Since typhoon Yolanda struck the Visayas region in 2013, national government agencies, local government units, communities, the international community, and the private sector have been working together to meet immediate post-disaster needs in the area.
The country’s largest conglomerates renewed their commitment to work together to aid victims of one of the strongest storms ever to make landfall in recorded history – and SM is one of them.
Aside from immediate disaster relief, medical care, rehabilitation of hospitals and medical facilities, farmer’s training, construction of school buildings and provision of disaster resilient houses to those who were affected, SM, through SM Foundation (SMFI) also empowered the people of the Visayas region through the gift of college education.
Eight years after the onslaught of Yolanda, SM’s college scholars already graduated and are now employed and are now changing the economic status of their families.
One of the “Yolanda scholars” is Glenn Paul Embodo, the son of a tricycle driver and food vendor. He graduated cum laude with a double degree: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology from the Saint Paul School of Professional Studies in Tacloban City.
According to him, he and his family are grateful for the opportunity to become an SM Scholar. “I thank God for the scholarship grant, for giving me the opportunity to become Tatang’s scholar. God knows how thankful I am to the Sy Family. It enabled me to change our life, for our family to rise after the turmoil that Yolanda brought upon us”
Embodo currently works with BDO and is now a tax associate.
Lady Alpha Mae A. Fermano, another Yolanda scholar, would never forget travelling to Manila for the SM scholars’ graduation. “I could still remember how excited I was in packing my things and the happiness I felt when my feet first landed on NAIA. It was surreal for a first timer like me,” she shared.
The SM scholarship not only gave her the college education she needed, it also taught her lessons that she now applies as an educator. As a teacher she has encountered students with different personalities, each with a unique story to share.
Working as an Accounting Assistant at Sanford Marketing Corporation for almost two years, Jececa Tacuyo is very much happy to be part of the SM group. “To be an employee of this corporation is my way of giving thanks to Tatang after all the help he gave me,” she said.
When school year began in June 2014, she was still unsure whether she will be accepted as an SM scholar. Nevertheless, she decided to enroll at Saint Paul School of Professional Studies (SPSPPS) for a degree in Accountancy
Currently, Tacuyo is supporting her sister’s education and is currently helping address the financial needs of her family. “I will always be thankful to Tatang and to SM Foundation for the opportunity that I received and for making me who I am now. SM is very instrumental in helping me and my family see a ray of light after the Yolanda disaster”
