SM Empowers Ilonggos through Education and Community Development
At the Iloilo leg of the general assembly, SM scholars from Iloilo, BAcolod and Roxas City forge strong connections with one another, fostering a lasting sense of community.
SM has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth welfare and community development through several impactful initiatives in Iloilo City and Western Visayas.
One of its flagship programs, the SM Scholarship program, plays a pivotal role in
changing the lives of deserving but underprivileged graduating high school students by providing them with the opportunity to pursue a college education. Over the years, this program has successfully produced professionals across various fields, who are now employed in top-notch companies both in the Philippines and abroad.
Additionally, SM actively participates in the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program. Through this initiative, SM extends assistance to schools to help meet their needs and enhance the development of students. Another notable initiative is the Employee Volunteerism program, where SM employees step out of their usual work routines to volunteer at schools. Their contributions include donating supplies, painting, cleaning, and setting up essential facilities such as wash areas, to name a few.
Through its charitable arm, SM Foundation, Inc., SM has donated school buildings in Iloilo City, namely, Ticud Elementary School, Nabitasan Elementary School, Montes Elementary School, N. J. Ingore Elementary School, and Bo. Obrero Elementary School. These contributions are part of SM’s broader goal of ensuring access to quality education for all students, particularly those in public schools.
Moreover, SM is dedicated to preserving cultural structures through the adaptive reuse of historical edifices, such as the Molo Mansion which has snow become a home for local businesses, art exhibits and other cultural activities.
The historic Quezon Hall building of West Visayas State University is also set for Adaptive restoration with SM Foundation. This collaborative undertaking aims to return the building to its former glory and adapt it for modern educational needs. It also hopes to benefit current and future WVSU students while also preserving an important landmark in the history of education in Western Visayas.
Beyond education, SM has also engaged in significant community development projects in partnership with the Iloilo City Government. A notable example is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the redevelopment of Iloilo’s two largest markets—the Iloilo Central Market and the Iloilo Terminal Market. The
reconstruction of these markets aims to create cleaner, more organized spaces that will benefit vendors and the community at large.
Through these initiatives, SM not only reinforces its commitment to education and youth welfare but also contributes to the overall well-being of the Ilonggos, supporting the city’s efforts to provide a better living environment for its residents.