By Debbie P. Sy
As we step into 2025, the stories and milestones of the past year remind us why we began our mission at SM Foundation—and why we continue to move forward. The impact of our programs in 2024 reaffirmed our commitment to uplifting lives through education, agriculture, health, and disaster relief.
At the SM Scholar Alumni Homecoming in November 2024, Darmae Tan, an SM scholar-alumna, shared her inspiring journey from uncertainty about college to graduating from a leading university. Today, she co-leads a Cebu-based tech venture that supports scholarships and social good initiatives, paying forward the opportunities she once received.
In Cagayan Valley, we reunited with Ricky Valdez, the youngest graduate of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program Batch 2013. Once limited to traditional farming methods, Ricky has since become an agricultural trainer, mentoring new KSK farmers. He also manages his own integrated farm, where he teaches modern techniques to empower both youth and his community.
KSK farmer-trainee-turned-trainer. KSK Farming program alumnus Ricky Valdez trains a new batch of KSK farmers in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
These heartwarming stories of people helping people have been at the core of SM Foundation since its inception by SM Group founder Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr., and Mrs. Felicidad “Nanang” T. Sy. Each year since 1983, we take steps toward realizing their vision. And with the support of our social good partners, we continue to make even greater strides.
Upholding Tatang’s belief that education is the great equalizer, SMFI’s College Scholarship Program has enabled access to quality education since 1993. With 218 graduates in the class of 2024-25, we have now supported over 4,600 scholar-graduates and continue empowering 1,000 promising students for the school year 2025-26.
In partnership with SM Prime and other social good organizations, our School Building Program has constructed 110 school buildings nationwide, expanding learning opportunities for Filipino youth and supporting DepEd’s Adopt-a-School Program.
Through the collaboration between SM Foundation and SM Prime, Sta. Barbara Central School in Zamboanga City has opened a new school building, replacing the one destroyed during the 2013 siege.
Beyond education, SM Foundation remains committed to uplifting communities through agriculture. Since 2007, the KSK program has transformed rural and urban livelihoods, equipping more than 32,000 farmer-graduates with modern techniques, sustainable agriculture training, business skills, and market linkages. Through our partnerships with SM Supermalls, SM Markets, and government agencies—including DSWD, DA, DTI, DOLE, DOST, and TESDA—we are working to strengthen local economies by creating more opportunities for farmers.
To support sustainable livelihoods, we help KSK farmers access various selling platforms, including SM Supermalls’ Weekend Market, trade fairs, and marketing initiatives with partner agencies. Beyond improving their own livelihoods, many KSK graduates also pay it forward, sharing their agricultural knowledge and best practices to uplift fellow farmers and their communities.
Healthcare is also central to our mission. Through our Health and Medical Programs, we have revitalized 216 health centers, ensuring they are modernized and well-equipped to serve the evolving needs of nearly 7.2 million patients. Complementing this, we’ve brought care to over 1 million beneficiaries through 1,700 medical missions we have conducted.
SM Foundation continues to help bridge accessible healthcare to communities. It revitalized the Polomolok East Community Clinic, which serves residents from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
In times of crisis, SM Foundation, alongside SM Supermalls and SM Markets, activates Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) to provide swift relief. To date, we have carried out 800 relief efforts, distributing over 900,000 Kalinga Packs to affected communities.
With the support of our partners and champions of social good, we are not just building programs—we are transforming lives. Each story of resilience, like Darmae’s pursuit of education and Ricky’s dedication to agricultural mentorship, is a testament to what is possible when we come together with purpose.
Tatang’s legacy lives on in every scholar who dares to dream, every farmer who thrives, every patient who finds care, and every family who receives relief in times of crisis. Together, we press forward—lifting communities, creating opportunities, and turning compassion into action. The journey continues, and there is always room for more hands and hearts to make a difference.
SM Foundation conducts medical missions to further bring quality healthcare closer to communities.
