Graduating from college is the kind of experience that is, hands down, one for the books. It serves as a rite of passage to many, a life goal, a huge achievement for the parents and guardians, a personal mission of a working student, and for some, a momentous fulfillment of a promise.
The SM Foundation Scholarship Program
The SM Foundation’s college scholarship program was founded by Henry Sy Sr., fondly called Tatang by many, in 1993. Back then, the program already had 100 scholars in its first year. Today, it now has 3,249 college scholar graduates, 2,199 Tech-Voc scholar graduates, and 100 school buildings with 334 classrooms built. The scholarship covers full tuition and gives out monthly allowances; and scholars may also work at the SM Stores if they wish to earn extra income.
Asia Pacific College
In 1990, SM Foundation and IBM Philippines felt a growing demand for IT professionals in the Information Technology industry. Together with IBM Philippines, the SM Foundation established a “computer training institution that would produce high caliber, industry-ready graduates.” Asia Pacific College, 2019
The following year, the APC center and Asia Pacific College were established.
Photo from apc.edu.ph
“Asia Pacific College (APC), the product of the educational collaboration of IBM Philippines and SM Foundation - two prominent and highly successful privately-owned corporations, was born.”
When asked about the SM Foundation scholarship in APC, Mr. Manuel Magbuhat of Asia Pacific College mentioned in an interview that “The value of the SM Foundation scholarship to its recipients at APC is more than just the ability to cover the monetary expenses. It affords the opportunity to achieve education and career goals that will benefit the students and their families, as well as the broader community for years to come. Being granted an SM Foundation scholarship is a vote of confidence, a concrete way of saying that the APC student is valued and that they are on the right track towards a brighter future.”
Photo from The RAM Page: Official Newsletter of Asia Pacific College
(From left to right) Osler Aquino, SoM Faculty; Myrna T. Belen, SoM; Angelita Salting, SoM Faculty; Manuel Magbuhat, Executive Director of SoM; Teresita Medado, APC President; Roy R. Avecilla, SoM Faculty; Kenneth C. Rafanan II, SoM Fest 2019 Chairperson;
The SM Scholarship program, through the graduating students of the K-12 pioneer batch, has been able to produce future engineers, accountants, business managers, and I.T. professionals. Asia Pacific College, founded by Tatang, has been very active and supportive in providing a welcoming community to our dear SM scholars. To give you a sneak peek of their SM Isko life, 9 grad-waiting SM scholars from Asia Pacific College share their stories.
Joseph Cabangunay
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Business Management with Specialization in Business Analytics
How has the SM scholarship helped you throughout your college journey?
“SM Foundation, through SM Scholarship, gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue my higher education at a prestigious institution like Asia Pacific College. I was able to do a lot of things because of this privilege. Truly, the SM scholarship gave me the platform I need in order to reach my full potential.”
Most memorable college/ SHS experience?
“My most memorable college experience is being able to do what I love – leading people and being of service to others.”
Tricia Loraine Osianas 
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management
Most memorable college/ SHS experience?
“I can say that my most memorable college experience was when I shifted courses from BS Accountancy to BSBA Financial Management. When I shifted, I felt free from restrictions. I was able to join organizations and go out with my friends. Being an Accountancy student was full of pressure. Pressure from passing the tests, keeping up with my classmates, graduating from the course, and passing the board exam. When I decided to shift, SM Foundation helped me. They asked me first the reason and if it was really my final decision. Fortunately, Financial Management was also covered in the scholarship. Since then, they have been supportive and just asked me to do good in school.”
Have you met anyone from the Sy family? How was it?
“During my first year, I was able to meet Tatang and Nanang together. I thought that these two greatly helped underprivileged youth in attending tertiary education. They not only sent us to school, but also made sure we had allowance to spend on our projects or something to give our parents. They also provided us with options to earn while we were not at school. Despite their age, they make an effort to meet the scholars and ensure that everyone is having fun. Now, the Sy siblings will continue their family legacy. I met them when I was in second year. Even with the pandemic, they made sure to conduct events such as Christmas Party online. I will say this again, I will be eternally grateful to the Sy family for their gift of education.”
Joshua Bernados
Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering
Most memorable college/ SHS experience?
“One of the most memorable college experiences for me was when we had a 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM schedule. For an Electronics Engineering student like me, it may be draining and exhausting as it seems. But behind those challenges and struggles, I somehow found a spot where I considered it a fun and memorable one.”
Any advice to the future SM scholars?
“My advice to future SM Scholars is to set their own goals, whether it is an academic or even a professional goal. Once they officially became SM scholars, they will get exposed to a wide variety of opportunities and resources. If they have their own set of goals, they can utilize those resources and grab the opportunities offered to them for their aspirations. Finally, they should always know their priority and do their best no matter how difficult it is since this could be one of those ways to become the better version of themselves.”
Therese Otial 
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management
How has the SM scholarship helped you throughout your college journey?
“SM Foundation Scholarship gave me confidence and courage to pursue college. I am empowered with quality education, guided by SM principles, and enriched by industry professionals.”
Most memorable college/ SHS experience?
“Most memorable was when I passed the qualifying exam and interview for SM Scholarship. Through this scholarship, I have met people who made my college journey wholesome. It's motivating to be surrounded by people who have a strong desire to succeed in life.”
Jhed Ross Steven Bunagan
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Mobile and Internet Technology
How has the SM scholarship helped you throughout your college journey?
“First SM Scholarship gave me the privilege of choosing a school which will help me develop my knowledge, focus on every subjects and big chances of staying in school and graduating on time.”
Have you met anyone from the Sy family? How was it?
“Yes, Harley Sy. I will always remember the financial tip that he said to us. Like investing on ourself from our allowance. So that we can help our self to buy some personal medication or for emergency needs.”
Eunace Rocamora
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Mobile and Internet Technology
How has the SM scholarship helped you throughout your college journey?
“SM scholarship helped me and my family in financing my entire college education. They also helped me to have an experience to be a usher/porter at SM cinema that gives me an insight on how to handle different types of customers.”
Most memorable college/ SHS experience?
“Me and my org mates help encode the unofficial vote counts during the May 2019 Philippine General Election at PPCRV”
Rommel Ormita 
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Mobile and Internet Technology
How has the SM scholarship helped you throughout your college journey?
“The SM scholarship helped me all the way through. It helps me with my tuition fees every semester. I also had a chance to buy academic supplies through the scholarship allowance. I really want to show that SM really made the right choice in choosing me as their scholar, so I am studying hard and making the best of my college life.”
Most memorable college/ SHS experience?
“I don't have a specific memorable moment, but being a part of APC's student organizations was memorable and has contributed to my growth as a student and also as an individual.”
Jeska Lorraine Lauta 
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management
Have you met anyone from the Sy family? How was it?
"At every SM Foundation event and activity, there will always be someone from the Sy family However, I haven't had the chance to directly interact with them but it never fails to surprise me how humble and kind-hearted they are."
Any advice to future SM scholars?
"I know studying is important Well, it's actually a priority, especially for us because we have to maintain our grades, but do not forget to have fun, enjoy the process, and cherish each moment"
Carl James Rosalita
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Mobile and Internet Technology
How has the SM scholarship helped you throughout your college journey?
"I am grateful and privileged to become part of the SM scholarship, when it comes to finances t helped lessen my family expenses."
Any advice to future SM scholars?
"Striving and perseverance is the key to maintaining your grades but at the same time make sure that you nourish your knowledge and skills."
The stories of these 9 individuals share a common message: gratitude for the opportunities given to them in order to jumpstart their careers. In fact, some have even encouraged their family members, friends, and community members to apply for the scholarship. Others have also made it a personal mission to pay it forward by assisting their siblings and helping others in filling their applications.
Photo from The RAM Page: Official Newsletter of Asia Pacific College Asia Pacific College
APC welcomed the NU Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Team through a meet-and-greet program held in APC Gymnasium last June 29, 2022.
Henry Sy Sr. has been empowering the youth through education for decades. His priceless legacy includes acquiring National University and school building donations to the country's big universities. In an interview with SIM (Inquirer. 2013). Sy talked about helping other people in society. "I am pleased that through SM Foundation, we are able to do many socio-civic projects like supporting education through scholarship programs and school buildings; healthcare through medical facilities, health centers, and medical missions for those who cannot afford basic medical needs; helping farmers through training and livelihood programs for self-sufficiency; improve housing by building shelters and houses together with Gawad Kalinga, as well as providing disaster assistance for affected areas."
Photo from The RAM Page: Official Newsletter of Asia Pacific College Asia Pacific College's official theater guild. Teatre Phileo competes in the elimination round of Sigabo 2019 and makes it to the Finals Night.
The program covers the following fields of studies Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, and Electronics), Education (Elementary and Secondary). Accountancy, and Financial Management among others.
Who may apply?
- Grade 12 graduates from public and private schools in the areas covered. Applicants from private schools must have a DepEd voucher and must be Grade 10 finishers from public high schools;
- General Weighted Average grade of at least 92% or its equivalent for Grade 12 - 1st semester; and
- Total household income of at most Php 150.000 per year.
How to apply?
For interested applicants, click this link for qualifications and documents to be submitted. Siblings and children of regular SM employees may also avail a 20% subsidy. Just make sure to present the employees' Certificate of Employment issued by their respective Human Resources Department and their valid SM identification card.
For more information and to apply, visit www.sm-foundation.org and follow SMFI on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube @SMFoundationInc.
For news and updates about Asia Pacific College, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
