Partners in progress: SM Foundation, WMSU collaborate to uplift deserving college students

 

SM Foundation hosts events to strengthen SM scholars network, cultivate a balanced student life, connect with peers, foster lasting relationships, and share knowledge and support with one another. IN PHOTO: Students from Mindanao join a General Assembly for students in Mindanao

SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, is expanding its initiatives to provide greater access to education for deserving students. Continuing the vision of its founder, Henry Sy Sr., who championed community upliftment through education, the foundation continues to grow its scholarship program as a means to drive sustainable development. 

This mission is reflected in the foundation's increasing presence in key regions like the Zamboanga Peninsula, where it partners with leading universities to foster academic excellence and cultivate future industry leaders.

One of its partners is Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), a leading educational institution in Southern Philippines. 

WMSU has been providing quality education since its establishment as a secondary school in 1904. It has evolved into a recognized center of academic excellence, offering 91 programs across 17 colleges, including postgraduate studies. The university has earned high marks, including a 3-Star rating from Quacquarelli Symonds and recognition as one of the Top 42 universities globally in the 2024 World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings, in the Industrial Application and Student Mobility and Openness categories.

WMSU President Ma. Carla Ochotorena emphasized the university’s commitment to creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters world-class professionals who are dedicated to sustainable development and peace. 

Ochotorena highlighted that the SM scholars enrolled at WMSU are excelling in their studies and contributing to campus life, some even demonstrating strong leadership abilities. Moreover, several SM scholar-graduates are now supporting their families and have thriving careers.

Success of WMSU scholars

One such success story is that of Shernalyn Jacinto, a 25-year-old alumna from WMSU. Coming from a humble background—her father is a pedicab driver and mason—Shernalyn's dream of becoming a teacher was fueled by a deep passion for education. 

SM scholar Shernalyn Jacinto, an alumna of WMSU

Despite financial struggles, she found hope in the SM Scholarship. Shernalyn shared, "The SM scholarship was the blessing I prayed for. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies." She is now a graduate of a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Social Studies and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Education. 

Shernalyn’s story resonates with current SM scholars in WMSU like Chris Stephen Fabile, Hajiron Saniddan, and Rhodzcarl Amman, who are all pursuing degrees in education. Each of them shares a strong desire to teach, driven by a commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Chris Stephen, originally interested in engineering, chose education because of its affordability and vast opportunities. Rhodzcarl, coming from a family of teachers, was encouraged by his mother to pursue the same path.

SM scholar Glennea Marie Tagle, a civil engineering student from WMSU

Another inspiring SM scholar, 18-year-old Glennea Marie Tagle from Zamboanga Sibugay, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Glennea's dream is to improve infrastructure and provide safer travel for communities, particularly by constructing roads to reach remote areas.

“I chose Civil Engineering because I recognize the significant impact civil engineers have on the community. I aspire to construct roads to reach remote areas and improve urban mobility for safer travel. Moreover, it has always been my dream to someday build a home for my family using my skills and knowledge. This dream, nurtured by my family’s unwavering support, has grown stronger over time and continues to drive my aspirations,” the SM scholar said.  

Through the SM College Scholarship Program, the foundation will continue to partner with leading schools to equip students with the education and skills to help them make significant contributions to their respective fields and communities.

Visit https://www.sm-foundation.org/what_we_do/college-scholarship-program/ or follow @SMFoundationInc for more information.