Two SM Foundation scholars credited the organization instituted by SM Group’s patriarch, “Tatang” Henry Sy Sr., for their bright future after completing their college courses.
In an interview, Erwin Matthew Quiza, an Eastern Visayas State University graduate, said the SM Foundation Scholarship Program has helped him financially, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We had many projects in our school back then, and I am very grateful for their assistance in helping my parents augment my education needs,” Quiza, a Civil Engineering course graduate, said.
He recalled climbing the top of a hill in Leyte to obtain a stronger signal for him to file his scholarship application online.
“I am happy and deeply grateful to be chosen by the Foundation, especially knowing how many others applied for the scholarship,” he said.
Bridge over crisis
For her part, Jaycel Anne Belaras, a graduate of the University of Batangas, recalled that her parents were financially burdened during the contagion.
“With the help of SM Foundation, I received financial aid, as my parents were unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The allowances from SM were also our saving grace in 2020,” Belaras, also a Civil Engineering course graduate, said.
With the help of SM Foundation, I received financial aid, as my parents were unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The allowances from SM were also our saving grace in 2020.’ — Jaycel Anne Belaras, SM Scholar
The program provides holistic support to its scholars, including full tuition fees, allowances, training, gatherings, part-time jobs, internship opportunities, and employment opportunities within the SM Group.
Asked what pieces of advice they can provide to students who don’t have the financial means to finish college, Quiza said: “Seek out organizations or individuals who can support your dreams, much like the SM Foundation does.”
Belaras, on the other hand, told students to be resourceful when finding scholarship grants.
“I encouraged my high school batchmates to apply for the SM Foundation scholarship, but they chose not to. I embraced the challenge and persevered, ultimately earning my college degree. Perseverance is key,” she said.
She is now employed with SM Engineering Design and Development as her way of paying back SM, while Quiza is just waiting for the result of his Engineering Board Exams and planning to work with one of the various companies of the SM Group.
Of the total graduates, 63 finished with honors: three Summa Cum Laude, 29 magna cum laude, 27 cum laude, and four with academic distinction.
“You faced one of the most challenging periods in recent history, yet you persevered with resilience and determination,” SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy told the graduates during the honoring rites.
“Your achievements are not just individual successes; they are powerful symbols of hope and strength for your families and communities,” she maintained.
‘We had many projects in our school back then, and I am very grateful for their assistance in helping my parents augment my education needs.’ — Erwin Matthew Quiza, SM Scholar
Sy also emphasized that education remains key to breaking the cycle of poverty, encouraging the graduates to help uplift their communities. She also expressed the foundation’s gratitude to its social good partners for their role in making the scholars’ success possible.
For his part, SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, who served as the keynote speaker, extolled the program’s 218 graduates who obtained their studies during the global pandemic, which forced them to adapt to online learning, social isolation, and unprecedented financial uncertainty.
“Yet, you rose to the challenge and made the most of an incredibly difficult situation... Dear scholar graduates, as you embark on this exciting chapter, remember that the future is what you make out of it. Find a purpose bigger than yourself and stronger than your self-doubt, and you will have the power to transform your life and and the lives of those around you. And wherever you go, carry the values of hard work, humility, and perseverance with you,” Lim said.
The SM College Scholarship Program has supported over 4,000 college scholars since 1993, even on the outskirts of the archipelago.
The program provides holistic support to its scholars, including full tuition fees, allowances, training, gatherings, part-time jobs, internship opportunities, and employment opportunities within the SM Group.