Over 40,000 Join SM Cares in Championing Inclusion

GMA Network

21 hours ago

In celebration of National Disability Rights Week 2025, SM Cares—the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls—reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to inclusivity through a series of meaningful events and initiatives designed to uplift, empower, and celebrate Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Held across multiple SM malls nationwide, this year's celebration served as a powerful reminder of the right of every person to live with dignity, opportunity, and equal access to spaces and services. From signature gatherings that brought together thousands, to advocacy-driven programs centered on resilience and education, SM Cares continues to champion a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.
Over 40,000 attendees filled the SM MOA Arena for the ASP Angels Walk 2025, uniting in a powerful march for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Flagship events that touched lives
One of the biggest highlights of this year's celebration was the Angels Walk for Autism, held in partnership with the Autism Society Philippines (ASP). Drawing over 40,000 participants at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the event was a powerful show of unity, awareness, and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum.
SM Cares also proudly hosted the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome, a nationwide celebration in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI). The event honored the unique talents and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome, reinforcing the importance of inclusion and visibility.
A sea of smiles and steps: Participants celebrate inclusion and joy at the Happy Walk 2025.
Voices heard, stories shared: SM Cares and DSAPI inspire hope and dialogue during Happy Talk at SM Southmall.
Meanwhile, the Emergency Preparedness Forum, another hallmark initiative by SM Cares, continued its mission to equip senior citizens and persons with disabilities with life-saving knowledge. Through disaster-readiness training, participants gained practical tools to enhance personal resilience in times of crisis.
In addition, SM Cares conducted Sensitivity Training for mall frontliners and staff, further ensuring that every customer—regardless of ability—is met with empathy, respect, and the highest standards of care.
Inclusion in action: Community members with disabilities take part in hands-on emergency response training.
Empowerment for All: Persons with disabilities actively join SM Cares' Emergency Preparedness Forum for a safer future.
Spaces built for everyone
Beyond events, SM Supermalls also ensures its malls are physically accessible. Facilities such as Braille signage at elevators, accessible parking, wheelchair lifts, dedicated restrooms for persons with disabilities, and trained mall personnel are just a few of the permanent features that reflect its continued investment in barrier-free environments.
Looking ahead
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility, SM Cares is set to host two meaningful events for persons with disabilities this August 2025: Movies for the Blind at SM Megamall on August 2, and The Blackout Zone, an immersive awareness activity, at SM North EDSA from August 25 to 29. Both aim to foster empathy and provide meaningful, accessible experiences for all participants.
Families join the Lights Up, Sounds Down, a sensory-friendly movie event featuring the movie 'Firefly', promoting inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Accessible entertainment at its best: Blind and low-vision guests enjoy inclusive cinema at SM City Davao.
A call to community
'At SM Cares, we believe that creating a truly inclusive world begins with listening, learning, and walking alongside the people we serve,' said Steven T. Tan, SM Supermalls President. 'National Disability Rights Week is more than a commemoration—it's a call to action to build a kinder, more accessible future.'
As SM Cares continues to champion inclusivity by empowering persons with disabilities, the public is invited to take part in its annual advocacy programs that promote awareness, understanding, and support for the community.
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.
The article above is a sponsored press release from SM Prime Holdings.