SM scholars excel at top accountancy school in Eastern Visayas
The SM Foundation continues to uplift the youth through its scholarship program, partnering with over 200 schools nationwide.
In Leyte, six partner institutions stand out, with Saint Paul School of Professional Studies (SPSPS) emerging as one of the key contributors to the program's success.
SPSPS, one of the largest Accountancy schools in the Philippines, has become a pivotal platform for SM scholars in the region.
Last school year, 18 SM scholars graduated from SPSPS, with two standout students sharing their transformative experiences.
SM scholar’s launchpad to greater heights
SM Scholar Angelica Ubana, 22, from Ormoc City, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
When she learned that the SPSPS was a partner school of the SM College Scholarship program, "I knew this was my best chance to earn a college degree.” She added that she opted to enroll at SPSPS because of its reputation for producing top Certified Public Accountants (CPA).
SM Scholar Angelica Ubana shares that the scholarship allowed her to study at one of Eastern Visayas’ top-performing accountancy schools.
SM Scholar Knowellyn Marrieh Besario, 22, from Tacloban City, pursued the same program. Coming from a family where her father works as a foreman and her mother manages the household, Besana saw the scholarship as a critical lifeline.
"Aside from studying in one of the best accounting schools in the country, the opportunities from the SM Foundation helped my family reduce the financial burden of my education," she explained.
SM Scholar Knowellyn Marrieh Besario emphasizes that her SM College Scholarship, combined with the comprehensive training she received at Saint Paul’s School of Professional Studies, has equipped her for her future career endeavors.
Rigorous academic approach
Dr. Erwin Vincent Alcala, the school's president, emphasizes a comprehensive approach to education. The accountancy program includes multiple qualifying examinations and integrated review classes, ensuring students are well-prepared for the CPA licensure exam.
“We prepare our students for the outside world. Before graduation we make sure we provide them with training about how it is to be in the world of work–from their professional image management, communication skills, even table manners. We train our students before we graduate them,” Dr. Alcala said.
Broader impact
For the 2024-2025 school year, SM Foundation's scholarship program spans over 200 schools, with roughly 40 schools in Visayas. In Leyte, partner schools include Eastern Visayas State University, Leyte Normal University, and others specializing in various other academic disciplines.
The foundation's targeted approach matches students with institutions best suited to their career aspirations in education, engineering, or accountancy.
As these scholars demonstrate, the SM Foundation is crucial in providing educational opportunities and fostering professional development for students from economically challenged backgrounds.
To learn more about the SM Foundation, visit www.sm-foundation.org.
