SM scholar makes an impact on communities in Cebu
SOME MOMENTS fade with time, certain experiences leave an indelible mark, shaping not just our paths but our very identities. For Atty. Marmie Dyan Deniega, the SM scholarship application wasn’t just a gateway to education; it was the moment that shaped the life they live today.
Raised by a single mother amid financial struggles, the pursuit of a college degree seemed like an unattainable dream until she chanced upon a TV commercial that introduced her to the SM College Scholarship.
“The commercial for SM Foundation came in, and the application deadline was flashed through the screen. Coincidentally, it was on that day itself, so I rushed and submitted my application at the nearest SM Mall,” Atty. Deniega shared.
She graduated with cum laude honors in Accountancy from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, crediting the scholarship for providing not only financial support but also the freedom to focus on her studies.
The scholarship not only shaped her academic journey but also fueled a sense of responsibility, which proved valuable when she pursued a law degree with the help of her aunt and part-time jobs.
Now, she proudly serves as an Attorney III at the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Mandaue City, actively contributing to her community’s development. She is one of the people who played a pivotal role in streamlining business permit processing in their city, making it more accessible to constituents.
As a firm believer in spreading social good, she finances the education of her siblings while actively engaging in community-based projects. She also stands as a resource speaker in schools for several crucial topics, such as the Anti-Bullying Law.
Apart from legal aid work in far-flung areas in Cebu, through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, she also volunteers with Law Inc., an organization helping victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). She conducts seminars across various locations in Cebu, shedding light on the intricacies of VAWC.
“It cannot be helped that clients will also seek legal advice from me, hence I also make it a point to help them, to the best of my ability, and within the boundaries set by law,” Atty. Deniega shared.
Each year, countless dreamers are empowered to pursue their academic aspirations and chart their paths to success through the SM College Scholarship Program.
As the application for the SM College Scholarship Program opens from Feb. 1 to Mar. 31, countless more lives stand to be touched.