SM Marilao and SM Baliwag held the 3rd simultaneous Global Handwashing Day to promote good hygiene for children in Bulacan. Students from Marilao and Baliwag public schools have joined the celebration at SM City Malls to increase awareness and understanding on the importance of handwashing as an effective and affordable way of preventing diseases.

Because it takes more than a “City” to achieve this goal, SM Supermalls partnered with the Department of Health, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNILIVER and local government units such as Municipal Health Office, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection as well as private organizations such as Banco De Oro and Prime Health Clinic to demonstrate the effective ways of washing hands through fun filled activities. The event focused on the message that visibly clean hands are not necessarily hygienically clean, contrary to what most adults believe. To be germ fighters rather than germ spreaders, children were advised to use soap and water to remove bacteria and microbes. Right steps and strokes on proper handwashing were also taught.

At present, the SM Group has 41 malls nationwide receiving an average of over 3 million shoppers daily; A home to 12,000 tenants, served by more than 25,000 SM employees. Because of SM’s size and reach, the malls have virtually become information gateways, and venues that promote and propagate such worthwhile activities. Thus, global handwashing is a testimony to the continuous commitment of the company to promote good health and clean living.

Because SM Cares, Global Handwashing Day for children is part of mall wide program led by the Children’s Committee of the company. A simultaneous Handwashing Campaign was also done in all malls of SM city nationwide.