SM Foundation and SM Retail Send Off First 17 Upskill-to-Work Scholars
BRIDGING THE GAP. Seventeen scholars gather for their send-off ceremony after two months of intensive training, preparing to enter the retail workforce without prior experience.
PASAY CITY, Philippines, October 5, 2026 | SM Retail officially integrated the pioneer batch of the SM Foundation’s Upskill-to-Work Scholarship Program into its workforce following a Recognition and Send-Off Ceremony today at the company’s headquarters in Pasay City.
Seventeen scholars completed two months of intensive training led by SM Retail’s HR and Training team, earning TESDA-accredited NC II Retail Customer Service Certifications. The graduates have now been deployed across SM Retail stores and business units throughout Metro Manila.
The program bridges a critical employment gap for senior high school graduates and first-time jobseekers who face barriers due to a lack of prior work experience, aligning with SM Foundation’s mission of empowering youth through career development by providing scholarship opportunities.
Beyond retail operations and customer service, the curriculum emphasizes workplace professionalism and values formation to ensure high-quality customer experiences across SM stores.
CORE VALUES IN ACTION. A wall of sticky notes signed by the scholars stands as a collective commitment to integrity, customer experience, and teamwork on the retail floor.
During the ceremony, scholars received certificates of completion and special awards, including the DELITE Champion, Customer Service Star, Future Leader Award, and Attendance Excellence Award.
The event concluded with a Commitment Ceremony, where graduates recited their pledge to uphold dependability, coachability, and service excellence on the retail floor.
Raising their right hands, the batch recites their pledge to remain dependable, coachable, and dedication to excellence in every task.
Reflecting on the journey, scholar speaker Rizlyn Poringuez likened the training to building a solid foundation. “A building does not stand because of what people see on the outside, but because of what is underneath it, solid enough to carry the weight,” she shared.
For fellow graduate Andrea Mae Gallego, the program provided a vital pathway into the workforce. “It was hard to find a job because most employers look for experience. Now, after our training, I feel ready for the professional world,” she said.
For Kyle James Oga, the transformation was personal: “Before entering this program, I doubted myself. Now that I’ve graduated, I have this newfound confidence that I know I can succeed.”
ARAL NGAYON, TRABAHO BUKAS. Holding their newly minted NC II certifications, scholars happily receive the proof of their readiness to launch full-time careers.
SM Retail Mentors and leaders emphasized the sustainable impact of early-career intervention. Maria Teresa Portillo, SM Retail Vice President for Human Resources, encouraged the graduates to serve as catalysts for growth within their teams. “You are the leaven—the element that helps everything rise,” Portillo said, urging them to embrace continuous learning and resilience.
Eleanor Lansang, SM Foundation Vice President for Scholarship Programs, reminded scholars to align their ambitions with the vision of SM’s late founder, Henry Sy, Sr. “Always dare to dream like our founder did, you never know where life takes you as long as you persevere,” Lansang stated. “This is just the beginning of what you can achieve.”
Unifying under their batch chant, the scholars signal their readiness to face store operations with confidence and shared purpose.
BRIGHTER FUTURE AHEAD. The pioneer graduates of Upskill-to-Work Program are now ready to be deployed SM Retail employees, stepping into their new roles and sustainable careers.
