3k fun run kicks off general assembly of SM Foundation scholars

MANILA, Philippines -A yearly general assembly of SM Foundation scholars is usually held at the start of each school year not only to welcome new scholars but also to promote camaraderie amongst the present scholars. This year however was not the usual general assembly for the scholars and some alumni at the Mall of Asia complex recently, as they had to get up early and don their running attire to join the opening activity — a three-kilometer fun run. For SM scholars Abby Malabag taking BS Electronics & Communications Engineering now in her 5th year and Ruemer Allan Santillan, a National University scholar taking BS Education, both will not forget their fun run experience which taught them the value of punctuality. “Maraming bagay ang maaring ma-miss kapag late,” they added.

Many other activities were lined up by the Foundation’s project manager, Eleanor Lansang, like games and IMAX movies — all intended to foster fellowship among old and new scholars. The 800-strong participants then trooped to the Premiere Cinema, SM MOA for the general assembly proper.

Harley Sy, president of SMIC representing the Sy family, delivered an inspirational message to remind scholars to take advantage of the opportunity given to them. He added that “a school year goes so fast; sometimes if you forget and you do not focus, you will lose the opportunity to finish college. You have the best potentials for an education to prepare you to compete in the real world. You have different backgrounds, you come from difficult situations; but you can improve the situation you are in, so start now especially for those who are enrolled for the first time as SM scholars. Value this scholarship because you were chosen to be given that opportunity.”

He advised the scholars to come up with their four to five-year plan, “plan what you can to do to achieve your goal and work hard to achieve that goal.”

During the general assembly, the “old” scholars are reminded of the rules governing the scholarship program while the new scholars were briefed on these rules. At present, there are 1,300 SM scholars, 800 of them joined the assembly while the rest are enrolled in partner universities in the provinces. The Foundation expects to increase the number of scholars each year. Aside from these college scholars, the Foundation maintains technical–vocational scholars in Punlaan School and Don Bosco Technical Institute.

Also present during the O-M-General Assembly were Henry Sy Sr. and Mrs. Felicidad Sy, Debbie Sy, executive director of SM Foundation and other executives of the Foundation. Harley Sy, in introducing his parents said; “My father and mother are here because they want to meet all of you; they feel good whenever they see all of you because they are so proud of you. And in much the same way, I hope you are all proud to be SM scholars.”

In closing he said: “So sana naman ipakita n’yo sa amin na talagang you are worth nurturing and guiding. I know that you constantly hear this admonition from your parents. Your parents remind you day in and day out, and I think paulit-ulit minsan nakukulitan na kayo sa mga magulang n’yo but they mean well. Good luck to you all.”