via Graphic Plus (with SM Foundation) — The SM College Scholarship Program is set to open its applications from February 1 to February 28, 2026, offering a new set of students the chance to begin college with financial support. Since its launch in 1993, the program has produced 4,650 graduates.
For many of them, the scholarship is the start of a different future; it is one shaped by access to education, early work opportunities, and choices that extend beyond graduation.
The support does not end at tuition. Scholars are given access to job fairs and recruitment channels within the SM Group, creating early entry points into the workforce.
While the experiences that happen after graduation vary, their stories show how a scholarship can alter long-term trajectories.
One of them is Maurice Maureen Avila-Beniga, an SM scholar from 2010 to 2014. She earned a degree in Accountancy from the University of Perpetual Help-Biñan and now happily serves as a cabin crew member at Philippine Airlines.
Maureen grew up in a family where private education was not an option without assistance. “I came from a humble family. I could not afford to attend any private college schools without any scholarships, as my parents were dealing with a lot of financial burden,” she said. “I saw and felt their struggles, so I was eager to succeed and give back to them.”
Before applying to SM, she tried for athletic scholarships at other universities. “But the competition was so tough, and I was not selected to play for their women’s volleyball team,” she said.
Her entry into the SM scholarship came through family connections rather than online systems. A cousin introduced her to the program during a reunion and handed her a physical application form. Even after securing the scholarship, finances remained tight. “I’ve always wanted to study in one of the top universities in Manila, but because of financial limitations, it seemed impossible,” she said. Her parents could not cover dormitory costs, daily allowances, or transportation, making the Foundation’s partner schools in her hometown critical.
More than ten years later, Maureen still recalls the Foundation’s scholar activities—assemblies, recollections, sportsfests, and alumni gatherings. “We felt like we really belonged [to the SM Foundation family] and being taken care of,” she said, noting the presence of the Sy family at events.
The graduation ceremony left the strongest impression. “As we gathered and marched at SMX, I saw the faces of everyone, even the parents; the tears in their eyes, unexpressed words and all the emotions inside their hearts,” she said.
After college, Maureen moved through several professional roles, shifting between finance and aviation as her priorities evolved. She began her career in accounting, later explored opportunities outside her field, and eventually returned to corporate work before choosing a different direction. Although she once aimed to become a CPA, her plans changed as new paths opened and she reassessed where she wanted to be.
Reflecting on the path that led her to where she is today, Maureen said, “Maybe I always have this deep sense of giving back and helping other people because I went through tough times. I was once a girl dreaming of flying high to make my parents proud and give my family the life we deserve.”
Another SM scholar alumnus, Joey del Rosario from Baguio City, followed a different route. He earned a degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of the Cordilleras in 2019 and passed the Electronics Engineer licensure exam in 2021. Entering the workforce was difficult. “It was a challenge to secure employment after graduation due to the lack of work experience and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. In 2022, he joined the Philippine Navy as a military officer.
Joey began giving back while still a student by offering free tutorials to classmates. He continues this practice with subordinates and helps relatives with school expenses. “Moreover, I continue to serve the country in my capacity as a Naval Officer,” he said. He remains active in the SM scholar network, attending assemblies and keeping in contact with the Foundation. “I ensure that my lines of communication remain open for coordination, support, and engagement.”
Their paths differ, but both point to the same outcome: for many scholars, the application itself becomes the first step toward a new tomorrow.
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.
