Maternal Health Initiative Gains Momentum
The distribution activity was held at the SM North EDSA SkyDome, drawing hundreds of mothers from various barangays in Quezon City. City Health Department officials, led by City Health Director Dr. Maria Elena Santos, were present to oversee the distribution and provide basic health screenings to beneficiaries. The initiative forms part of Quezon City's broader maternal and infant health program, which has been a priority under the current administration. Mayor Mayor Joy Belmonte has consistently emphasized the importance of supporting mothers, particularly those from low-income families who often struggle to afford proper nutrition during and after pregnancy. This milk donation drive is one of several programs the city has rolled out this March to honor the contributions of Filipino women.SM Foundation Commits to Community Welfare
SM Foundation Executive Director Connie Angeles expressed the conglomerate's continued commitment to community service, stating that the partnership with Quezon City reflects SM's long-standing advocacy of uplifting Filipino families. SM has been actively involved in various health and nutrition programs nationwide, with the milk donation drive being an annual feature of its outreach activities. The company has previously conducted similar programs in other cities and provinces, particularly during National Women's Month in March. Angeles highlighted that proper nutrition for mothers directly impacts child development, making such programs essential for building healthier communities. The SM Group has allocated a significant budget for this year's Women's Month activities, covering not just milk products but also hygiene kits and livelihood training for women entrepreneurs.Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Mothers who lined up at the SkyDome expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that milk prices in the market have become increasingly unaffordable for minimum wage earners. Maria Teresa Reyes, a 32-year-old mother of three from Brgy. Phil-Am, Quezon City, said the donation would help supplement her children's daily nutrition. The Quezon City government encouraged all qualified beneficiaries to register with their respective barangay health centers to ensure access to future programs. City officials announced that additional distribution activities would be conducted in other SM malls within Quezon City, including SM Fairview and SM Marikina, over the coming weeks.- Over 5,000 milk products distributed at SM North EDSA SkyDome
- Beneficiaries include mothers and pregnant women from various Quezon City barangays
- Basic health screenings provided by City Health Department
- Additional distribution activities planned for SM Fairview and SM Marikina
