SM scholarship helps gasoline boy become a manager
ROBIE Tumibay, a former gasoline boy that pursued the SM scholarship application, became a professional accountant and senior manager at SM Retail, Inc.
As a high school salutatorian in the early 2000s, Tumibay encountered financial obstacles that impeded his college aspirations.
His parents, senior citizens relying on handmaking rags for income, could no longer support his education. Undeterred, he held onto his dreams.
“I knew in my heart that I have so much to give,” Tumibay said.
With his savings, he secured the necessary documents for the SM Foundation College Scholarship. His foresight quickly bore fruit as he was listed among the scholarship recipients.
Tumibay pursued accountancy at Far Eastern University, graduating in 2008 with academic distinction.
According to Tumibay, the scholarship not only relieved him of financial burdens, but also opened doors for a part-time job at SM North EDSA, offering extra income, practical insights and a valuable work ethic.
This experience also fostered lifelong memories and friendships with co-scholars.
Prior his graduation, Tumibay already joined the workforce as an auditor. But in 2010, he followed a call to work at an SM Group company.
“I felt that I was really destined to work in SM. I felt as if there was a calling. In 2010, I applied at SM Retail Inc.,” Tumibay added.
The SM College Scholarship Application started accepting submissions on Feb. 1 and would continue to do so till March 31, 2024. To learn more, visit @SMFoundationInc or www.smfoundation.org.