SM Foundation and Jaro Archdioscese sign MOA to "Build a Community and Develop its People" in Concepcion, Iloilo

Building Communities and Developing People was the central theme during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between SM Foundation Inc and the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC) Inc. held last July 13, 2015. Part of SM Cares Housing Project for the victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013, SM aims to build 1000 homes for the victims in the Visayas specifically in Tacloban, Cebu, Ormoc and Iloilo.

Very Rev. Msgr Meliton Oso and Ms Marisa Fernan "seal the deal" with a symbolic handshake

SM Foundation Inc. represented by Maria Eloisa Fernan, Vice President of SM Prime Holdings while Very Rev. Monsignor Meliton Oso, Chairman of JASAC Inc., represented the Archdiocese of Jaro. Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias came in behalf of the Iloilo Provincial Government while Mayor Milliard Villanueva of Concepcion and Brgy. Captain Nonny Villarias of Bacjawan Sur represented the recipient town and baranggay respectively. Helen Roa of Caritas Internationales and Ms Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, donor of the lot in Concepcion, completed the VIP guest list of the signing agreement.

Dr. Raul Banias and Msgr Oso

In an interview that followed, Msgr. Oso detailed that the "soft components" his organization will provide includes; the identification and selection of beneficiaries, help them adapt to new living conditions and learn to live as one community. 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.

Ruth Tirol Jarantilla and Mayor Villanueva of Concepcion

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.

Actual lay out of SM Cares Village in Concepcion
Photo by Dr. Raul Banias

According to Ms. Marisa Fernan, the SM Cares Village in Brgy. Bacjawan Sur in Concepcion, Iloilo will have 200 units and each with an approximate cost of PhP250,000. The house measures 23sqm. with an option to build a mezzanine or second floor. 

From SM Cares website 

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, street lights, a community center and basketball court. Community and livelihood development programs will be conducted to make the project sustainable for the residents.

SM Cares Village in Bogo, Cebu which was turned over last Nov. 2014.

The SM Cares Village in Iloilo is scheduled to be turned over to the beneficiaries in August.

Dr. Raul Banias, Ms Helen Roa, Msgr. Melition Oso, Ms Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, Ms. Marisa Fernan,
Mayor Milliard Villanueva and Brgy Captain Nonny Villarias