SM scholar alumna joins team of COVID-19 frontliners

Share

An SM pride, SM Foundation’s (SMFI) scholar alumna, Air Force Lt. Danzel Bacaycay is spreading  social good. She leads a team of frontliners manning the quarantine control points in Makati, in addition to her tasks as the Chief of Public Affairs and Special Disbursing Officer of the Air Mobility Command at the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Air Force 1st Lt. Danzel Bacaycay led SMFI’s donation of PPEs and medical supplies at Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City

Danzel finished BS Accountancy at the Asia Pacific College in 2011. She takes pride in her SM scholarship which she said, taught her the values of perseverance, hard work, and planning ahead to achieve one’s dreams.

After finishing her tertiary education, and with her family’s support, she then pursued a career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to become an Air Force officer. According to Danzel, “At first, it was my dream to be a Certified Public Accountant, but then I realized what I really wanted to be—which is to be able to serve the country and the Filipino people. And I thought the way of realizing this dream is by joining the AFP.”

Lt. Danzel Bacaycay tells jeepney passengers to maintain social distancing

Danzel entered the military service on Aug. 1, 2012 and graduated the PAF Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an officer on Oct. 11, 2013.

“In the Air Force, we have an opportunity to have a career. To move up and be promoted to the next higher rank, one must take and pass the Professional Military Education, and also specialization courses. These include written and physical fitness tests which all require perseverance. Having the values of an SM Scholar helped me achieve my goals in my military career,” she highlighted.

In active duty at a checkpoint in Makati, Air Force Lt. Danzel Bacaycay leads the Air Force team

She has always been in touch with the SM Foundation team even after finishing college, thus she was able to facilitate the donation of SMFI composed of personal protective equipment and medical supplies to frontliners in BGen Benito N. Ebuen Air Base Hospital and nearby communities in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

“In the battle to fight COVID-19, I cannot say that I am not worried. But I am not afraid because I have God with me as my shield. No virus is stronger than our almighty God. Whatever happens, I will consider it as His will,” she ended.

Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.

Table of contents [hide]

Read More

Beyond financial assistance: SCG scholars find purpose in giving back

VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — For some students, a scholarship is the difference between continuing their education and having to put their aspirations on hold. For others, it becomes a reminder that the...

World Pet Expo 2026 returns packed with more experiences this September

VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | Manila, Philippines—Following a successful inaugural run that brought together thousands of pet lovers and their beloved companions, World Pet Expo (WPE) returns for its highly anticipated second edition...

Vitafoods Asia 2026 strengthens Thailand’s position as Asia’s leading health and nutrition hub

VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | Bangkok, Thailand — Global demand for dietary supplements and health-focused products is accelerating as Preventive Healthcare, Healthy Ageing, and Longevity reshape consumer priorities. As people increasingly take a proactive approach...

Shell Pilipinas and Yanson Group reaffirm fuel supply agreement for the second half of 2026

VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | Manila, Philippines (September 2026) — Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Yanson Group of Bus Companies have renewed their fuel supply agreement for the second half of 2026, extending...