SM Cares, SM City Bacolod Volunteers Help Prepare JR Torres Elementary School for Opening of Classes

In support of the Department of Education’s annual Brigada Eskwela program, SM City Bacolod employees volunteered their time and resources to assist JR Torres Elementary School in Barangay Singcang-Airport as it prepares for the opening of classes.

The initiative, carried out through SM Cares, involved the donation of cleaning materials, paint, and electric fans, along with hands-on volunteer work from mall employees.

Throughout the activity, volunteers cleaned school grounds, improved campus surroundings, repainted fences, and installed electric fans in classrooms.

JR Torres Elementary School Principal Dr. Caridad Ellera expressed appreciation to SM Cares and SM City Bacolod, citing the positive impact of private-sector support in enhancing public school facilities. She also shared that Brigada Eskwela encourages collective action among stakeholders in ensuring that schools are ready to welcome learners in a safe and conducive environment.

According to SM City Bacolod Mall Manager Julia Javellana, the volunteer activity reflects the mall’s continuing commitment to community engagement.

“Brigada Eskwela demonstrates what can be achieved when communities unite for a common purpose. We are proud of our employee volunteers and grateful for the opportunity to support JR Torres Elementary School. Through partnerships like these, we hope to contribute to creating better learning spaces for the next generation,” Javellana said.

The activity also highlighted the longstanding relationship between SM City Bacolod and Barangay Singcang-Airport, one of the mall’s adopted communities where various environmental and social initiatives have previously been conducted, such as coastal cleanup drives.

Through Brigada Eskwela, SM City Bacolod continues to support programs that foster education, volunteerism, and community development.*