SM City Baguio has paid tribute to its partners in the city for their support in the realization of its projects and endeavors as part of its mission to provide and serve the Baguio community.
Marc Janssen Pe, SM assistant vice president for North Luzon 1 operations, said they are grateful for being part of the city and the Cordillera and they always put the best foot forward in supporting the people they serve.
Among these programs are the mall-initiated efforts to boost homegrown entrepreneurs and support local artists and craftsmen through programs promoting and preserving the Cordilleran culture and heritage and efforts that contribute to the local employment through job opportunities.
The mall has also assisted through the years teachers and students through the Brigada Eskwela, helped some schools with the building of additional classrooms, and continues to partner with the local health department in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
It has also initiated programs promoting environmental awareness and the need for sustainable development.
With the help of Baguio and Benguet communities, the mall started massive tree planting in 2012 in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Just last year, more than 500,000 pine tree saplings in Baguio and Benguet were planted through the collaboration, a feat that was thought to be impossible to achieve but was completed with the help of local partners, Pe said.
Mall Manager Rona Vida Correa said SM pledges its commitment to continue creating programs that care for the environment and promote sustainable development, prioritize health and safety of the community, and to remain a home for Baguio’s arts and culture.
They will also grow with the community for the local entrepreneurs, especially farmers from neighboring provinces, and continue supporting children through online and face-to-face schooling.
Recognized during a thanksgiving on Dec. 18 were the City Health Services Office, Philippine Military Academy, Philippine Information Office, City Public Information office, and media organizations Baguio Midland Courier, Rappler, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Luzon Journal, Baguio Herald Express, Bombo Radyo Baguio, Filipino News Sentinel, Regional News Group-Luzon, Net25, and DZBS-RPN Baguio. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
