SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of SM, has officially welcomed 16 new Bacolod scholars under its College Scholarship Program, through a recognition ceremony held at SM City Bacolod.
The new batch of scholars, all incoming college freshmen, come from five partner-institutions in the city, namely, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, National University Bacolod, Technological University of the Philippines Visayas, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, and, University of St. La Salle. The students were joined by their parents and guardians, while scholar-alumni also volunteered during the program to extend support and encouragement to the newcomers.
The SM College Scholarship Program covers the full tuition of selected students, who have options to specialize in fields, such as accounting, information technology, psychology, engineering, or education.
The program also provides a monthly stipend to help augment students’ allowance.
More than financial aid, scholars participate in enrichment activities and personal development programs, are also given opportunities for part-time work within the SM Group during semester and Christmas breaks, and upon graduation, they are given priority in employment within any of the companies in the SM Group.
Since 2007, when SM Foundation first opened scholarship slots in Bacolod, the program has already supported over 100 scholars from the city and the province. Many of them have since graduated and are now working professionals and accomplished entrepreneurs, contributing to their families and communities. This long-term commitment underscores SM’s continuing investment in education and in the development of local talent.
Nationwide, the scholarship program has been changing lives since it began in 1993, producing thousands of graduates across the Philippines. It is a living legacy of SM’s founder, the late Henry Sy Sr., who believed that education is the greatest equalizer in life.
Today, the Sy family continues to uphold his vision through the sustained efforts of SM Foundation, a press release from SM Bacolod said Aug 19.
Eleanor Lansang, SMFI vice president for education programs, was in Bacolod to personally meet the new additions to SM’s growing beneficiaries.
“Every year, it is a joy to welcome new scholars into the SM family. These students represent potential, perseverance, and hope. We want them to feel that they are not only receiving financial assistance, but also becoming part of a supportive network that will help them succeed,” she said. ||
