The challenges brought by the pandemic did not hinder the graduates of the SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) Scholarship Program for 2020 and 2021 from achieving their goal of finishing their college education.

In “Stand With Grit,” a virtual presentation of graduates held last May 26, 2021, the passion and perseverance of these scholar-graduates from different regions in the country were celebrated as well as the goodness of Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr. whose legacy continue to live on through the social good initiatives of SMFI.

SMFI Assistant Vice President for Education Ms. Eleanor “Lingling” Lansang expressed her appreciation for the strength of character that the graduates have displayed amidst the challenges of college life and other problems they may have faced along the way. “For your courage and determination, we are proud of you, our dear SM scholars,” she said.

Through an inspiring speech, BDO Foundation President and keynote speaker Mr. Mario Deriquito encouraged the scholar-graduates to aspire for more grit and excellence as they take the next step in their lives and join the workforce. He also shared his own journey – from his humble beginnings as a scholar to being able to do his life’s calling of working alongside NGOs, corporate foundations, and the like.

Scholar-graduates were able to show their gratitude to SMFI, the Sy family, and their partner benefactors through a heartwarming video presentation. Key graduates Rosemarie Lacsamana from the Holy Angel University and Mark Jiro Raciles from the University of the Philippines – Diliman also recalled their experience as an SM scholar and how greatly it impacted their lives in a positive way.

“Ang pinakamahalang bagay na naibigay po sakin ng SM Foundation at ng Sy family is yung gift of education. Magiging proud ako lagi na sasabihin kong SM scholar ako,” said Lacsamana.

A total of 219 scholar graduates for 2020 and 2021 were recognized in the event, 38 of whom graduated with honors/distinction (9 Magna Cum Laude, 25 Cum Laude and 4 with Academic Distinction).

SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program aims to contribute in eradicating the intergenerational cycle of poverty in the country by giving scholarship grants to poor but deserving students. Anchored on the belief of SM Group late founder, Henry Sy Sr, that education is the greatest equalizer, it has already produced almost 7,600 college and tech-voc scholar-graduates since its establishment in 1993.