SCHOLARS. Recipients of SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) scholarship grant from Palawan fill up their forms at SM City Puerto Princesa Friday (April 27, 2018) . (Photo courtesy of SM)
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Nine students from Palawan province are among the 500 recipients of college scholarship grants opened by retail giant SM for the first batch of K to 12 graduates.
SM, in a statement released by SM City Puerto Princesa’s public relations officer Russel Fernandez, said the scholarships were simultaneously awarded to the 500 senior high school graduates nationwide.
“Most of this year’s chosen scholars, who belong to the first batch of K to 12 graduates, are children of vendors, tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, farmers, fishermen, laborers or unemployed parents,” the statement said.
It said that of the total recipients of the scholarship grants, 200 students are from the National Capital Region, and 300 are from the provinces, including nine from Palawan.
“These scholars all passed the screening process that involved a written examination, a face-to-face interview, and background validation. Most of them graduated with high honors,” the SM statement said.
Each scholar will enjoy full tuition and miscellaneous fees, monthly allowances, activities that will develop their character, and opportunities to work at The SM Store during their summer and Christmas breaks.
“(The) awarding of SM Scholarships, a gift from SM thru the SM Foundation, is a testament to our commitment to uplift the lives of our surrounding communities. Mr. Henry Sy Sr., our founder strongly believes that poverty should never be a hindrance to good education,” said in the statement released by Maidja Saliente, mall manager of SM City Puerto Princesa.
The SM College Scholarship program started with the vision of SM patriarch, Henry Sy Sr., to send one child from a less fortunate family to college. After graduation, this child should send one sibling to school and should be able to provide a better future for the family.
Starting with only 100 scholars in 1993, the SM Scholarship Program has produced 3,000 graduates to date.
Now on its 25th year, the Foundation continues to provide poor but deserving students a chance for a better future through higher education. Currently, there are 1,000 SM Scholars enrolled in the Foundation’s 110 partner colleges and universities nationwide. (SM Foundation PR)
