SM Cares Village rises in Concepcion, Iloilo

SM Foundation, the retail giant's corporate social responsibility arm, turned over a 200-unit housing project, for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda, situated in Barangay Bacjawan Sur, Concepcion, Iloilo. 

Known as the SM Cares Village - Concepcion, the turn-over rites was led Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. and Mayor  Millard Villanueva together with SM Foundation Executive Director Carmen Linda Atayde; SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Vice President Ma. Eloisa Fernan and  SM Supermalls President Ana Maria Garcia.

Also present was the family of Roberto and Gloria Tirol, represented by Jose Robert Tirol who donated the 1-hectare lot; Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC) director Rev. Msgr. Meliton Oso, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Bacjawan Sur Brgy. Capt. Nonilo Villarias.

Part of a bigger SM Cares Housing Project for the victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda, SM aims to build a total of 1000 homes for the victims in the Visayas specifically in Tacloban, Ormoc, Cebu (tunred over last year) and Iloilo. Severely-hit Tacloban City will have 400-units while the remaining three places will have 200 each.

According to Ms. Annie Garcia, each of the units cost approximately cost of PhP200,000. The house measures 23 sqm. and built with concrete roofing, high ceiling, proper ventilation and utility-ready provision plus an option to build a mezzanine floor. 

From its website, it is also described as "Designed above building code and mandated standards, each house has precast walls and roofs which can withstand winds of a Category 5 typhoon.  The roofs use heat-resistant paint to lower interior temperatures and increase energy efficiency. The windows and doors have aluminum frames and PVC for high resistance to corrosion, chipping, discoloration and other severe conditions."

The village will have utilities - a 5-meter wide road network with streetlights, a concrete perimeter fence, a community center and a basketball court. The Iloilo Provincial Government built the village's water system worth PhP1.5 million and Gov. Defensor announced that the road linking the village to the main highway will be paved with concrete.

Community and livelihood development programs will be conducted to make the project sustainable for the residents. Last July, SM Foundation and Jaro Archdioscese signed a memorandum of agreement for the latter "Build a Community and Develop its People" in the SM Cares Village-Concepcion. 

The 3-year MOA between the SM  and the Jaro Archdiocese will not only be limited to providing shelter for the victims but also provide a means of livelihood (where in their produce will be sold in SM Malls through special bazaars) through the skills enhancement and development.

They will also be briefed and trained in the importance of W.A.S.H. - water, sanitation and hygiene, as most of the beneficiaries will using a modern toilet and bath for the first time. Villagers will also be informed of the disaster risks and corresponding management and response when it strikes. An ecological preservation component is also part of the wholistic approach for the development of the community.

The SM Cares Housing Project is over and above the SM Group’s P100 million commitment for various assistance to communities affected by typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. The SM Group’s efforts include immediate relief operations, building of housing communities, rehabilitation of schools,  churches,  hospitals and community centers, and providing medical missions.

SM Cares serves as the holistic and cohesive flagship of the group’s CSR programs. The goal is to ensure that SM serves not only as the retail industry leader, but also acts as a catalyst towards positive change in the nation and leading by example when it comes to corporate social responsibility.