Editor’s note: SM Supermalls’ goal is to serve as a convenient and accessible venue where Filipinos can get vaccinated. Below is their press release.

SM Supermalls has yet again marked a back-to-back milestone in its pursuit to help mitigate COVID-19 in the Philippines: surpassing the five-millionth mark of COVID-19 jabs and the opening of more SM malls as pediatric vaccination sites outside Metro Manila.

“Breaching the five-millionth mark is a testament to our commitment to providing our communities with accessible and convenient vaccination sites. We thank our partner LGUs for this partnership are happy to provide our malls as pediatric vaccination centers for minors belonging to the 12-17 age group,” said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

During the opening ceremony of Paranaque City LGU’s “Bida Rin ang Bata” vaccination center in SM City Sucat on November 3, a total of 588 youngsters were given their first dose of vaccines. To date, SM Supermalls has vaccinated over 6,000 pediatric constituents in 15 pediatric mall vaccination sites.

Present during the launch were Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar; Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan and Assistant Regional Director Aleli Sudiacial, Department of Health; Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez; Paranaque 1st District Rep. Eric Olivarez; IATF Assistant Regional Director Paz Corrales; Dra. Evangeline Labines, CESO V, School Division Superintendent; and Dra. Olga Virtusio, Head of Paranaque CHO.

“We heal as one,” said Dr. Aleli Sudiacal, Assistant Regional Director DOH-MMCHD. “With the intensive rollout of the pediatric immunization in the country, we shall continue working together with the private sector and LGUs since we are now in the post-recovery stage.”

SM Supermalls was the only mall venue partner as the DOH rolled out the second phase of the A3 immunization, starting at SM Megamall last October 21 and at SM Sucat on November 3. Several other SM Malls are expected to become safe and convenient Pediatric Vaccination Centers in the next weeks.

With its long-standing commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the public, SM continues to provide not just a #SafeMalling experience to shoppers, but also a convenient and accessible venue where their communities can get vaccinated.

For more information and up-to-date news on vaccination schedules at the SM malls in your LGU, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. – Rappler.com