Endless ripples of positive change

For over three decades, the SM Foundation has been empowering countless aspiring youth through its scholarship program. What began as a vision of SM Group founder Henry Sy, Sr. to uplift communities through education has now grown into a powerful force for positive change.Nurtured by the SM Foundation's commitment to both academic excellence and personal growth, its scholars are driven by a deep sense of purpose. They do not only excel in their studies but also actively seek to uplift their families and communities.A former SM Scholar,now multihyphenate woman-in-tech SM Scholar Darmae Tan, raised in a bustling urban poor community in Cebu, dreamt of a better life for herself and her family. Despite financial challenges, she excelled academically, attending a private Catholic elementary school through a full tuition waiver and later gaining admission to a national science high school. Inspired by Mr. Henry Sy Sr., former SM Scholar and now an Airforce Pilot Maj. Edjil Lopez teaches the next generation of pilots.Her strong will led her to the SM Foundation College Scholarship program despite the societal pressures surrounding women pursuing higher education at that time. This supported her education at the University of the Philippines Cebu. Free from the burden of working while studying, she could fully engage in co-curricular activities, honing her skills and developing her leadership potential."My success would not have been possible without the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program. My experience as a recipient of this scholarship shaped my personal and professional values and instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. This has been a driving force in my endeavors after graduating college. Today, Darmae is a successful technopreneur. She co-founded MYT SoftDev Solutions, a software solutions company focused on Filipino talent and innovation. The company establishedd MYT Foundation, which financially supports high school and college scholars, as well as student-athletes. She also manages ErrandBoy.Ph, a courier service established during the pandemic to empower displaced workers. "Aside from my entrepreneurial work, I am also a lecturer with UP Cebu, teaching Software Engineering and Management of Information Systems courses. I continue to be passionate about the pursuit of knowledge and the value of education and created an internship program in my company called Module Zero, to mentor younger generations who want to start a career or business in IT," she shared.A former SM Scholar, now an Airforce PilotComing from a humble background, a college degree seemed out of reach for Edjil Lopez. However, the scholarship program became his "wings," allowing him to pursue his dream of finishing college and pursuing other endeavors such as becoming a pilot in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).Edjil's time as an SM scholar provided the financial stability and focus he needed to excel in his studies and personal development. His scholarship instilled in him the values of perseverance, resilience, and commitment to excellence, which continue to shape his approach to life and service. Today, Edjil serves as an Instructor Pilot at the Philippine Air Force Flying School. He finds immense fulfillment in shaping future pilots by imparting technical skills and character traits needed to navigate a challenging career."This process of mentorship feels like a natural extension of my duty to serve. It's as if all my experiences–from my humble beginnings as an SM scholar to my missions as a military pilot–have converged to this point. My journey has allowed me to give back in one of the most meaningful ways possible and helped me ensure that the values and dedication that defined my path to success will continue to soar with each new generation of pilots," he shared. SM Foundation continually paves the way for aspiring youth through its education program, welcoming each year's graduates as they embark on new futures for themselves and their families while becoming agents of change in their communities. This year, the foundation proudly introduces a new class of graduates ready to build brighter futures and drive positive change in their communities—just like Darmae and Edjil.From scholars to changemakersReinforcing its mission to provide a launchpad towards scholars' success, the SM Foundation opens career pathways within the SM Group for its scholar-alumni. Through dedicated job fairs coinciding with annual graduation ceremonies and active recruitment via digital platforms, SM scholars can explore employment opportunities across the organization's diverse portfolio.Such is the journey of SM scholars-turned-SM employees Allen Bermejo, Cherry Antonio, Roma Hierro, and Michael Lumahan.Full-circle momentBermejo was a cum laude graduate from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila with a degree in Accountancy. She is grateful for being able to finish her dream course at her preferred university through her scholarship.Right after graduation, she learned about the job opportunity at SM Foundation. Without haste, she applied: "In my first week, I started processing tuition fees and allowances for the scholars. It was a lot of work, but I knew how important this role was in ensuring that the scholars could focus on their studies without financial worries. It felt fulfilling to know that someone had done this for me before—and now, I get to play a crucial part in supporting the next generation of scholars on their educational journey."Another answered prayerCherry Antonio is a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting graduate from the Batangas State University-JPLPC Malvar Campus."The job opportunity at SM Foundation, like my scholarship, was an answered prayer. I have always wanted to be part of the SM Foundation as it was an opportunity to be a part of an organization that spreads social good," Antonio said, adding that it was also a chance to give back to the Foundation that helped make her dreams a reality.Her career at SM has enabled her to step outside her comfort zone and embrace personal and professional development."I am happy, and I enjoy my work. I have this eagerness to stay on top of my tasks because I know it's for social good and many future scholars and other beneficiaries will benefit from the work that we do," she said.Giving backWith seven years of working experience at SM Foundation, SM scholar-turned-SM Foundation program supervisor Roma Hierro graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Mathematics.Hierro volunteered to assist in sorting files at the Foundation when an SMFI employee mentioned a job opening, prompting her to submit an application.She was interviewed by Connie Angeles, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health & Medical Programs. Angeles recalled, "She was very enthusiastic to join the SM Foundation." According to Hierro, the Foundation keeps paving new opportunities for her—from her first airplane ride to now taking on greater responsibilities. She currently spearheads the rollout of the digitization program of the Health & Medical team."I am happy that the company that gave me a brighter future through the SM scholarship is now my employer. I'm proud to be doing meaningful work, helping communities, especially in the areas of health and wellness. It's fulfilling to see how our efforts in digitization are spreading social good, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for those who need it most," she shared.Changing livesA teammate of Hierro is Michael Lumahan, another SM Scholar, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Main campus.A 2023 graduate, Lumahan plays a key role in coordinating the foundation's medical missions. He applies his academic training directly in his work, finding deep purpose in program implementation and community impact."Working directly in the field and collaborating with various stakeholders to organize medical missions and establish health centers bring a unique sense of fulfillment, knowing our efforts make an immediate positive impact on the health of vulnerable communities," he shared."Like my colleagues, I am dedicated to applying my academic training and upholding excellence in every aspect of our work—from distributing medicines and mission planning to engaging with stakeholders. My experience as a scholar has instilled in me the understanding that every program we implement has the power to change lives," he added.