SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines (HMBAP), has officially launched the groundbreaking SM Human Milk Depot Initiative. The partnership was inaugurated on February 19, 2025, with special messages from key representatives at SM City San Lazaro.

A milestone for maternal and child health! SM Cares, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines (HMBAP), officially launches the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative at SM City San Lazaro. This initiative empowers breastfeeding mothers and ensures infants in need receive life-saving donor milk.

Empowering Communities, Saving Lives

Breastfeeding is critical to maternal and child health, yet many mothers face challenges in providing sufficient milk for their infants due to medical or circumstantial limitations. The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative seeks to address this gap by ensuring the availability of safe, nutritious donor human milk, particularly during emergencies and disasters. The donated milk will be processed and distributed through accredited Human Milk Banks, reaching the infants who need it most.

“The Human Milk Depot initiative is a vital step towards achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 2 and 3 — eliminating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting health and wellness. Our goal is to make breastfeeding more accessible, not only for current breastfeeding mothers but also for those considering breastfeeding. By establishing a milk depot inside our malls, we are taking a significant step toward this objective." said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women & Breastfeeding Mothers. "This milestone initiative reflects SM’s continuing commitment to fostering safe spaces and advocating for maternal and child health, and we will ensure that it expands across the nation, serving mothers and children all around the country."

Championing maternal and child health --- Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, SAVP for Corporate Compliance and Program Director for SM Cares, reaffirms commitment to breastfeeding advocacy.

Mothers attentively listen as health experts provide a briefing on proper breastfeeding practices and human milk donation at the SM Human Milk Depot.

Strengthening a Culture of Breastfeeding Advocacy

Aligned with the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative reinforces SM Supermalls’ mission of being “A Mall for All.” Through partnerships with health institutions, the program promotes breastfeeding awareness and supports mothers by offering facilities and programs that cater to their needs.

During the launch event, Usec. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral of the Public Health Services Cluster and Dr. Estrella Jusi, President of the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines, commended SM Cares for its leadership in this critical advocacy. “This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together to support maternal and infant health,” said Usec. Maestral.

A health professional explains the safe collection and storage of human milk at the SM Human Milk Depot.

Breastfeeding advocates donate human milk, helping ensure that premature and medically vulnerable infants receive the essential nutrition they need to thrive.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Community Engagement

The initiative will initially roll out in two pilot locations, with plans for expansion to additional SM malls based on the program’s success. Beyond the depots, SM Cares will also strengthen its community engagement efforts, raising awareness about the importance of breast milk donation and fostering a culture of care and advocacy.

Impacting Lives One Drop at a Time

The launch of the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative marks another significant milestone in SM Cares’ Women and Breastfeeding Advocacy program. The initiative is expected to increase participation in breast milk donation, improve infant health outcomes, and promote breastfeeding-friendly communities across the Philippines.

“We envision a future where every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive, and every mother feels supported and empowered in her breastfeeding journey,” said Atty. Pearly Turley.

A sample of donated human milk collected at the SM Human Milk Depot is carefully stored, ensuring it remains safe and ready to nourish premature and medically vulnerable infants.

Breastfeeding mothers receive certificate of donation, honoring their vital contribution of liquid gold at the SM Human Milk Depot.

For more information about the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative and how you can contribute to this life-saving program, visit SM City San Lazaro and SM City Manila, and follow SM Cares’ social media channels for updates on when the program will be available soon.

About SM Cares

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, focusing on initiatives that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and community development. Through programs supporting women, children, and marginalized groups, SM Cares strives to create meaningful and lasting impacts across the Philippines.

About the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines

The Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines is a national organization dedicated to ensuring the safe collection, storage, and distribution of human milk. Partnering with health institutions and advocates, HMBAP champions maternal and infant health through innovative and sustainable solutions.