The SM Foundation (SMFI) celebrated
the graduation of its 397
scholars from the class of
2023, including 8 summa
cum laude, 72 cum laude,
55 magna cum laude, and
26 academic distinction
awardees.
Held at the SMX
Convention Center in Pasay City, the presentation
of graduates served as
a mark of the significant
milestone in the scholars’
academic journeys and
a testament to their resilience and determination
to uplift their families and
illuminate a path for future
generations.
The inspiring
event was joined by scholars’ families, esteemed
partners, and the SM
Foundation’s heads, including the foundation’s
Executive Director for Education Programs, Carmen Linda Atayde.
In her address,
Atayde emphasized the
transformative power of
education: “Behind these
impressive statistics lie
stories of triumph over
challenges, stories of
dreams pursued against
illuminate a path for future
generations.
The inspiring
event was joined by scholars’ families, esteemed
partners, and the SM
Foundation’s heads, including the foundation’s
Executive Director for Education Programs, Carmen Linda Atayde.
In her address,
Atayde emphasized the
transformative power of
education: “Behind these
impressive statistics lie
stories of triumph over
challenges, stories of
dreams pursued against
Sr., SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy also emphasized the importance
of education as a tool for
social mobility and poverty
alleviation.
“As we stand
here today, let us remember the vision of Tatang,
who believed deeply in
the power of education to
break the shackles of poverty,” she said.
Addressing the
scholars, Sy reminded the
SM scholars of their role
as catalysts for change in
their communities: “You
are the living proof of
the transformative power of education. The SM
Foundation Scholarship
Program’s goal is not just
academic success but to
break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”
“Now, armed with
knowledge, be agents of
social good in your communities. Your journey
doesn’t end here; it’s a
new beginning, and we
can’t wait to witness the
positive impact you’ll create,” she capped.
The SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program, established in 1993,
has provided financial and
holistic support to over
8,000 college and technical-vocational scholars,
empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the
betterment of their families.
This cements the
SM group’s commitment
to social good in the last
40 years, ensuring that
deserving students, especially from low-income
communities, have access
to quality education and
the opportunity to break
the cycle of poverty.
