‘Diploma o diskarte:’ Why not both, says new SM Scholar

New SM Scholar Carl is one of the more than 1,000 promising youths who formally received their SM scholarship at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.

The age-old debate “diploma o diskarte” has resurfaced online, with many arguing that one is more essential than the other for success in life.

But freshman SM scholar Carl Jaymuel Cayubit is on a mission to prove that uplifting himself is not about choosing from a handful of predetermined options, but about creating new paths altogether.

Paving a new life

Carl stands out in his family as the high achiever, particularly in academics. However, his success stems from more than just natural ability. From an early age, he knew that his circumstances demanded extra effort to overcome the obstacles in his path. This realization fueled his determination to work twice as hard. 

Determined new SM Foundation scholar uses dream, diskarte to earn his college diploma

He worked as a fast-food crew to sustain his Senior High School education, easing the financial weight off his parents’ shoulder.

“Since elementary, it has been a bit of a challenge for me to keep up with my ‘more blessed classmates.’ The only things I can match with my classmates who have complete school supplies, bigger allowances, and cleaner uniforms are my persistence, intelligence, and will to achieve greatness,” he said.

Persistent, his plan was to continue doing side hustles or part-time jobs until he finishes college. Things took a turn for the better when his mother told him about the SM Foundation Scholarship Program.

“Coming from a family where a college diploma is as rare as hen's teeth, finishing college is one of my main goals. It is also my goal to be the one who breaks the cycle we are in and to be successful enough so that I can provide for my family without any worries,” he said.

“Kaya hangga't maaari, magtatapos ako ng pag-aaral kahit ano mang kailangan kong tahakin para naman maranasan din namin balang-araw ang kaginhawaan na hindi naranasan ng aking pamilya,” he said.

Carl saw the scholarship application as a dual opportunity—a gateway to his future and a chance to sharpen his skills for the college entrance examination. This motivated him to pour every ounce of effort into both the application process and exam preparation. Each step became a calculated move toward his dream.

Forging new possibilities

His persistence paid off as he found himself among more than 1,000 promising youths who formally received their SM scholarship at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.

The young scholar said, “By having the opportunity to study for free and with a scholarship from SM, I can learn things that will be useful for the rest of my life. I will be ready to face the real world with the learnings that I will gain from college.”

Carl hopes to utilize his college education to pursue a career that will help him uplift his family.

Determined to finish Accountancy with Latin honors at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), he said the SM scholarship boosted his enthusiasm to enhance his analytical, interpersonal, communication, and intrapersonal skills—skills that are valuable beyond the four walls of school.

He's now focused on his education and wants to use this time to grow as a person. He is also eager to build relationships with mentors, connect with people who share his interests, and network with professionals in his field. 

“By being able to finish college in PUP, several career opportunities will be open for me, which I can fully utilize to be able to pursue a fulfilling career. With these opportunities, I'm more than thankful to God. All these are helpful for me and my family as I work towards my long-term plans for all of us.

“Uso ngayon ang tanong na 'diploma o diskarte?'Bilang kabataan na naghahangad na makaahon sa hirap at magtagumpay, hindi masama kung papangarapin ang magkaroon ng diploma balang-araw at dumiskarte upang makamit ito. Hangga't maaari, gawin natin ang lahat makakaya natin upang dumiskarte para makapagkamit ng diploma,” he added.