Grit, gratitude pave SM scholars’ journey

SM Foundation marked the graduation of 274 SM scholars in the Class of 2026, highlighting educational opportunities that create a lasting impact not only for the graduates but also for their communities.

The scholars were honored during the 2026 Presentation of SM College Scholar Graduates on Monday afternoon at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, where 119 graduates earned academic honors — 15 graduated summa cum laude, 42 magna cum laude, 46 cum laude, and 16 received an academic distinction.

Behind the achievements were graduates who overcame financial and personal challenges to pursue their degrees. For SM Foundation, their success reflected the purpose of its scholarship program: to open opportunities that can extend beyond one individual and contribute to the wider social good.

“Beyond these numbers are 274 individual stories, each shaped by different circumstances, challenges, dreams and opportunities,” said Carmen Linda Atayde, SM Foundation executive director for Education Programs.

“This is at the heart of the foundation’s scholarship program. We believe that when we open doors to education, we create possibilities that can reach far beyond one individual,” Atayde said.

One of the stories told during the ceremony was that of Jerome Vasquez, who graduated summa cum laude from Holy Angel University with a degree in civil engineering, major in structural engineering.

Vasquez credited his perseverance, in partnership with SM Foundation, paving the way to the finish line after both his parents passed away before they could see him in a graduation toga.

Charles Gungon, who graduated magna cum laude from the University of the East-Caloocan’s civil engineering program, emphasized the importance of the foundation’s “extra push” whenever a family could no longer carry the load.

The graduates also heard from Roan B. Torregoza, an SM Scholar alumna and now chief financial officer of 8990 Holdings Inc., who returned as keynote speaker for the Class of 2026.

Atayde described Torregoza’s journey as an example of how “an opportunity received can become a life transformed, and how a life transformed can become a source of opportunity for others.”

In her remarks, Eleanor Lansang, SM Foundation vice president for Education Programs-Scholarships, reminded the graduates that their scholarship was only the beginning of what they could achieve through their own determination.

“Your SM Foundation scholarship was an opportunity, and you turned that opportunity into an achievement through your own hard work,” Lansang said.

She closed with a challenge to the Class of 2026: “Bloom boldly, persevere always, and keep spreading social good.”

Launched in 1993 hewing to the vision of SM founder Henry Sy Sr., the SM Scholarship Program provides young people with full financial support throughout college, along with workplace integration and professional enrichment opportunities.