Tatang and his scholars

SM Foundation’s outstanding scholars were given recognition last June 28 at the SMX convention center.

The scholars shared this life-changing moment with Henry Sy Sr. or as they call him, 'Tatang'. Sy is known as the father of modern Philippine retail, as he founded SM supermalls. The scholars, along with the employees and communities that SM Foundation supports, see Tatang not only as a provider but as a father figure as well, who treats them as if they're members of his own family.

SM Foundation’s outstanding scholars were given recognition last June 28 at the SMX convention center.

One of SM foundation’s way to achieve sustainable growth is to focus on four areas namely education, livelihood, environmental sustainability, and health and well-being.

Through their different foundations and CSRs that help citizens in these areas of sustainability, the SM group does not only grow its business but is also able to give back to the community as well.

According to Engr. Chito Macapagal, SM Foundation’s board of trustee, education is one of the main factors in growing sustainably.

“We want to grow in a way that the education we have is introduced to citizens with the help of the foundation’s scholarship program for college and technical vocational programs.” he says.

For years, SM Foundation has already helped numerous scholars and their families through this program. This year’s presentation had the most graduates since the program started.

Out of the 256 scholars, five graduated summa cum laude. At the same time, there were 19 magna cum laude and 39 cum laude graduates.

Oliver Sauler shared how SM Foundation greatly helped his journey through college.“Malaki po (‘yung tulong) kasi siyempre, ang hirap na nga mag-aral, ang hirap pa hugutin ‘yung pang araw-araw mong baon, pang project, at saka yung tuition. Pero ‘yun, dahil sa scholarship, ang dali po. Parang gumaan po yung mabibigat na bagay as I got through college. They provided for the finances and sa annual gatherings namin sobrang daming natulong ng SM,” he says.

Oliver’s dad had already passed away while his mom, a housewife, was with him during the ceremony. SM Foundation’s scholarship program became his only means to get through college.“Proud na proud [ako], kasi siya lang ang nakagraduate ng [college] tapos laude naman. Laking pasasalamat ko po (sa SM). Kung wala sila, wala rin siya dito,” his mom tearfully noted.

Not only does SM Foundation take care of the scholars’ tuition fees, they also provide them opportunities, which help them earn at the same time.

Reshelle Abad, also a cum laude graduate with a degree in BS Accountancy at the Cavite State University noted, "Para sakin, isa sa benefits yung pwede kang mag-summer job (in SM stores) kung san po malapit sa inyo, tapos yun po may nakukuha kami na kahit konti po na sahod tapos pandagdag na rin po sa allowance."

The opportunities for SM Foundation’s scholars are endless, as some of them have already landed a job or are being offered positions in the different departments of SM and their partner companies.