ByJASMINE TUAÑO

The SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group of Companies, was honored as one of Manila Bulletin’s 2025 Newsmakers of the Year on Monday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the Manila Hotel Tent City. This prestigious recognition underscores the foundation’s commitment to uplifting communities through education, healthcare, livelihood programs, and disaster response initiatives.

Established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, the SM Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission of “People Helping People.” It operates with a core focus on social inclusion, nurturing and supporting underserved communities across the Philippines. Through its education, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and disaster relief programs, the foundation continues to make a lasting impact on countless lives.

During the awards night, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award, saying, “I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Manila Bulletin and our heartfelt gratitude for this recognition. This award affirms the power of development, communication, in driving meaningful change.”

In 2024 alone, the foundation empowered over 200 scholars through its scholarship programs. They have celebrated more than 4,600 college scholar graduates and more than 5,000 tech-voc scholar graduates. Last year, they expanded their school-building projects in partnership with SM Prime, having constructed over 110 school buildings nationwide to foster quality education for future generations.

SM Foundation provided healthcare services to over 1,300,000 patients through medical missions, rehabilitated over 210 health and wellness centers, and served more than 7,200,000 patients through its network of health centers. 

They have proudly trained and graduated over 32,300 farmers through its agricultural programs and provided resources and guidance to help farmers build resilient and profitable livelihoods. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture helps farmers improve crop quality and yield while equipping them with essential entrepreneurial skills. 

Through its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, they have conducted more than 820 OPTE operations, ensuring rapid response to affected communities and distributed over 980,000 Kalinga Packs containing essential goods and medicines to disaster-stricken families.

Beyond Manila Bulletin’s Newsmakers of the Year award, SM Foundation has also been recognized on the international stage. In 2024, it was named Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Company of the Year at the 15th Asia CEO Awards, won a Gold Stevie Award for Innovation in CSR Videos, and a Bronze Stevie Award for Community Relations/Public Service Communications at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

SM Foundation’s continued success is driven by its vision of a Philippines where everyone has the opportunity for self-improvement, and the environment is sustained for future generations. By giving a voice to underrepresented sectors and creating innovative yet sustainable avenues for growth, the foundation remains a beacon of hope for many.

“Our goal has always been to amplify voices that deserve to be heard. Thank you to Manila Bulletin for being a partner in sharing these stories of hope and impact. And to our team, stakeholders, and communities, we share the honor with you. Maraming salamat po!” Atayde emphasized.

Because of its remarkable contributions to education, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and disaster relief, SM Foundation is a well-deserved recipient of Manila Bulletin’s 2025 Newsmakers of the Year award. This recognition highlights the shared commitment of both institutions to social good, amplifying stories of resilience, progress, and positive change. SM Foundation continues to uplift communities and Manila Bulletin remains steadfast in its mission to spotlight initiatives that inspire and drive meaningful impact across the nation.