A Partner that Cares

SM Cares received a Special Recognition at the recently concluded ASEAN Corporate Sustainability Summit and Awards 2015 last March 27 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Makati. The award was received by Ms. Liza Silerio and Mr. Chito Bauzon. This singular acclaim was in recognition of its many efforts for the community, most especially for persons with disabilities.

SM Prime, through its SM Cares, has shown continuous support and commitment to building a Filipino society welcoming to persons with autism and other disabilities. Since 2009, SM Mall of Asia and Arena hosted Angels Walk for Autism every January. This year, the Angels Walk in SM Arena gathered a record-breaking 12,000 autism advocates – the biggest event among all local PWD events. SM Supermalls comprehensive frontliner education (begun in 2004), which consists of training modules on handling customers with special needs, is best-in-class and is apparent in the way children and adults with autism are treated in SM Supermalls nationwide -- by mall management down to the cleaning staff. To date, ASP and other disability groups have reached more than 25,000 of SM front liners through this program.

SM Cares has been a valuable partner to the Autism Society Philippines in making available "Sensory-Friendly Movies: Sounds Down, Lights Up" to autism communities all over the country, through our National organization and our 72 provincial chapters. Since 2009, SM Cinemas have made possible the dream of many to enjoy a wholesome movie on a Sunday morning by offering children with autism and their families a safe, accessible and compassionate environment. This offering of sensory-friendly movies reflects a continuous aspiration to be attuned to unmet customer needs. SM Cinemas all over the country have become a training ground of sorts for children with autism to interact with and get exposed to the sights and sounds of a bustling society.

SM Supermalls nationwide have also become the home of "Colors of A Spectrum", ASP’s photography workshop and exhibit showcasing the works of youth with autism mentored by photography experts. The latest of this partnership between SM Supermalls and ASP chapters was held in Baguio City for the 7th consecutive year last 22 February 2015. SM Supermalls also accommodates other events organized by ASP chapters in various parts of the county, like the celebration of the World Autism Awareness Day every April 2. Historically, the first WAAD celebration in the Philippines was held in SM North EDSA in 2008.

With how SM Cares’ programs have profoundly affected the lives of many Filipinos with disabilities, our autism community feels the “heart” behind these high-impact initiatives is one worth emulating by business enterprises all over the world.

Congratulations SM Cares! Salamat po at nandiyan kayo!

Posted in: autism-friendly spaces,sm