SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), together with SM Foundation (SMFI), Don Bosco One TVET Phils. Inc., and the city government of Pasay recently welcomed 20 deserving scholars to the SM-Pasay Technical-Vocational Scholarship Program via an online conferencing platform.
The said scholars—all came from financially challenged families residing in Pasay City— underwent a tedious screening and selection process. They were awarded a full tech-voc scholarship, covering tuition fees, monthly allowance, and various enrichment activities.
The 15-month training is composed of 10 months in-campus academic learning and five months On-the-Job Training (OJT) for the following tech-voc courses:
- Automotive Servicing NC I;
- Electrical Installation & Maintenance NC II;
- Machining NC II;
- Mechatronics Servicing NC II;
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II; and
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning NC II.
During the event, SM Prime AVP for Public Relations Rida Reyes formally welcomed the scholars, as well as their parents, to the program.
“Alam niyo po ba yung kasabihang daig ng maagap ang masipag [Remember the saying the quick is better than the industrious]? In this case, ito pong 20 scholars na kasama natin ngayong hapon na ito ay mga maagap. Dahil hindi ninyo pinalampas ang opportunity na makapag-aral upang ma-improve ninyo ang inyong mga sarili. At dahil diyan, proud kaming lahat sa inyo [Inthis case, these 20 scholars with us this afternoon are the quick ones. Since you did not waste the opportunity to study and improve yourselves. And because of that we are so proud of you],” Reyes said.
“Ang programang ito po ay bahagi ng social development plan sa pagitan ng [This program is part of the social development plan between the] Pasay LGU and SM with the aim of partnering in social development programs that will benefit the host community and the residents of Pasay City,” she added.
Reyes further highlighted that the success of the program lies on the collaboration not just between SM and its partners, but also with the scholars: “The success of a project lies in the commitment of every one who takes part in it. Let us all work together for a better tomorrow.”
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, through a video message, said, “This program is a very important step in raising the standard of living of our scholars, especially in this time of the pandemic. Demand for technical-vocational skills is on the rise and for that matter, many are looking for opportunities to gain skills in this area.”
SM Prime SVP Atty. Fred Mison gave an insightful thought for the scholars: “Everyone starts with a dream. This is the one thing which we all share. And in any field, a dream will only be fulfilled if there is industry, dedication, and prayers.”
SMFI AVP for Education Program Eleanor Lansang discussed about the benefits of being an SM scholar, while Don Bosco External Relations Officer Carlo Sigua informed the scholars about the school policy and class schedules.
A STEP CLOSER TO HIS DREAMS
Ryan Nofiez, one of the new tech-voc scholars, expressed his gratitude to SM, Pasay LGU, and their partners for this opportunity through a video message. Nofiez—the seventh child among the 13 siblings—lives inside a cemetery in Pasay. His father is a construction worker, while his mother is a cemetery caretaker. Set to take a course in Automotive, Nofiez sees this opportunity as his ticket to a more stable and comfortable life, where he’ll be capable of helping his family as well.
SM Foundation, through its Scholarship program, provides deserving and qualified students with access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993. To date, SMFI has produced more than 7,600 college and tech-voc scholar-graduates nationwide.
