A Celebration of Triumph: SMFI Presents 397 college scholar-graduates
The SM Foundation (SMFI) celebrated the graduation of its 397 scholars from the class of 2023, including 8 summa cum laude, 72 cum laude, 55 magna cum laude, and 26 academic distinction awardees.
Held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the presentation of graduates served as a mark of the significant milestone in the scholars’ academic journeys and a testament to their resilience and determination to uplift their families and illuminate a path for future generations.
The inspiring event was joined by scholars’ families, esteemed partners, and the SM Foundation’s heads, including the foundation’s Executive Director for Education Programs, Carmen Linda Atayde.
In her address, Atayde emphasized the transformative power of education: “Behind these impressive statistics lie stories of triumph over challenges, stories of dreams pursued against all odds. These scholars, hailing from humble backgrounds, have shown that with opportunity and hard work, one can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”
Atayde also recognized the support of mentors, educators, and the Sy family, noting how their efforts have paved the way for success, not only for today’s graduates but also for the communities they represent.
Echoing the vision of the SM group’s founder, Tatang Henry Sy Sr., SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy also emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social mobility and poverty alleviation.
“As we stand here today, let us remember the vision of Tatang, who believed deeply in the power of education to break the shackles of poverty,” she said.
Addressing the scholars, Sy reminded the SM scholars of their role as catalysts for change in their communities: “You are the living proof of the transformative power of education. The SM Foundation Scholarship Program’s goal is not just academic success but to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”
“Now, armed with knowledge, be agents of social good in your communities. Your journey doesn’t end here; it’s a new beginning, and we can’t wait to witness the positive impact you’ll create,” she capped.
The SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program, established in 1993, has provided financial and holistic support to over 8,000 college and technical-vocational scholars, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the betterment of their families.
This cements the SM group’s commitment to social good in the last 40 years, ensuring that deserving students, especially from low-income communities, have access to quality education and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. #Edjun Mariposque


- Workers File Complaints vs. 16 Dasmariñas Police Officers Over Alleged Unlawful Arrest**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** A group of construction workers and security personnel has brought two administrative cases before… Read more: Workers File Complaints vs. 16 Dasmariñas Police Officers Over Alleged Unlawful Arrest
- PULIS QUEZON PINARANGALAN NG REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS SA PNP DAY CELEBRATION 2026by: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON—Pinarangalan ang Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) sa ginanap na PNP Day Celebration 2026 sa Camp… Read more: PULIS QUEZON PINARANGALAN NG REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS SA PNP DAY CELEBRATION 2026
- PDEA, PNP DRUG BUST, EIGHT SUSPECTS ARRESTED**** **** Operatives of PDEA Rizal Provincial Office and PNP RIU4A-PIT arrested eight drug suspects during a joint buy-bust… Read more: PDEA, PNP DRUG BUST, EIGHT SUSPECTS ARRESTED
- SUSPEK SA PAGPASLANG SA MAKE-UP ARTIST NAARESTO NAby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON—Naaresto ng pulisya sa nabanggit na lalawigan ang 22 anyos na suspek sa pagpaslang sa isang… Read more: SUSPEK SA PAGPASLANG SA MAKE-UP ARTIST NAARESTO NA
- EVICTION ORDER NG KORTE LABAN SA ISANG BRGY. CHAIRMAN NAUWI SA KAGULUHAN AT KOMOSYONby: BONG RIVERA **** LUMBAN, LAGUNA—Nauwi sa kaguluhan at tensiyon ang pagpapatupad ng eviction order ng korte laban sa isang… Read more: EVICTION ORDER NG KORTE LABAN SA ISANG BRGY. CHAIRMAN NAUWI SA KAGULUHAN AT KOMOSYON
- Private Citizen Turns Over ₱312K Worth of Marijuana Products to PDEA Laguna**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** Santa Rosa City, Laguna — Authorities received a significant boost in the fight against… Read more: Private Citizen Turns Over ₱312K Worth of Marijuana Products to PDEA Laguna
- Cayetano: Laguna is a province of potential**** **** Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday emphasized the vast potential of Laguna province, citing Laguna… Read more: Cayetano: Laguna is a province of potential
- Tatlong Lalaki, Arestado sa Cara y Cruz at Pagkakasangkot sa Ilegal na Droga sa Caloocanby: RENZ PEDROCHE **** Tatlong lalaki ang inaresto ng mga tauhan ng Congressional Police Sub-Station 9 (SS9) Caloocan City… Read more: Tatlong Lalaki, Arestado sa Cara y Cruz at Pagkakasangkot sa Ilegal na Droga sa Caloocan
- Public Funds at Work: Mayor Ross Rizal Inspects Ongoing Infrastructure Projects in Calamba**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** Calamba City — A strong demonstration of transparency and accountability, Mayor Roseller “Ross” H.… Read more: Public Funds at Work: Mayor Ross Rizal Inspects Ongoing Infrastructure Projects in Calamba
- 5,000 Calambeños Empowered as Mayor Ross Rizal Expands “Kabuhayan ni Rizal” Livelihood Program**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** Calamba City, Laguna — The City Government of Calamba, under the leadership of Mayor… Read more: 5,000 Calambeños Empowered as Mayor Ross Rizal Expands “Kabuhayan ni Rizal” Livelihood Program
- FC Home Center Opens Second Branch in Calamba, Boosting Jobs and Shopping Choices**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** Calamba City, Laguna — January 30, 2026 — FC Home Center officially marked the… Read more: FC Home Center Opens Second Branch in Calamba, Boosting Jobs and Shopping Choices
- OPERASYON NG ILIGAL NA PAIHI NG KRUDO AT GASOLINA SINALAKAY 12 ARESTADOby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON—Labindalawang indibidwal ang inaresto ng mga awtoridad matapos salakayin ang isang warehouse na umano’y ginagamit sa… Read more: OPERASYON NG ILIGAL NA PAIHI NG KRUDO AT GASOLINA SINALAKAY 12 ARESTADO
- Enchanted Kingdom, Two Other Filipino Firms Bring Home Top Honors at ASEAN Tourism Awards 2026**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** Santa Rosa City, Laguna — Philippine tourism excellence shone brightly on the regional stage… Read more: Enchanted Kingdom, Two Other Filipino Firms Bring Home Top Honors at ASEAN Tourism Awards 2026
- SEGURIDAD KONTRA BANK ROBBERY AT CYBERCRIME, PINAIGTING SA QUEZONby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON—Mas pinaigting na koordinasyon at mas malinaw na estratehiya laban sa bank robbery at cybercrime ang… Read more: SEGURIDAD KONTRA BANK ROBBERY AT CYBERCRIME, PINAIGTING SA QUEZON
- SARIAYA FIBER UNIT, PINALALAKAS PARA SA TRABAHO AT KABUHAYANby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON—Inaasahang tataas ang trabaho at kabuhayan sa bayan ng Sariaya,matapos inspeksyunin at bisitahin ng lokal na… Read more: SARIAYA FIBER UNIT, PINALALAKAS PARA SA TRABAHO AT KABUHAYAN
- BARANGAY KAGAWAD UTAS SA BUSby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON—Nasawi ang isang barangay kagawad matapos masagasaan ng isang bus habang tumatawid sa Maharlika highway sa… Read more: BARANGAY KAGAWAD UTAS SA BUS
- Two Drug Suspects Nabbed in Calamba Buy-Bust, ₱40.8K Worth of Shabu and Firearm Seized**** by: Edjun Mariposque **** CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — Two alleged drug suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation… Read more: Two Drug Suspects Nabbed in Calamba Buy-Bust, ₱40.8K Worth of Shabu and Firearm Seized
- Dalawang Lalaki, Arestado sa Follow-Up Operation Kaugnay ng Robbery at Ilegal na Droga sa Caloocan Cityby: RENZ PEDROCHE **** Dalawang lalaki ang naaresto ng mga tauhan ng Congressional Police Sub-Station 9, Caloocan City Police… Read more: Dalawang Lalaki, Arestado sa Follow-Up Operation Kaugnay ng Robbery at Ilegal na Droga sa Caloocan City
- Lalaki sa Caloocan, Kinasuhan sa Paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act Matapos Makumpiska ang Laboratory Equipment at Kemikalby: RENZ PEDROCHE **** Caloocan City — Isang lalaking kinilalang si alyas Jesus Orzal ang nahaharap sa kasong paglabag… Read more: Lalaki sa Caloocan, Kinasuhan sa Paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act Matapos Makumpiska ang Laboratory Equipment at Kemikal
- ESTUDYANTE DEDO SA PANANAKSAK NG KAPWA ESTUDYANTEby: BONG RIVERA **** BATANGAS-Nasawi ang isang 18 anyos na estudyante matapos pagsasaksakin ng patalim ng kapwa niya mag-aaral sa… Read more: ESTUDYANTE DEDO SA PANANAKSAK NG KAPWA ESTUDYANTE
























Leave a comment