In strong support of the country’s recovery agenda and vaccination drive, SM malls reached an important milestone in COVID-19 “jabs” administered through its mall network nationwide.
SM Supermalls has supported the vaccination program of various local governments and recently reached over 6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered in 71 malls around the country to date. SM malls are also serving as pediatric vaccination sites in support of the national vaccination program for minors.
“We continue to show strong support to the national recovery agenda in boosting vaccination rates nationwide. Our malls are accessible and offer a safe venue to make these collective health goals a reality,” SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan said.
SM Supermalls joined the private sector and the government for its 3-day massive Bayanihan, Bakunahan drive from November 29 to December 1 in 66 malls that aims to administer 9 million jabs to Filipinos nationwide.
Moreover, 78 mall branches across the country are certified with the government’s safety seal in recognition of the management’s safe malling efforts.
Across many of its portfolio companies, SM companies facilitated vaccination of its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) partners in coordination with their respective local government units.
About 130,000 employees of SM have been vaccinated to date, comprising 96% of those eligible, groupwide, as the company continues to push for enhanced health and protection among its people.
“Vaccination efforts overall help shield our people and support the revival of the economy. With the reopening of the economy, we strive to move forward, stronger and healthier together,” SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said.
At the forefront of broad vaccination and health efforts, SM ordered over 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for its employees and in support of national needs.
BDO Unibank, Inc. was the first in the private sector to source vaccines. BDO provided vaccines through a Tripartite Agreement between the National Government, vaccine manufacturers, and the private sector led by Go Negosyo.
Prior to vaccination, the risk of getting infected by the virus was greater with closer interaction to various people in the line of work.
For Christopher Caguioa, 37, messenger at SM Investments, the risk of exposure posed a serious concern.
“Masaya ako na kasama ako sa vaccination dahil nawala ang pangamba ko (I am glad I was included in the vaccination program. This eased my worries),” Caguioa said.
For Eunice Torre, 24, company nurse at SM Investments, the company’s vaccination drive helped provide access to much-needed vaccines.
As a front liner, Torre interacts and examines patients face-to-face on a daily basis.
“I feel relieved knowing that a majority of our employee population is now fully vaccinated. I feel glad that employees made better health choices. By choosing to be vaccinated, I believe that we have overcome the first hurdle of infection by decreasing the risk of contracting severe symptoms. Through these efforts, we are grateful we are given an added layer of defense to ensure that we don’t get hospitalized or perish helplessly,” Torre said.
”SM puts its employees and its communities first so we can ensure that we take part in protecting our families and communities,” she said.