Pursuing education despite the odds: SM scholar alumni now closer to their dreams
IN the Philippines, a significant number of students often face uncertain paths to higher education, especially those from low-income communities. Often, the pressing need to support their families leads them to consider skipping college altogether and entering the labor force straight out of high school.
At one point, this could have been the story of Prince Mangahas and Queenie Alfonso—sm scholars and alumni from Pampanga—whose lives took a turn through their scholarship opportunity.
Determined to defy odds
MANGAHAS is not only excelling as a teacher, but also steadily building the life he always wanted for his own family.
His family background was a picture of hardship. With his mother back from overseas work and a struggling household, college education seemed out of reach.
“I felt I needed to step up for the family and be the provider,” he said, while contemplating enrolling in a short vocational course instead of going to college. “I was really determined to get an education no matter the odds, because I was heartbroken by the fact that my siblings had to stop going to school. As a kuya, [I wish that all of us will progress at the same time],” he shared.
A glimmer of hope emerged when Mangahas stumbled upon the SM Foundation scholarship program at Angeles University Foundation. For him, it was like a light at the end of the tunnel during the darkest time in his life.
“There were times when I couldn’t afford lunch, and had to walk for hours just to attend classes,” he recalled. “[But I didn’t lose heart because] I am an SM Scholar. SM had it all for me. All I had to do was immerse myself in my studies. And for me, this meant overcoming all hardships. Struggle was real, but I was not battling alone. SM was there,” he reflected, while citing the role the scholarship played in shaping his journey of becoming the accomplished educator he is today.
Education wasn’t just “Teacher Prince’s” ticket to a better life; it has now become his tool to empower students and give his family the kind of life he long hoped to have.
Motivated by the influence of education on his life, he now extends his influence beyond the classroom. Aside from his primary role as a Math teacher, he also takes on leadership roles as the Grade-9 coordinator, and does private tutoring for added income.
During the pandemic, he leveraged on his expertise as a Department of Education’s TV Math Teacher-broadcaster, creating video lessons for students across the country. At one point, he was the lone tutor-volunteer for Mathematics 6 of Deped’s Etulay online tutorial program. Mangahas sees education as a force for social good: “Through education, one becomes aware of the prevailing issues,” he says. He envisions himself not just teaching Math, but also using his story to inspire students to dream big and contribute to a better society. “Education plants a seed in someone’s heart…nourish it until it bears the fruit of compassion.”
Following ‘Tatang’s’ footsteps
MUCH like “Teacher Prince” was Kapampangan SM scholar Alfonso. While her parents strived to provide the best for their family, their combined income from selling street food and working as a driver was not enough to send her and her sibling to college.
Determined, she saw scholarships as her ticket to breaking the cycle of poverty. With the support of the SM scholarship, she made the most of every opportunity, even working part-time at The SM Store during breaks. This not only exposed her to the corporate world early on but also provided additional financial aid, enabling her to concentrate on her Management Accounting studies. Upon graduation, she immediately began her career in Accounting with The SM Store.
“‘Tatang’—[the late Henry Sy, Sr.]—once dreamed of fostering employment opportunities. Now, SM Supermalls and SM Stores are everywhere, transforming dreams into reality through job opportunities,” she shared.
“Inspired by Tatang’s vision, I too aspire to establish a business that generates jobs, with God’s grace,” Alfonso imparted. As he said: “You have to have a dream big or small, then plan very well, work hard, and be very determined to achieve your goal.’”