Made It Through Mum

Students from Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela can look forward to a brighter future as SM Foundation invites incoming college freshmen to apply for the SM College Scholarship Program for School Year 2026-2027 via online until February 28, 2026. To qualify, applicants must be Grade 12 graduates from public high schools, as well as private school graduates who are Department of Education (DepEd) voucher recipients, or an Alternative Learning System (ALS) completer. Applicants must have a general weighted average of at least 92 percent (or its equivalent) in the first semester and a total annual household income not exceeding Php250,000. The program covers the following fields of study: Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, and Electronics), Education (Elementary and Secondary); Accountancy, Digital Marketing, Internal Auditing, Financial Management, among others. Meanwhile, Architecture and Nursing are available only at...

The synergy behind SM's disaster response SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Bulacan and CAMANAVA, Ana Datu, an SM employee-volunteer, delivers immediate relief to a resident impacted by flooding. In a country visited by an average of 20 typhoons a year and prone to earthquakes, communities across the Philippines often face the daunting task of having to rebuild lives overnight. During these moments, collaboration becomes a lifeline, especially for thousands of Filipinos whose lives have been upended by disasters. For the SM Group, helping communities get back on their feet is more than just a responsibility: it is a shared commitment woven into its culture of service. At the heart of this mission is Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), SM Foundation’s disaster response initiative. Carried out through close coordination among SM Foundation, SM Markets, and SM Supermalls, OPTE brings together dedicated volunteer teams united by a shared commitment to serve those in need. SM Mark...

Teaching surpasses the realms of jobs or professions–it encompasses service, vocation, and life mission.  Proving this day and night are millions of Filipino teachers who stand as second mothers to students. One of them is Rosalie Macaspac, an SM scholar alumna who chose to pursue a career in Special Education (SPED). Life’s work Choosing to teach, especially pursue SPED, is a path less travelled. Out of over 800,000 public school teachers, only about 4,000 are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who took the path. For 21 years now, the SM scholar alumna has dedicated her life to teaching SPED students. She wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners. Rosalie Macaspac (left) interprets the contents of the program for her students. With much dedication and determination to have the right skills for her students, she pursued graduate studies in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National Universit...

Stability is the foundation of a well-lived life. With basic needs fulfilled, people have the opportunity to develop themselves, explore various facets of life, and contribute to the welfare of the community. When aspiring youth, especially those from low-income households, are given the chance to stand on solid ground, they readily take the chance. They utilize it as a seedbed where they can cultivate their dreams and aspirations. One testament to this is SM scholar alumna Jonnah Jane Sacamay, who grew up in a family where stability seemed like an uncharted territory. Years back, Jonnah’s family’s main source of living was flower farming. This made them walk on a thin line as the demand for flowers was seasonal, and they were also often affected by unpredictable weather disturbances.  But while they had journeyed through life with uncertainty, they had always planted in her mind the power of education. “Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not sta...

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Türkiye and northwest Syria has created an urgent humanitarian crisis. The disaster was followed by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, hitting southern Turkiye, which led to additional casualties and damages. It drawed relief and aid workers from around the world. And to help victims of the catastrophic earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) sent aid through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) last February 27, 2023. SMFI’s Connie Angeles hands the donation to PRC chairperson Dick Gordon (third from left). Joining the turnover are PRC Governor Ernesto Isla and PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang. PRC volunteers prepare to ship 200 units of gasoline generators donated by SM Foundation for quake-hit Türkiye and Syria. Represented by SM Foundation Health and Medical Programs Executive Director Connie Angeles, SMFI handed 200 units of gasoline generators to PRC to provide power to the quake-stricken Türkiye and Syria. Additionally, the ...

SM school building in Sorsogon City More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills. Adamant to provide students with venues where they can fully hone their skills and knowledge, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group—cemented its partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program. Through this, SMFI builds SM school buildings in grassroot communities, complete with basic furniture and equipment. More so, SMFI integrates specialized features to each SM school building to address the unique needs of their school recipients—some received rooms dedicated as a guidance office, a clinic, a mini-library, and some even got a water t...