SM Group makes college dreams possible for 86 Bacolod scholars

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It was in 2007 when SM Foundation’s scholarship program added the Bacolod and Negros Occidental area in its roster of students for a full ride to a college education.

The scholarship program, which SM Foundation started in 1993, supports students nationwide, specifically in provinces where an SM mall is located.

Since then, until this academic year 2024-2025, SMFI’s support in Bacolod has touched the lives of 86 individuals. Of the total, 51 are currently in various year levels at any one of the foundation’s partner-schools. The remaining 35 have since graduated and are now gainfully productive in their respective careers.

SM scholars from Bacolod, Iloilo, and Roxas at the 2024 scholars’ regional assembly in Iloilo recently.
SM Foundation executive director Debbie Sy (center) with some of the supported students from Bacolod during a scholars’ tribute at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

Before the school year started, SM Foundation gathered the scholars and alumni from Bacolod, Iloilo, and Roxas for teambuilding and learning sessions, with special treats from the SM Group.

It is an event that they look forward to every year, and a way of cultivating camaraderie and community in the scholar family, a press release from the mall said. As scholars forged connections with peers and mentors, they also gained insights into the program’s various benefits, including exclusive opportunities for part-time employment during academic vacations and internship placements.

Established in 1993 by SM Group founder, Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr., the SM College Scholarship Program has been dedicated to empowering Filipino youth by supporting their tertiary education. Combined with other provisions for the scholars, this SM initiative offers a holistic approach to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Engr. Hans Sy Jr. (4th from right), president of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation, congratulates some of the Bacolod scholars, who graduated in 2023.
SM scholar alumni also give back through SM Foundation activities, such as checking tests, screening and interviewing students to be potential scholars.

Qualified scholars have the choice to pursue courses in universities supported by the foundation.

In Bacolod and the province, these academic institutions include the Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, University of St. La Salle, and the Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas, for courses such as engineering, computer science, business administration, accountancy, and education.

The SM Group provides this platform to allow scholars to gain hands-on experience in professional environments throughout their academic journey. This exposure to the corporate world aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals, who can seamlessly transition into professional roles, contributing to the growth and development of their communities and the nation.

The scholarship program also offers pathways to employment within the SM Group upon graduation, providing scholars with a solid foundation for their future careers. ||