Communities Grow Stronger When Schools Thrive

SMDC Nature brought together employee volunteers from its headquarters and projects in Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo to support public schools participating in the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2026.

Conducted across the communities of Charm Residences, Spring Residences, Glade Residences and Vail Residences, the initiative focused on helping schools prepare their shared spaces for the new academic year. Employees worked alongside teachers, school personnel, parents and community volunteers in cleaning and carrying out minor enhancements in common areas used by the wider school community.

SMDC Nature also provided cleaning supplies and learning materials packages to support the schools’ continuing efforts to maintain welcoming and functional environments for students, teachers and staff.

“A school is one of the most important foundations of any community. Through Brigada Eskwela, our employees had the opportunity to work directly with teachers, parents and local volunteers to help create spaces where the entire school community can begin the year with greater readiness and confidence,” said Susan G. Nicdao, Vice President and Head of SMDC Nature.

The volunteer activities were held last June in communities surrounding SMDC Nature developments. They formed part of the company’s continuing effort to build closer relationships with the institutions and neighborhoods around its residential communities.

Community building beyond the development

For SMDC Nature, supporting nearby schools is a natural extension of its approach to community building.

Its residential developments are designed around open spaces, wellness and connected living. But the company also recognizes that strong communities depend on the quality of the institutions that serve families beyond the boundaries of a residential property.

Schools, in particular, play an essential role in shaping the everyday lives of communities. They provide not only places for learning, but also shared spaces where children, families, teachers and local partners come together.

By participating in Brigada Eskwela, SMDC Nature sought to contribute to this broader community ecosystem through practical assistance and employee volunteerism.

The initiative also brought together employees from different locations and business units, demonstrating how volunteerism can connect teams around a shared purpose despite geographic distance.

“The involvement of volunteers from our headquarters and regional projects reflects the collective spirit behind this program,” added said Sandro Vicente P. Javier, Vice President for Project Development and Management. “It is not only about preparing physical spaces. It is about showing up, listening to what communities need and working alongside them.”

Building partnerships that last

SMDC Nature continues to work with school administrators and community partners to better understand local needs and identify areas where meaningful support can be provided.

The company’s participation in Brigada Eskwela builds on its previous education-related initiatives, including the provision of learning materials to schools and students in communities near its developments.

Through these partnerships, SMDC Nature aims to contribute to learning environments where students can thrive, teachers can do their work more effectively and school communities can feel supported.

For SMDC Nature, building communities goes beyond developing homes. It also means strengthening the relationships, institutions and shared spaces that help neighborhoods grow over time.