SM Foundation welcomes over 400 new scholars

New students begin a new chapter of their academic lives as proud SM scholars.

SM group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, recently awarded college scholarships to 470 freshmen, demonstrating its commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through education.

To kick off the journey as SM scholars, the foundation held an online awarding event called “LIMITLESS” on Sept. 2, 2023. Carmen Linda Atayde, SM Foundation’s Executive Director for Education, emphasized the transformative power of education during the ceremony, reiterating SM’s dedication to empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities.

SMEDD Corp. President Chico Sy, SM Prime VP for Market Research and Planning Ronald Tumao, and SCMC Regional Accounting Manager and SM Scholar alumna Grace Ortega lead the interactive learning session for the new scholars.

“Education is the beacon of hope that illuminates the path to progress and breaks the chains of poverty. Through education, we can rise above constraints and achieve greatness,” Atayde said.

The SM College Scholarship program was established in 1993 by Mr. Henry Sy Sr., the founder of the SM Group. Since then, it has supported over 5,000 scholars across the country, offering financial aid, mentorship, and various workshops for personal and professional growth.

SMFI SAVP for Education Eleanor Lansang welcomes the freshmen scholar during a contract signing event.

Sharing the gift of education One of the new scholars is Princess Eunice Motel, an 18-year-old SM scholar pursuing her education at the Philippine Normal University. She aspires to become an educator to make a positive impact on the next generation.

Princess has harbored a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Her dedication to teaching intensified when she was given the opportunity by her church to teach children about God’s word.

“My unwavering commitment to becoming a teacher is directly inspired by an initiative of our church, dedicated to teaching children about God’s word. I aspire to be a vessel for sharing knowledge, instilling hope, and nurturing a brighter future for the next generation,” she said.

To pursue her dreams, Princess has enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Secondary Education at the Philippine Normal University, her dream institution known for nurturing exceptional teachers. “As I aspire to become an educator, I also strive for greatness and excellence, and there’s no better place to achieve that than at my chosen school.

SM Scholar and aspiring educator Princess Eunice Motel