SM Foundation recognized 218 college scholar graduates from Batch 2024 during a ceremony at SMX Convention Center Manila.
Of the total graduates, 63 finished with honors: three summa cum laude, 29 magna cum laude, 27 cum laude, and four with academic distinction.
These scholars began their college education in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, completing their degrees despite the challenges of remote learning.
“You faced one of the most challenging periods in recent history, yet you persevered with resilience and determination,” SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy said in her message. “Your achievements are not just individual successes; they are powerful symbols of hope and strength for your families and communities.”
Sy also emphasized that education remains key to breaking the cycle of poverty, encouraging the graduates to help uplift their communities. She also expressed the foundation’s gratitude to its social good partners for their role in making the scholars’ success possible.
The SM College Scholarship Program, established by SM Group founder Tatang Henry Sy, Sr. in 1993, has supported over 4,000 scholars nationwide. The program provides holistic support to its scholars, including full tuition fees, allowances, training, gatherings, part-time jobs, internship opportunities, and employment opportunities within the SM Group.
To learn about SM Foundation’s social good programs, visit www.sm-foundation.org.
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