Marilao, Bulacan – In a ceremony held at the Malacañang Palace the other day, the SM City Marilao, along with six other SM malls, were given the 2008 as the Disabled Friendly Establishment of the Year.

President Arroyo presented the Award to SM representatives headed by SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia.
The Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD), through the Mabini Awards Committee headed by Congresswoman Cynthia Villar, granted the Award to SM City Marilao. Also awarded were SM City Baguio, SM City Clark, SM City Lipa, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Taytay, and SM Mall of Asia.

These SM malls were commended by the committee for the way they have tried to effect a change in attitude towards the disabled to show that people in general should not be afraid or indifferent in extending kindness and concern towards PWDs.

PFRD has also recognized the malls’ promotion of a barrier-free, non-handicapping environment with the continuous improvement of their facilities.

A special award was also given to SM Supermalls’ Committee on Disability Affairs for its Corporate Excellence Service of PWDs.

PFRD launched the Apolinario Mabini Awards in 1974 to give recognition to individuals with disabilities, professionals, and various groups that have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of endeavor or have rendered outstanding services to people with disabilities. The Awards were named after one of the country’s foremost heroes, Apolinario Mabini, also known as the Sublime Paralytic.