Witnessing people helping people, whether through small acts of kindness or significant initiatives, is always inspiring. These acts of social good can inspire individuals and groups to make a conscious effort to create opportunities and support for others to achieve their goals.
Over four decades back, Mr. Henry “Tatang” Sy. Sr, the founder of the SM group did just this. He established the SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) as the socio-civic arm of the SM group to nurture and care for vulnerable communities where SM is present.
Since then, SMFI has been a vehicle that helps pursue the advocacies of SM–from education, health, and wellness, to disaster response, shelter, farmer’s training, environmental programs, and care for persons with special needs.
Unlocking opportunities through education
In 1993, a decade after the establishment of SMFI, the first group of SM Scholars was accepted into the SM College Scholarship Program. As the flagship program of the foundation, it was envisioned by Tatang as a way for scholar-graduates to not only further their own education but also to support their siblings in pursuing higher education and lifting their family’s quality of life.
To date, the scholarship program has helped over 3,500 financially challenged youth access education to attain their dreams. One of the many is Engr. Caleb Bañares, who is now embodying the vision and wisdom of Sy–a scholar helping his family and siblings’ education.
As an SM scholar, he had the opportunity to work part-time during school breaks. These experiences turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences of his life.
“It was a humbling experience that opened my eyes to the reality of life after graduation. I learned to appreciate the value of hard work, patience, and perseverance. I also discovered that no matter how challenging a situation may be, there is always a way to solve it with a positive attitude and willingness to learn,” he said.
Through the scholarship program, he achieved his academic pursuits and gained the skills needed to navigate the challenges in his professional career while giving back to his family and community. It also gave him the confidence to work in Japan as an Instrument Engineer.
“I remember this quote from Tatang: ‘You have to have a dream, whether big or small. Then plan, focus, work hard, and be very determined to achieve your goals.’ It has been a guiding light for me since graduation as I work towards achieving my dreams. By setting it as a dream, I made it happen by planning, working hard with fervor, and determination like no other, just as Tatang said it,” he shared.
While pursuing this, he is also a mentor and life coach to give back and enable others to unleash their full potential. Determined, he sees himself as a successful Engineer, a multi-millionaire, and a CEO of his own companies.
Following in the footsteps of Bañares are Maria Rica Garcia and Nathalie Ortillo, who are among the current crop of SM scholars from Panay Island and Negros Occidental, respectively.
Rica is now enrolled at the Capiz State University – Roxas City Campus.
Through her scholarship, she was able to pursue her dream of becoming an accountant and relieve her parents of the financial burden to provide for her schooling. This opportunity also opened her eyes to the value of giving back to the community.
“Receiving the SM Scholarship has been a life-changing experience that has taught me that nothing worth having comes easy. I have learned that success in higher education is not simply achieved by chance or natural talent but by the willingness to put in the hard work and dedication required to excel. Through the scholarship program, I have been given the opportunity to pursue my academic aspirations without financial constraints,” she said.
“I have also realized the immense impact that even small acts of kindness can have on the lives of others. With this, I would also make a commitment that I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals and use my education and skills to create a positive change in the world,” she added.
Rica’s fellow scholar, Nathalie Ortillo is enrolled at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos.
While Nathalie was offered scholarships by different organizations, she knew that becoming an SM scholar would be the best choice. And she has proven that she made the right decision when she shifted from the Civil Engineering program to Accountancy: “The moment I considered shifting from Civil Engineering to Accountancy, the foundation was there to support me. Now that I am thriving to make them proud, they are still there to guide me.”
Beyond the support from SMFI, she also found lifelong friendships with her fellow scholars, who she met while working part-time at the SM Store during her school break.
With the unwavering support from her SMFI family, she is determined to work to become an accountant-lawyer.
