With the devastation brought by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Super Typhoon Carina, Bulacan has been identified as one of the hardest-hit provinces in Central Luzon, following the severe flooding and damages to its infrastructure, agriculture, and livestock. At present, the province is placed under a state of calamity as recommended by the local authorities.

In response, SM Supermalls and SM Foundation Inc., through the Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, initiated a series of relief operations to provide urgent aid to the communities affected by the typhoon in the province.

Rounds of relief operations were conducted by SM City Marilao in afflicted barangays in Bulacan. In Marilao, at least 8 barangays were given “kalinga packs,” including Lambakin, where a great number of displaced families were reported as flood water reached the roofs of most houses. Additionally, relief packs were distributed in flooded areas and evacuation centers in Obando. A total of 2,400 beneficiaries were given help during the respective relief distributions.

In the city of Baliwag, five barangays received truckloads of relief packs. With the combined efforts of volunteers from SM City Baliwag and the help of the rescue team from each barangay, a total of 1,000 families were given aid in areas like Tiaong, San Jose, Sta. Barbara, Poblacion, and Tibag.

SM Center Pulilan, on the other hand, carried out the distribution of relief packs in Barangay Tinejero and Poblacion, benefiting at least 300 families in the town.

OPTE, a social good initiative of the SM Foundation in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, is designed to quickly deliver essential supplies to communities affected by calamities and crises. With a focus on vulnerable populations, the program ensures critical aid reaches those who need it most.

SM is dedicated to expanding its relief efforts to reach more communities in need as the situation evolves.