SM PRIME Holdings partnered with the city government for free movie access to duly registered persons with disabilities.
SM Prime Holdings is the registered owner and operator of the SM Cinemas in SM City Davao, located at Quimpo Blvd., Ecoland Subd., Matina, and SM Lanang, located at J.P. Laurel Ave., Agdao.
To avail of the privilege, PWDs must present their PWD identification card and movie pass booklet from the city Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) as proof of identity to the personnel of theaters, movie houses, and cinema houses.
The free admission is honored every Monday during the first screening only, subject to limitations.
Any person accompanying the PWD is still required to pay the regular admission fee.
The privilege is only applicable to regular showings on Monday, and movies like blockbuster films will not be available during the first-week run/showing of the film. It is available for one screening per week only.
Cinemas, on the other hand, have the discretion of offering free movie privileges on additional days of the week.
It does not apply to special cinemas such as IMAX, Directors’ Club, 3D and 4D theaters. The privilege does not extend to screenings for special events such as sponsored movie premiers, pay-per-views, and the like.
If, for instance, the PWD opts to screen another movie, regular movie rates apply at a 20% discount, as provided by the law. Meanwhile, in support of the Metro Manila Film Festival, the privileged accommodation will have to follow festival guidelines and policies.
Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, committee chair on games and amusements in a resolution passed on Tuesday, lauded SM as being the pioneer in providing the benefit to the PWD community.
“This initiative by SM Prime Holdings not only promotes social inclusion and accessibility but also exemplifies corporate social responsibility and support for the welfare of PWDs,” she said.
She added let this commitment of SM Prime Holdings to this cause be a commendable example for other businesses and organizations to follow, further promoting inclusivity.
To recall, Ordinance 0155-23 entitled “Persons with Disability Free Movie Privilege” was approved by the 20th City Council regular session on Jan. 24, 2023, while Mayor Sebastian Duterte signed the legislation on Feb. 27, 2023.
