Real estate developer holds vax program

SMDC Residents undergo the necessary health screening with the PRC before the vaccine is administered. Photo source: SMDC

The race to improve the current health situation in the country through vaccination continues and one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing real estate developers joins the fight by helping protect its residents and employees. 

Partnering with local government units and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), SM Development Corporation (SMDC) recently inoculated more than 2,700 condominium residents in seven of its properties, namely Mezza Residences, Mezza II Residences, Grass Residences, Trees Residences, Blue Residences, Princeton Residences, and MPlace Residences in Quezon City. A vaccination drive was also rolled out at Light Residences in Mandaluyong.

SMDC President Jose Mari Banzon said that the company is grateful for the support of the Quezon City government and the PRC, as well as the willingness of SMDC residents to be vaccinated. 

The PRC has warned that the vaccination rate must increase rapidly and protection measures upheld if the country wants to win the race against more transmissible, and potentially more fatal, variants of the virus.

The entire SM Group has been actively supporting the government’s vaccination program with the inoculation of its employees and opening its malls as vaccination sites. SMDC saw the need to join the vaccination campaign after an informal survey revealed a majority of its residents have not yet availed of the government’s inoculation programs. 

The amenity areas in SMDC developments served as vaccination venues. PRC ensured the proper sanitation of these areas and provided medical personnel to administer the vaccines. A number of medical doctors and nurses, who are actual residents of the properties, volunteered and have been trained to help. 

The initiative earned commendations from the local government, PRC, and the residents themselves who readily posed for pictures after vaccine shots, holding placards that said, “Proudly Vaccinated” with the hashtag “#goodjabgoodguys,” with the hopes of encouraging more individuals to get vaccinated. 

Several senior citizens living in these communities expressed their appreciation of the company’s initiative which made it easier for them to be vaccinated. They said they were initially hesitant to leave the safety of their condominium units to get vaccinated for fear of catching the virus in crowded and contaminated areas. 

“Mabuti na lang dito na mismo sa community namin ginawa ang vaccination. Hindi na kami kailangan lumayo pa. Mahirap talaga lumabas ‘pag senior na kasi baka ma-expose pa ako sa virus,” one of the senior residents said. 
(Fortunately, the vaccination was held right here in the community. We do not have to go far. It is really hard to go out for senior citizens because I might be exposed to the virus.)

The company has also rolled out a vaccination drive for its employees and sales agents to promote a safe work environment, so individuals who would like to approach an SMDC sales agent to inquire about a property can feel safe in doing so.

SMDC plans to continue rolling out its vaccination drive, working together with LGUs and the Philippine Red Cross for its other developments. 

To read more about SMDC and its various community activities, visit its website.

Source: ABS-CBN