As part of SM’s commitment to bring joy to communities where it is present, Stationery at The SM Store marked the New Year with a donation of supplies to students of the Basud Elementary School in Sorsogon City.
Located in the southernmost province in mainland Luzon with vast fields of coconut trees and a view of mountains and rivers, the Basud Elementary School is the recipient of the 102nd school building from the SM Foundation and SM Prime. On January 7, employee volunteers from SM visited the campus and donated backpacks, writing pads, rulers, pencils, ballpens, notebooks and crayons. They also helped teachers set up a mini library.
The donations came at a time when teachers, students and their parents are adjusting in the new normal way of studying at home with no physical interactions and with the use of modules as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges.
“Ngayong may pandemic, kinailangan talaga naming mag-adjust. Malungkot ang mga bata at ang mga guro kasi hindi sila nagkikita. Medyo kinulang din kami sa mga kagamitan nu’ng umpisa ng school year,” said Joji Buelvo, principal of Basud Elementary School.
The new school building and the school supplies brought joy and inspiration to the people in the community. Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic and the recent typhoons that impacted the Bicol region, the students of Basud Elementary school can continue to study, learn and dream.
“Ang laki ng pasasalamat namin sa SM. Ang mga gamit na binigay nila ay magbibigay ng inspirasyon at pag-asa sa mga estudyante namin na sa kabila ng pandemic ay may mga tao pa ring handang tumulong para sa mga pangangailangan ng mga bata. Sa pamamagitan ng mga school supplies na ito ay mas magpupursige pa ang mga bata na matuto at ang mga magulang nila na turuan sila,” Buelvo added.
“Ang mga school supplies na ito ay makakatulong sa mga estudyante para maipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral habang sila ay nasa bahay at upang ma-engganyo sila na maipakita ang kanilang husay,” said Marjorie Nueroz, store supervisor at the SM Stationery in SM Legazpi.
“Masaya kami makatanggap ng mga bagong school supplies. Malaking tulong ito para sa mga anak ko lalo na kapag nirereview na nila ang kanilang lessons,” shared Annaliza Fortaleza, a mother of two students at Basud Elementary School.
Aside from donating school supplies and a new school building, SM also facilitated a mental health seminar for parents and teachers to better address mental health issues of children especially amid the pandemic.
The donations complement SM’s response to the needs of communities reeling from the impact of COVID-19 and recent natural calamities through medical supplies, relief items and other essential materials and demonstrate SM’s commitment to education.
SM Stationery is located in The SM Store branches nationwide. With a wide array of school and office supplies, it endeavors to inspire people to dream, create, and live their best life. Its products are also available through its Call to Deliver service through Viber and on Facebook and Instagram @smstationeryph and on its website smstationery.com.ph.