A step closer to a new tomorrow

SM Foundation foundation (SMFI) further strengthens its decades-long objective of helping poor but deserving students to fulfil their dreams by having access to quality education.

For the school year 2022-2023, SMFI proudly welcomed over 300 freshmen in its new batch of SM college scholars, completing the 1,300 current SM college scholars. Of the 300 new scholars enrolled in 140 partner schools nationwide, 60% are from the provinces, and 40% are in the NCR.

The new scholars were aptly recognized at SMFI Rise to Greatness online event on Facebook and YouTube.

Ticket out of poverty

One of the SM scholars who generously shared her journey was Erin Mhae Evangelio, an island girl from Obando, Bulacan.

Her father is a fisherman, while her mother is the one selling the catch near their area. With her scholarship, Erin is eager to face a brand new tomorrow as her family has experienced the worst in life due to financial constraints.

“Nakikita ko po si Mama minsan na umiiyak at sasabihin niyang wala na kaming panggastos. Dumating po sa point na nag-away po ang parents ko dahil sa panggastos. Tumaon rin po dati na nagkasakit ang kapatid ko. So muntik na po silang maghiwalay. Bilang anak at panganay, masakit po sa akin na dahil sa financial problem masisira po ang pamilya namin.”

“Pinangako ko sa sarili ko na iaahon ko po sila sa kahirapan. Gusto ko po mamuhay ang pamilya ko nang komportable at ‘di na namin poproblemahin ang pera,” she further added.

SMFI executive director Debbie Sy joined the program to share her message for the scholars and their families: “This is a momentous event for us at SMFI since we will be able to give more than 300 students a fighting chance to uplift the economic status of their families - and eventually inspire them to give back to their respective communities, which is also the core mandate of SMFI—to spread social good.”

SMFI, through its Scholarship program, has provided deserving and qualified students with access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993. To date, SMFI has produced more than 8,000 scholar graduates.