City San Lazaro, featuring special messages from key representatives of SM Cares, DOH, and HMBAP.
Breastfeeding plays a critical role in maternal and child health, yet many mothers struggle to provide enough milk due to medical or circumstantial limitations. The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative aims to bridge this gap by ensuring access to safe, nutritious donor human milk, particularly during emergencies and disasters.
The donated milk will be processed and distributed through accredited Human Milk Banks, reaching infants who need it most.
“The Human Milk Depot initiative is a vital step towards achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 2 and 3 — eliminating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting health and wellness. Our goal is to make breastfeeding more accessible, not only for current breastfeeding mothers but also for those considering breastfeeding. By establishing a milk depot inside our malls, we are taking a significant step toward this objective," said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women & Breastfeeding Mothers.
"This milestone initiative reflects SM’s continuing commitment to fostering safe spaces and advocating for maternal and child health, and we will ensure that it expands across the nation, serving mothers and children all around the country," Turley added.
Aligned with the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative reinforces SM Supermalls’ mission of being "A Mall for All."
Through partnerships with health institutions, the program promotes breastfeeding awareness and supports mothers by offering facilities and services tailored to their needs.
During the launch event, Usec. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral of the Public Health Services Cluster and Dr. Estrella Jusi, President of the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines, commended SM Cares for its leadership in maternal and infant health advocacy.
“This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together to support maternal and infant health,” said Usec. Maestral.
A health professional at the event explained the safe collection and storage process of human milk, ensuring its quality and safety for medically vulnerable infants.
The initiative will initially roll out in two pilot locations, with plans for expansion to more SM malls based on its success.
Beyond establishing human milk depots, SM Cares will intensify community engagement, raising awareness about breast milk donation and fostering a culture of care and advocacy.
The launch of the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative marks another significant milestone in SM Cares’ Women and Breastfeeding Advocacy program.
The initiative is expected to increase breast milk donation, improve infant health outcomes, and promote breastfeeding-friendly communities across the Philippines.
"We envision a future where every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive, and every mother feels supported and empowered in her breastfeeding journey," Turley added.
A sample of donated human milk collected at the SM Human Milk Depot is carefully stored, ensuring it remains safe and ready to nourish premature and medically vulnerable infants.
Breastfeeding mothers who donate receive a certificate of donation, honoring their vital contribution of liquid gold.
For more information about the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative and how to contribute, visit SM City San Lazaro and SM City Manila, or follow SM Cares’ social media channels for updates on the program’s availability in other locations.