Lives turned with 360-degree support for scholars

In the Philippines, "free tuition" is often viewed as a golden ticket, but 2024-2025 data reveals it is only the first hurdle. Despite state subsidies, low-income students are buckling under costs such as food, transport, and housing, leading to dropouts. Experts say that tuition coverage alone is insufficient; students need holistic support like stipends and mentorship. 

It is within this widening gap that private sector initiatives, like the SM College Scholarship Program helps by providing not just just fiscal solutions, providing holistic intervention. These programs are ensuring that promising students don't just enroll, but actually cross the finish line.

Two scholars from Tacloban, Mark Lester Piangco and Nikhaella Faye Po from Ormoc, are a testament to this.

Finding a second family

For Mark Lester Piangco, the SM College Scholarship was never just about the financial support.

“It is a family you can lean on, a second parent that believes no dream is too big when you have the right support. The Foundation trusted me, nurtured my small dreams, and helped transform them into limitless possibilities,” Piangco said.

Mark's journey is defined by resilience. The youngest of five siblings, his life was upended when Typhoon Yolanda destroyed their family home, forcing a relocation to Tacloban City. Despite the trauma of displacement, his parents who works as market vendor and an assistant, instilled in him a work ethic that became his backbone.

Mark excelled academically, finishing Senior High with High Honors and serving as Vice President of the Red Cross Youth. He went on to graduate cum laude from the University of the Philippines Tacloban College with a degree in management.

While the state covered his tuition, Mark credits the SM scholarship for keeping him productive and focused on his goals rather than his survival.

“Beyond financial assistance, the community of SM scholars became one of my greatest sources of inspiration and support throughout my four years in college,” Mark said. The program provided the guidance, networks, and structure he needed to strengthen his skills.

Now working as a Social Media Manager at the Tacloban City Tourism Office, Mark emphasizes that resilience is the core of success.

“The most important lesson I learned is to keep moving forward, no matter how many versions of yourself are tempted to give up,” he reflects. “Studying can feel terrifying because, along the way, it may seem like you are slowly losing pieces of yourself. I have sat with my grief, doubts, and fears. But each time, I chose to move forward.”

Briding the financial gap

While Mark found a "family," Manila-born Nikhaella Faye Po found the critical lifeline needed to navigate the day-to-day reality of college economics.

Living in Tacloban with her aunt after the passing of her mother, Nikhaella experienced firsthand the financial strain that recent studies have highlighted: the burden of non-tuition expenses. For her, the scholarship’s monthly allowance was the difference between struggling to commute and focusing on her books.

“It lifted a huge financial burden from my relatives, who are supporting me and my brother,” Nikhaella explained. The allowance covered transportation, project materials, and essentials that tuition-free programs often overlook.

However, the impact went deeper than economics. “More than the financial assistance, the scholarship also gave me a sense of purpose and motivation. Being an SM scholar pushed me to maintain good grades and stay disciplined.”

Now employed at a bank in Tacloban, Nikhaella inspires current scholars to balance their academic rigor with personal development.

“Don’t just bury yourself in your academics, join the activities and events in your school as well as those organized for scholars by the SM Foundation. Manage your time well, prioritize what matters, and don’t stress too much over small setbacks.”

The Foundation fosters future-readiness through a holistic support system. Scholars gain mentorship via general assemblies and alumni networking events, and build practical experience through internships and vacation jobs within the SM Group. These initiatives, coupled with continuous learning workshops, ensure students are equipped for life beyond graduation.

 “When things get tough, remember why you started and ask for help if you need it. Most importantly, stay grounded and grateful. Being an SM scholar is a privilege and a chance to grow, so make the most of it,” Nikhaella capped.

SM Scholars from various parts of Visayas gathered for a general assembly in Cebu.