A TOTAL of 1,450 families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Bulacan benefited from a relief operation initiated by SM Super Malls and SM Foundation Inc. under its "Operation Tulong Express."
Bulacan had been identified as one of the flood-affected provinces in Luzon during Kristine's onslaught.
Rounds of relief operations were conducted by SM City Marilao in at least four barangay (villages) in the town, including Ibayo, Nagbalon, Poblacion 1, and Poblacion 2, where a total of 1,000 beneficiaries were given aid during on Oct. 28 and 29.
In Baliwag City, two barangay received relief packs on Oct. 29.
With the combined efforts of volunteers from SM City Baliwag and the help of the rescue team from each barangay, a total of 300 families were given aid in Concepcion and Tibag.
SM Center Pulilan, on the other hand, distributed relief packs in Barangay Poblacion on Oct. 31 to at least 150 families.
OPTE, a social initiative of the SM Foundation in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, is designed to quickly deliver essential supplies to communities affected by calamities and crises.
With a focus on vulnerable populations, the program ensures critical aid reaches those who need it most.
SM is dedicated to expanding its relief efforts to reach more communities in need as the situation evolves.