A shot is administered to a mall goer during the recent vaccination drive. —SM Group
Property giant SM Prime Holdings has administered six million COVID-19 vaccination doses through 71 of its shopping malls to date, helping the country fortify its firewall against the virus that has wreaked havoc on the global community for nearly two years.
This vaccination milestone accounts for about 6.4 percent of the 94.2 million total doses rolled out through local government units (LGUs) as of Dec. 8. “We continue to show strong support to the national recovery agenda in boosting vaccination rates nationwide. Our malls are accessible and offer a safe venue to make these collective health goals a reality,” SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said in a press statement on Friday.
These efforts are seen to support the country’s recovery agenda and vaccination drive. SM malls also serve as pediatric vaccination sites for minors. SM Supermalls joined the private sector and the government for its three-day massive “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” drive from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 in 66 malls with the goal of administering nine million jabs to Filipinos nationwide.
Moreover, 78 of its mall branches across the country have been certified with the government’s “safety seal” in recognition of the management’s safe malling efforts.
Across many of its portfolio companies, parent conglomerate SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) said it had also facilitated vaccination of its micro, small and medium enterprises partners in coordination with their respective LGUs.
About 130,000 employees of SM have been vaccinated to date, comprising 96 percent of those eligible groupwide. The company said it continued to push for enhanced health and protection among its people.
“Vaccination efforts overall help shield our people and support the revival of the economy. With the reopening of the economy, we strive to move forward, stronger and healthier together,” SMIC president and CEO Frederic DyBuncio said.