SM Supermalls President Steven Tan (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler) MANILA - Some 66 SM malls will be part of the government's three-day massive "Bayanihan, Bakunahan" vaccination drive from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan announced Monday. In a ceremonial vaccination event at the SM Masinag in Antipolo City, Tan cited that collective vaccination efforts among the government, the private sector, and the people, can put an end to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic. "We, at SM Supermalls, have always believed that getting vaccinated is the best defense Filipinos have against the Covid-19 virus. In the past months of working together with the government we have achieved great things," Tan said. There are 71 vaccination sites in various SM branches nationwide, he said. These malls have already administered over 6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, he added. "Of that number, 200,000 are children aged 12-17 years old inoculated in our malls," he said. Meanwhile, Tan noted that its 78 mall branches nationwide are certified with the safety seal recognition of the management's safe malling efforts. "It is my honor to say that SM Supermalls, together with our friends from the private sector, are proud partners of the Bayanihan, Bakunahan -- a three-day massive vaccination drive in 66 of our malls which aims to jab 9 million Filipinos nationwide," Tan said. Tan thanked the national government for giving them the "opportunity" to participate in the acceleration of the country's vaccination rate and partnering with them to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. "We are happy to offer more convenient and more accessible vaccination sites," he said. Tan also announced that more than 500 alumni, employees, and students from the National University have volunteered to be part of the massive vaccination drive, through the SM management. "Let us all be heroes in this fight against Covid-19. Get vaccinated, volunteer, and encourage your loved ones to get the jab," he said, urging the mallgoers to get vaccinated. Tan emphasized that the people's collective efforts "we are able to put an end to this crisis and build not just a safer Christmas celebration, but a better, brighter future for all of us." Various SM branches nationwide are giving rewards and discounts to vaccinated individuals. The SM Supermall announced earlier that it is offering a recovery package to about 100 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Under the SM Startup Package, MSME owners who have ongoing online businesses can sign up to acquire the support or perks that they need to set up their first physical store in one of 13 high-traffic SM malls nationwide, including SM City Cebu. This assistance includes startup-friendly rental rates, free use of kiosks, access to financial assistance through BDO Net Bank, marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside the malls. Recipients may also get prime locations within the malls. (PNA) }