As part of its efforts to further create an inclusive environment for breastfeeding mothers in all SM Malls, SM Cares celebrated National Breastfeeding Awareness Month last August with a number of activities that promoted breastfeeding and the important role that it plays in the health and well-being of mothers and their infants.
Among the highlights of the month-long celebration was the “Art with a Heart” exhibit, presenting unique interpretations of breastfeeding. The exhibit featured more than 400 artworks by 170 local artists from different parts of the country.
The artworks were showcased in the following malls by their respective creators: Art Show Philippines in SM North EDSA; Agusan Artist Association in SM Butuan; Bai Hinang in SM Lanang Premier; Batangueno’s Grupo sa Sining at Kultura (BAGSIK) in SM Batangas; Himbon Contemporary Artists Group in SM Iloilo; Kintab Artist Group in SM Naga; PÁMITÍPUN in SM Clark; Pasa Kalye Group of Artists in SM Baguio; Chroma Garcia Artist Group in SM Lipa; and Art Portal Cebu in SM Cebu. Numerous breastfeeding groups also joined the exhibit launches and participated in live sketching sessions together with the artists.
“SM Cares aims to positively influence acceptance of breastfeeding by mothers as a sustainable means to nourish their children, especially in the critical, early stages of life. Our Art with a Heart exhibit celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding through the creative expression of local artists as art is one of the greatest forms of showing love and commitment” said Program Director for SM Cares Committee on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers Atty. Pearl Jayagan Turley.
Aside from the art exhibit, SM Cares also hosted a free webinar to its employees with the aim of providing physical, emotional and mental wellness tips for new and expectant mothers, as well as extend knowledge on breastfeeding myths and tips for working moms. Resource speakers for the webinar were Dr. Irene Tan of Valucare, and Bing Guevara of Breastfeeding Pinays. The event was also extended to dads and family members in order to foster a culture of support for breastfeeding at home.
Throughout the month of August, mothers visiting the breastfeeding stations in select SM Malls received free Mom Card, malunggay lactation supplements, and various baby toiletries from Watsons and Baby Company. SM’s breastfeeding stations have been a key component of the company’s program on breastfeeding mothers and has welcomed over 1 million mothers since their introduction, averaging nearly 170,000 visitors annually.
The SM Cares Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, demonstrates SM Prime’s support to the attainment of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly “SDG 2: Zero Hunger” and “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.”
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, PWDs, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.