SM scholars celebrate in Cebu
A TOTAL of 200 SM Foundation scholars recently gathered in SM Seaside City Cebu for their first general assembly in Cebu.
The program started with a welcome message from Linda Atayde, SM Foundation executive director for education programs, where she shared with scholars the journey of SM founder and patriarch, Henry Sy Sr.
Four scholars, who are enrolled in technical-vocational courses, delivered their testimonies on how they were able to overcome hardships and how the SM scholarship program became an answer to their prayers.
The program was highlighted by the inspirational message of Mario Deriquito, SM Foundation vice president for plans and programs, who shared four bite-sized lessons that the scholars can take with them in their journey. These are:
Each scholar should maximize their time to learn. He said that learning is not only attained in the classroom but also outside, as it is important to volunteer in communities;
For scholars to find a good job that will enable each one of them to help themselves and their families;
Reminds scholars that when the day comes that they will be in a position to help, they should do so as the country needs a lot of good people; and
For scholars to appreciate the importance of continuous learning and dreaming.
“I have always found three stages in every great work of God. First it is impossible. Then it is difficult. Then it is done,” Deriquito said quoting English missionary J. Hudson Taylor in closing his message.
Of the 200 scholars, 165 were enrolled in technicalvocational courses, such as industrial arts, home economics, mechanical technology and automotive technology, in SM Foundation partner schools– Banilad Center for Professional Development, Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise, Don Bosco and School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor Leadership and Service.
The SM scholars were also treated to a free movie screening of “Fantastic Beasts” and “Where to Find Them.”
SM Foundation helps uplift the quality of life of the commu- nities where SM is present.
In Cebu alone, the foundation supports 169 college scholars aside from the 165 technicalvocational scholars.
It has also built and donated four school buildings, with 14 fully-furnished classrooms. The foundation renovated two health centers and conducted six medical missions.
The foundation also trained a total of 1,096 farmers under its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program.
Through SM Foundation’s Grow a Million Trees program, a total of 10,000 trees have been planted and are currently being cared for by its partner people’s organizations in the area.
Through SM Foundation’s division, SM Cares, 200 homes with disaster resilient features were built for families who were affected by typhoon Yolanda in Bogo City, Cebu.