SM Foundation presents 225 scholar graduates to Sy family

MANILA, Philippines - As another school year is about to begin, SM Foundation will proudly present to the Sy family 225 SM scholar graduates who finished their baccalaureate degrees at the close of school year 2012-2013. Four summa cum laude graduates — Cederic Aeron R. Baybayon, Jennifer Z. Camenting and Dan Jeward Rubis graduates of the National University and Jessica Aliana S. Habunal from the Central Philippines University in Iloilo — lead this batch of scholar graduates. 

The presentation of the SM scholar graduates to their benefactor is a yearly tradition — the occasion, memorable and at times emotional — is an opportunity for the Sy family to meet the graduates. It is likewise an occasion for the scholars and their parents to personally express their gratitude to the Sy family for their benevolence. The graduates share their experiences as SM scholars even as parents give testimonials on how the scholarship helped their children realize their dreams. As in the past years, the graduates receive congratulatory gifts from their benefactor.

Forty percent of this year’s batch of graduates finished their degrees with honors. Aside from the 4 summa cum laude, 19 completed their degrees as magna cum laude, 47 cum laude and 20 were awarded academic distinction. Those who graduated magna cum laude are: Miecah Abulencia, Shiela Marie C. Barbacena, Kathleen Venus B. Canua, Ma. Rencel Jessa R. Dotollo, Bonn Jovi L. Estrella, Tezza Marie D. Fallorin, John Paulo DC. Garcia, Arlene A. Gatchalian, John Michael T. Lava, April Lopez, Sandra Andrea Medrano, Jally Mae O. Mina, Therese Mariel P. Pagsisihan, Marjorie Anne L. Paner, Jerafin Sylon R. Ramos, Mark Angelo D. Reyes, Rolly E. Rosario, Leah Marie Salazar, and Julius Glenn G. Sison.

Forty-five of the graduates matriculated at the National University, 27 graduated from Asia Pacific College, 14 from FEU East Asia College, 12 from Philippine Normal University, 11 from PLM while the rest of the graduates studied in Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Naga University, Baliuag University, Batangas State University, Bulacan State University, Cavite State University, Cebu Institute of Technology, Central Philippine University, Centro Escolar University, Colegio de San Agustin, De La Salle University- Dasmariñas, Far Eastern University, Holy Angel University, Jose Rizal University, Laguna College of Business & Arts, Liceo de Cagayan University, Lipa City College, Lyceum Northern Luzon College, Lyceum Northwestern University, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Meycauayan College Naga College Foundation, National College of Science & Technology, Pangasinan State University, PSBA Q.C., PUP- Maragondon, PUP- Sta. Mesa, Rogationist College, Saint Louis University, San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite, Southern Luzon State University, Universidad de Sta. Isabel, University of Batangas, University of Immaculate Concepcion, University of Makati, University of Mindanao, University of Negros Occidental Recoletos, University of Nueva Caceres, University of Saint La Salle, University of San Agustin, University of San Jose Recoletos, University of the Assumption, University of the Cordilleras, University of the East Caloocan & Manila, UP Diliman, UP Los Banos, UP Mindanao, UP Visayas, West Visayas State University, and Xavier University.

SM Foundation maintains 1,200 scholars nationwide and this year, it hopes to enroll 1,300 students. Already plans are afoot to increase the number to 1,500 in two years’ time, an increment of 100 students per year.

Now on its 20th year, the SM Foundation scholarship program, the flagship project of the Foundation aims to provide college education to deserving public high school graduates who are unable to further studies due to financial difficulties. Aside from providing matriculation fees, SM Foundation also allocates funds for the scholars’ monthly allowance. The activities of the scholars are closely monitored by the Foundation providing them with year-long activities like training programs, value-formation seminars, Christmas parties and educational tours. Scholars are also given summer/Christmas break jobs to enable them to earn and augment their allowances. The Foundation also supports scholars pursuing technical and vocational programs in Don Bosco Technical School and Punlaan School.