The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) inked a memorandum of agreement with SM Supermalls to provide the former’s clients with more accessible and efficient social welfare programs and services on May 26, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and SM Supermalls President Steven Tan signed the agreement, sealing a partnership that would benefit many families and individuals needing the Department’s assistance.

Through this partnership, the DSWD will open local offices in SM Mall’s Government Service Express Centers and other government agency satellite offices in 21 SM branches across 15 regions nationwide. SM Supermall has also allowed the Department to utilize its event places and spaces for social welfare programs and services.

The agreement also covers the provision of a venue for the operations of DSWD, especially the prepositioning of food packs and non-food materials intended for disaster response. On top of this, SM has also authorized the Department to use some of its mall facilities suitable for its social marketing initiatives. In this manner, DSWD is provided with more channels to strengthen its information dissemination.

This partnership between DSWD and SM Supermalls is valid until July 2026. With the help of this agreement, the Department will be able to bring closer its programs and services to its clientele. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)