For many Filipinos, getting a college degree is seen as one of the best ways to break the chains of poverty. However, many families cannot carry the financial burden studying in a college or university entails.
Scholarships aim to address this concern, with organizations shouldering the cost of studying for their chosen scholars with the goal of giving them the opportunity to build a better future for them and their family.
The SM Foundation has been a constant pillar of support for less financially capable students since it first offered scholarship programs in 1993. Now on its 30th year, the Foundation welcomed 417 new scholars for its latest batch during the scholarship awarding held last September 2.
SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Carmen Linda Atayde shared that the scholarship program is more than just financial support for its beneficiaries. The foundation also aims to give the students a holistic learning experience to mold them into better individuals.
“In fulfilment of Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s vision to empower the marginalized youth through education, SM Foundation goes beyond providing financial assistance for higher education.
During the tenure of their scholarship, they will be given the opportunity to observe at close range SM core values put into practice by the SM Group of Companies,” Atayde said.
“SM Foundation’s scholarship program conducts activities for the scholar’s development such as general assemblies, Christmas gatherings, recollections, opening employment opportunities during summer and Christmas breaks, exposing them to apprenticeship training conducted by the SM companies, and holding the much-awaited presentation of graduates back-to-back with hosting a job offering event where SM companies can offer jobs to SM scholar-graduates,” she added.
The awarding ceremony also shared snippets of the daily lives of some of the SM scholars.
Jhoanna Dungca is currently taking up a degree in Electrical Engineering at the National University. Historically a male-dominated field, Dungca hopes that by building a career in this industry, she can break free not just from poverty, but also gender barriers.
“I was inspired to take up electrical engineering because of my uncles who were electricians. For me, gender is not an obstacle in pursuing my dream. Whether male or female, you can always show your capability and determination and prove that you can reach your dreams,” Dungca shared.
“I want to thank everyone who helped and supported us in this journey. Thank you for investing in our future and we promise to show that we are deserving of your help,” she added.
In an ideal world, the lack of financial capability should not be a hindrance in pursuing a higher education. However, reality is rarely that kind.
Scholarship programs have allowed less fortunate students to go for their dreams. The SM Foundation continues to give deserving students a chance to build a better future ahead and as the new beneficiaries were awarded their scholarships, the future is indeed limitless for them.
