SM scholar charts path towards success, lands top 5 spot in CPALE
SM Scholar Rica Marbebe did not allow financial hardship to stand in the way of her aspirations. Her dedication and perseverance earned her a top 5 spot in the May 2025 CPA Licensure Examination.
The success of the May 2025 CPA Licensure Examination top five, Rica Marbebe, is an achievement reached after a steep and difficult climb.
Rica grew up in a loving yet financially challenged household. Her father worked at a motorcycle parts shop, while her mother stayed home to attend to her sibling, who required special care. With only a small sari-sari store to augment income, the family often fell short of covering essential needs.
In 2019, a family emergency showed her the full weight of their financial hardship. Her younger sibling suddenly collapsed. With no money and no way to get to a hospital, Rica could only watch as her family scrambled for help. That moment of helplessness became a turning point.
She turned fear into resolve. She knew that breaking free from their situation would require more than hope—it would take relentless effort and a clear purpose.
“Bawat hakbang ko po ay na-realize ko po na kung hindi po ako magpapatuloy sa aking paglalakad, hindi po ako makakarating kung saan ko gustong pumunta. Kaya po nagpupursigi po ako kasi gusto ko po ng magandang buhay hindi lang po para sa akin kundi para na rin po sa aking pamilya,” she shared.
Determined to change her family's situation, she set her eyes on education. She applied for and was accepted into the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program, which she describes as the "start of breaking the cycle of poverty" in their family.
Rica credits her success to the support of her family and draws strength from her parents and her brother, whose condition continues to inspire her pursuit of a better life.
The SM scholarship covered Rica’s tuition, books, and allowances, lifting a huge weight off her family’s shoulders. With financial worries eased, she was able to focus fully on her studies, push her limits, and face challenges with resilience.
During the pandemic, she initially attended online classes using only a cellphone in a low-signal area. It wasn’t ideal, but she didn’t let it hold her back. “It was hard, but I couldn’t let it be a reason to give up,” she said. “I told myself, this isn’t ideal—but I have to make it work. I couldn’t let my circumstances decide my future.”
Things improved when she received a tablet through the partnership between Mastercard and the SM Group. But for Rica, the scholarship meant more than just financial support or gadgets. It opened doors to mentorship, networking events, and a strong community of fellow SM scholars and alumni. These opportunities helped shape her confidence and sharpen her professional mindset.
“For me, a fulfilling college life means having the freedom to chase my passion and grow into the person I’m meant to be—not just in academics, but in every part of my life,” she shared. “The SM Foundation scholarship made that possible. It lifted the financial burden and opened doors I never thought I could walk through.”
Marbebe (front row, fourth from left) joins her fellow scholars during a general assembly for General Santos City and Davao City-based SM Scholars at SM Lanang Premier.
“The scholarship gave me peace of mind and a sense of security, which made a big difference in my mental well-being,” she said. “Knowing I had that support kept me motivated to pursue my academic goals. It also gave me the freedom to grow beyond the classroom—to join organizations, volunteer, and explore other experiences that helped shape who I am today,” she added.
An SM scholar, Marbebe earned a Summa Cum Laude degree in Accountancy from the University of Mindanao–Davao City and ranked fifth in the May 2025 CPA Licensure Exam.
Marbebe finished Accountancy with Summa Cum Laude distinction from the University of Mindanao-Davao City campus. Hard work continued to pay off for the SM scholar as she placed fifth in the May 2025 CPALE.
As she pursues an exciting career ahead, she shares that the scholarship still paves the way for networking opportunities, particularly during the SM Foundation General Assembly and the Presentation of SM Graduates, where she met fellow scholars who shared the same passion and whose backgrounds and life stories inspired her.
Through this, several SMFI alumni, who are also CPAs, have reached out to her, offering meaningful advice and even extending job opportunities. This, she shares, is an incredible launchpad as she begins her career as a newly licensed CPA.
Beyond the academic accolades, Rica now aspires to pay it forward. As a newly licensed CPA, she hopes to help others rise through education just as she did.
"When I reach a point where I can help others, I will share my blessings and inspire them with my success stories. This plan reflects the core values of SM Foundation and its commitment to serving the community. They have changed the story of one family, creating ripple effects that contribute to alleviating poverty in our country through education," she capped.
In addition to Marbebe, the SM Foundation proudly recognizes 34 other SM scholars who passed the CPA Licensure Examination, six who passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (Elementary and Secondary levels), 11 who cleared the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination, and two who earned their licenses in Electrical Engineering this year.
