The recent global health crisis impacted the lives of many but it has sparked solidarity, unity, and cooperation among Filipinos. During this trying time, we saw a full display of the spirit of bayanihan and the value of malasakit, as people stepped up to extend a helping hand to those who are in need.
SM Development Corporation (SMDC) initiated various programs to provide assistance to its residents and neighboring communities amidst the difficult situation. The company’s community efforts have become an avenue for its residents and employees to volunteer and be of service to others.
Loida Geniblazo-Secillano, a resident of SMDC’s Trees Residences, realized that she had a lot of time on her hands when COVID-19 struck. Since their construction company had to pause operations, she wanted to do something to keep herself busy, and her mind off the anxiety that the situation brought.
“It was in 2020, the onset of the pandemic when one of our neighbors here at Trees Residences invited us to join a bazaar,” said Loida, a food technologist by profession and now a volunteer and the head coordinator of the resident entrepreneurs at SMDC’s Trees Residences.
Loida joined SMDC’s The Good Guys Weekend Market, which she describes as a life-changing experience as she found new friends, as well as new opportunities to earn and help people during the lockdown.
“We noticed that many of our residents here in Trees were senior citizens. They’re the ones vulnerable to COVID-19 so they had very limited movement, even within our community,” she narrated. “We assisted them with everything they needed. We went out of our way for them and helped them purchase their medicines and provided them with services that were not available here at the bazaar,” she added.
Loida says that she is thankful and inspired to belong to a community of good people, who truly care and have a genuine concern for others. She believes that the strong sense of community and family at SMDC’s Trees Residences made it possible for them to get through the most difficult moments of the health crisis.
“What we were able to build here is not just a customer-seller relationship, but a bigger, deeper one. We are now neighbors-turned-families, and that’s what I love most about being a volunteer and a resident of my SMDC community.”
Being at the forefront of community building, SMDC has created programs that inspired the Good Guys in every community. SMDC employees and residents have been helping out in various ways during the pandemic, keeping the spirit of Bayanihan alive in every development.
“I look at SMDC not only as a property, but it’s also a community for everyone. SMDC is a complete package—from the amenities and facilities fit for everyone to the programs for the whole family not only for the children but for others especially the seniors and the PWDs” Loida shared.
Committed to create happy, healthy, safe, and thriving communities, SMDC has been leading community development efforts to empower its residents and those who live around its properties. SMDC has been successful in building a community of good people who are willing to respond to the needs of others.
“It feels so good to be part of SMDC’s The Good Guys Volunteers program. It brings a different kind of purpose and fulfillment to be able to help others in your own simple way, ” Loida closed.
To know more about SMDC and its various community initiatives, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, or visit the official SMDC website.
