Beyond financial assistance, the SM Group supports its scholars’ holistic development through various enriching activities, fostering a fulfilling student life.

SM Foundation continues commitment to a brighter future for the Filipino youth

By Angela Kiara S. Brillantes

Education has served as a foundation of a progressive society as it holds the power to unlock personal, economic, and global growth, enabling individuals to survive and thrive in society.

Many stand as a testament that access to high-quality education is key to building successful lives and ending the cycle of poverty. However, not all are given the opportunity for quality education, as seen in an alarming education crisis in the country.

In response, SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, is supporting Filipino youth by providing college scholarship programs to meet their educational needs.

SM Foundation’s College Scholarship Program, known for its commitment to social development, helps students from low-income families achieve their dreams by providing financial aid and access to quality education. The program also helps students develop essential work and life skills, and build relationships with other scholars through fun activities and events.

A significant part of life’s journey

Empowered by the SM College Scholarship Program, Angela Sibayan achieves academic success, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from a prestigious university in Baguio.

The SM Foundation has been instrumental for many Filipino youth, such as Angela Sibayan, a shining example of an SM Scholar Alumni, having obtained a degree in BS Electronics Engineering (BSECE) from Saint Louis University in Baguio City.

At first, college was not a sure thing for Ms. Sibayan as her family was struggling financially, and college applications were difficult as well.

But, with her commitment to finishing her studies, she looked for alternative ways and opportunities to continue college. According to Ms. Sibayan, she applied for scholarships and as a student assistant. Fortunately, she qualified for the SM Foundation’s scholarship program.

For her, receiving the scholarship was a sense of relief, comfort, and gratitude. It was her stepping stone to fulfill her and her family’s dream of finishing her studies to improve their quality of life.

Angela Sibayan, an SM Scholar (right), participated in the recent gathering of SM scholars in SM City Baguio, where she shared her inspiring story of success.

The scholarship was a lifesaver for Ms. Sibayan. She mentioned how the foundation provided her with financial aid for her tuition and monthly allowances that helped her with day-to-day expenses. With online learning, she was given an electronic tablet to make studying easier.

Remarkable opportunities have also brought her to other places. She also joined various organizations both inside and outside the university to enhance her leadership skills and establish connections, she had an online internship at a global information and communications technology (ICT) company during the pandemic; and, before graduating, she showcased her research in Thailand and even received an award for it.

Aside from financial opportunities, the foundation served as a motivation for her to keep pushing forward, especially during the pandemic.

“If it were not for the consideration and encouragement of SM Foundation, I would not be able to come back stronger and achieve more than what I have anticipated,” she said.

“The scholarship has become a big part of my life as it paved the way to where and who I am today that I can ever be proud of,” she continued. “I believe that others should strive for similar opportunities as such rare opportunities create big and positive changes, and impacts in life.”

She has even learned a lot from being an SM scholar, including insights from SMFI founder, the late Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr.

“There is no such thing as overnight success,” she said. “There is no substitute for hard work. We must also help others in the society with what we can. Living by heart these mantras of Tatang, helped me reach greater heights and explore more opportunities that serve as stepping stones for me to achieve my goals and improve my life.”

A path to the right track

SM Scholar Joyson Abucay attended the SM scholars’ get-together in SM City Baguio, an event designed to strengthen ties and encourage a well-rounded student experience.

Another SM scholar, Joyson L. Abucay, is currently studying BS Secondary Education Major in English at Saint Louis University. For Mr. Abucay, being an SM scholar is an honor and responsibility.

For him, applying for the SM scholarship was perfect timing. The scholarship helped him to push forward and stay dedicated to his motivation and dreams for a career in English education.

“Stumbling upon the SMFI Scholarship as a student aspiring to pursue Secondary Education felt like an extraordinary opportunity. It perfectly resonates with my passion to contribute to a meaningful endeavor,” he said.

He said, receiving the scholarship program was a mix of relief and pride. Being a scholar was the turning point of his academic journey since it opened countless opportunities and helped him grow as an individual.

“[The scholarship] empowered me to shift my perspective from feeling like a background character to acknowledging my potential as the protagonist of my own story. This recognition instilled a renewed sense of self-belief and ignited a passion for pursuing ambitious goals,” he said.

With the SM scholarship, Mr. Abucay is on the right track. Currently, he is ranked top 5 and top 7 Dean’s Lister at the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts in his school, and participates and teaches in weekly Bible studies.

“I encourage future applicants to actively pursue similar scholarships, as they can lead to fulfilling experiences and destinations even beyond their initial plans. My core belief has always been and will always be ‘Intelligence is not measured by the number of medals you have earned, but with the quality of knowledge you have learned’,” he said.

The SM College Scholarship Application is open from Feb. 1 to March 31, 2024. To learn more, visit www.sm-foundation.org or follow @smfoundationinc on social media.

 

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