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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider SMDC uplifts young learners in Pampanga through the 'Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys'

SMDC uplifts young learners in Pampanga through the 'Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys'

By MBrand
Published Aug 6, 2025 12:56 pm  |  Updated Aug 6, 2025 01:00 pm
SM Development Corporation (SMDC) once again proves that building communities goes beyond constructing homes—it means empowering lives through education. Under its “Live Good, Do Good” sustainability program, SMDC’s ‘Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys’ initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to the Empowering Communities pillar by helping young learners gain access to the tools they need to begin the school year with confidence.
In a recent leg of the program held at Cutcut Elementary School in Angeles, Pampanga, Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners received school bags with basic learning supplies—thoughtful support aimed at easing back-to-school preparations and encouraging a love for learning early on.
The activity was led by Grace Evangeline M. Sta. Ana, SMDC Executive Vice President and Head of Core Operations, together with employee volunteers (proudly known as The Good Guys) from SMDC Nature segment. Their hands-on involvement served as a reflection of the company’s culture of compassion and shared purpose.
SMDC Executives with representatives from DepEd, Barangay Cutcut, and Cutcut Elementary School during the “Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys” school outreach—an initiative under SMDC’s Empowering Communities pillar of its “Live Good, Do Good” sustainability program. From left to right: Pamela Ann P. De Guzman (AVP, Project Development and Management), Joseph Lawrence E. Cruz (AVP, Project Development and Management), Adonis Abril C. Camarinas (Senior Project Development and Management Manager), Princess Maniti (DepEd Representative), Grace Evangeline M. Sta. Ana (EVP, Head of Core Operations, SMDC), Vilma Liao (Principal, Cutcut Elementary School), Thelma Indiongco (Administrator, Brgy. Cutcut), Marcelino Palo (Kagawad, Brgy. Cutcut), Crisanto De Leon (President, Senior Citizens Brgy. Cutcut), and Rosita Jimenez (AVP for Marketing, SMDC).
SMDC Executives with representatives from DepEd, Barangay Cutcut, and Cutcut Elementary School during the “Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys” school outreach—an initiative under SMDC’s Empowering Communities pillar of its “Live Good, Do Good” sustainability program. From left to right: Pamela Ann P. De Guzman (AVP, Project Development and Management), Joseph Lawrence E. Cruz (AVP, Project Development and Management), Adonis Abril C. Camarinas (Senior Project Development and Management Manager), Princess Maniti (DepEd Representative), Grace Evangeline M. Sta. Ana (EVP, Head of Core Operations, SMDC), Vilma Liao (Principal, Cutcut Elementary School), Thelma Indiongco (Administrator, Brgy. Cutcut), Marcelino Palo (Kagawad, Brgy. Cutcut), Crisanto De Leon (President, Senior Citizens Brgy. Cutcut), and Rosita Jimenez (AVP for Marketing, SMDC).
Suzy, SMDC’s official mascot, brings fun and learning to Kinder and Grade 1 learners of Cutcut Elementary School during the “Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys” outreach.
Suzy, SMDC’s official mascot, brings fun and learning to Kinder and Grade 1 learners of Cutcut Elementary School during the “Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys” outreach.
SMDC Nature volunteers hand out school kits and bags to young learners, continuing the company’s efforts to support education and empower communities.
SMDC Nature volunteers hand out school kits and bags to young learners, continuing the company’s efforts to support education and empower communities.
School kits prepared by SMDC for distribution to Kinder and Grade 1 learners of Cutcut Elementary School.
School kits prepared by SMDC for distribution to Kinder and Grade 1 learners of Cutcut Elementary School.
These volunteers are part of the Good Guys Volunteer Movement—SMDC’s community engagement initiative that empowers residents and employees to give back through acts of service and compassion. Whether through donation drives, clean-ups, or outreach activities like this one, the movement reinforces SMDC’s belief that building communities goes hand in hand with caring for people.
“At SMDC, we believe that a good home extends beyond four walls—it’s about building lives and shaping futures,” Sta. Ana shared. “Through our ‘Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys’ initiative under the Empowering Communities pillar of SMDC’s ‘Live Good, Do Good’ program, we are proud to support the dreams of young learners and help create communities where education and opportunity go hand in hand.”
The event was held in partnership with the local government of Barangay Cutcut, represented by Barangay Administrator Thelma Indiongco. Adding joy to the day, SMDC’s official mascot Suzy, brought smiles and laughter through fun games and meaningful interaction with the young learners.
“Balik-Eskwela with the Good Guys” is part of SMDC’s broader commitment to its “Live Good, Do Good” sustainability program, specifically under the Empowering Communities pillar. By encouraging volunteerism and simple acts of kindness, the initiative seeks to uplift young learners and remind them that they are supported every step of the way.
For more stories of empowerment through SMDC’s community programs, visit www.smdc.com or follow SMDC on Facebook and Instagram @TheOfficialSMDC.
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