No one is safe until everyone is safe. We are only as strong as our weakest link. The race to stop the spread of Covid-19 and the further mutation of the virus, which causes it, through vaccination continues, and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is stopping at nothing to protect its residents and employees.
Partnering with local government units and the Philippine Red Cross, one of the country’s largest and fastest growing real estate developer recently inoculated 1,200 condominium residents in four of its properties, namely Mezza Residences, Mezza II Residences, Grass Residences and Trees Residences all in Quezon City. SMDC President Jose Mari Banzon said the company is grateful for the support of the Quezon City government and the Red Cross, and for the willingness of SMDC residents to be vaccinated.
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 quickly saw the need to join the vaccination campaign after an informal survey revealed majority of its residents have not yet availed themselves of the government’s inoculation programs.
The amenity areas in SMDC developments served as safe vaccination venues. The Red Cross ensured the proper sanitation of these areas and provided medical personnel to administer the vaccines. A number of medical doctors and nurses, who are also residents of SMDC properties, volunteered to help.
Several senior citizens living in SMDC Residences expressed their appreciation of the company’s initiative, which made it easier and safer for them to be vaccinated. They said they were initially hesitant to leave the comforts of their condominium units to get vaccinated for fear of catching the virus in crowded areas.
“It’s good that they did the vaccination within our community. We didn’t need to go far. As a senior citizen, it’s really no joke to step out of the house these days because there’s a huge possibility of being exposed to the virus,” said one elderly resident.
SMDC has also rolled out a vaccination drive for its employees and sales agents to ensure a safe work environment, and so individuals who would like to approach an SMDC sales agent to inquire about a property can safely and confidently do so.
But its work is far from over, as SMDC plans to continue rolling out its vaccination drive, working together with more LGUs and the Philippine Red Cross as it expands its efforts.
