SM Cares Launches Human Milk Depots to Support Breastfeeding Advocacy and Build a Culture of Care"

In a groundbreaking collaboration, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines (HMBAP) to launch the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative.

This game-changing program, inaugurated on February 19, 2025, at SM City San Lazaro, aims to empower breastfeeding mothers and provide life-saving donor milk to infants in need, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters.

A Milestone for Maternal and Child Health

Breastfeeding is essential to the health and well-being of both mothers and infants. However, many mothers face challenges in providing sufficient milk due to medical or circumstantial limitations. The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative was created to bridge this gap, ensuring the availability of safe, nutritious donor milk. By collecting, processing, and distributing donated human milk through accredited milk banks, this initiative aims to provide critical nourishment for infants who need it most.

“We believe this initiative is a vital step towards achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGs 2 and 3 — eliminating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting health and wellness,” said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women & Breastfeeding Mothers. “By establishing milk depots in our malls, we’re making breastfeeding support accessible to more mothers and babies.”

Empowering Communities and Saving Lives

This initiative doesn’t just focus on milk donation; it fosters a culture of care, advocacy, and maternal support. As Atty. Turley explains, “We want to ensure that every mother, whether breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding, feels supported in her journey. SM Cares is committed to creating safe spaces and raising awareness about the critical importance of breastfeeding.”

Breastfeeding advocates are invited to donate milk, ensuring that premature and medically vulnerable infants receive the essential nutrition they need to thrive. The milk collected will be processed and distributed through accredited Human Milk Banks, providing a lifeline to infants who need it most.

Strengthening Breastfeeding Advocacy

Aligned with the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the SM Human Milk Depot Initiative strengthens SM Supermalls' commitment to being “A Mall for All.” It supports the breastfeeding advocacy by promoting awareness, providing resources, and offering dedicated spaces for mothers.

During the launch, Usec. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral from the Public Health Services Cluster and Dr. Estrella Jusi, President of the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines, praised SM Cares for leading the charge in maternal and infant health advocacy. "This partnership is a perfect example of how public and private sectors can work hand-in-hand to make a significant impact on maternal and child health," said Usec. Maestral.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Community Engagement

The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative will begin with pilot locations at SM City San Lazaro and SM City Manila, with plans to expand based on the program’s success. As the program grows, SM Cares will engage the community further, raising awareness about the importance of breast milk donation and building a culture of care and advocacy throughout the country.

“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.

Impacting Lives One Drop at a Time

The launch of this initiative marks an important milestone in SM Cares’ Women and Breastfeeding Advocacy program. The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative not only provides an essential service for vulnerable infants but also fosters a culture of breastfeeding-friendly communities across the Philippines.

As mothers donate their “liquid gold,” they receive a certificate of donation, honoring their invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of infants in need. Each donation ensures that the most vulnerable babies receive the nourishment they deserve.

Get Involved: Be a Part of the Change

The SM Human Milk Depot Initiative is not just a program; it’s a movement to empower mothers and save lives. If you’d like to contribute to this life-saving cause, visit SM City San Lazaro and SM City Manila. Keep an eye on SM Cares’ social media channels for updates on when the program will be available at additional locations.

Together, we can build a healthier, more compassionate future—one drop at a time.