Retail readiness scholars graduate

Behind the customer appeal and growth of SM shopping malls are a competent and professional retail workforce. Helping shape these sales associates, cashiers, merchandisers, customer service staff and store supervisors into efficient and dependable frontliners is SM Foundation’s Upskill-to-Work Scholarship Program (UWSP).

The two-month training not only leads to a TESDA national certificate on retail customer service but also to employment in SM Retail stores. The pioneer graduates of the UWSP, composed of 17 scholars, were given recognition and a send-off ceremony at the SM headquarters in Pasay City last 5 October as SM Retail deploys them to stores and business units throughout Metro Manila.

The program bridges a critical employment gap for senior high school graduates and first-time jobseekers who face barriers due to a lack of prior work experience, aligning with SM Foundation’s mission of empowering youth through career development by providing scholarship opportunities.

Beyond retail operations and customer service, the curriculum emphasizes workplace professionalism and values formation to ensure high-quality customer experiences across SM stores.

During the ceremony, scholars received certificates of completion and special awards, including the DELITE Champion, Customer Service Star, Future Leader Award, and Attendance Excellence Award.

The event concluded with a Commitment Ceremony, where graduates recited their pledge to uphold dependability, coachability, and service excellence on the retail floor.

Reflecting on the journey, scholar speaker Rizlyn Poringuez likened the training to building a solid foundation.

“A building does not stand because of what people see on the outside, but because of what is underneath it, solid enough to carry the weight,” she shared.

For fellow graduate Andrea Mae Gallego, the program provided a vital pathway into the workforce.

“It was hard to find a job because most employers look for experience. Now, after our training, I feel ready for the professional world,” she said.

For Kyle James Oga, the transformation was personal: “Before entering this program, I doubted myself. Now that I’ve graduated, I have this newfound confidence that I know I can succeed.”

SM Retail mentors and leaders emphasized the sustainable impact of early-career intervention. Leny Hernandez, SM Retail vice president for human resources, encouraged the graduates to serve as catalysts for growth within their teams.

“You are the leaven — the element that helps everything rise,” Hernandez said, urging them to embrace continuous learning and resilience.

Eleanor Lansang, SM Foundation vice president for scholarship programs, reminded scholars to align their ambitions with the vision of SM’s late founder, Henry Sy, Sr.

“Always dare to dream like our founder did, you never know where life takes you as long as you persevere,” Lansang said. “This is just the beginning of what you can achieve.”