SM Foundation awards 27 scholarships to Baguio students

BAGUIO CITY — Twenty-seven students from Baguio City have received college scholarships from SM Foundation, providing financial assistance aimed at helping deserving learners pursue higher education while easing the burden on their families.

The scholarships, awarded under the SM Foundation Scholarship Program, support students through college while promoting academic excellence, leadership and community service, according to SM Supermalls.

Among the recipients is incoming Saint Louis University freshman Justin Espanto, who will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.

“Promise ko talaga na gagalingan ko,” (“I promise I will do my very best,”) Espanto said, describing the scholarship as motivation to make the most of the opportunity.

Her mother, Nancy Sabado, said the assistance would significantly ease the family’s financial challenges as she raises her children on her own.

“As a single mom, malaking tulong talaga ito sa amin,” (“As a single mother, this is truly a huge help for our family,”) Sabado said.

SM Foundation said the scholarship program is intended to expand access to higher education for academically qualified students from low-income families, helping them focus on their studies without the added pressure of tuition and related expenses.

The foundation said this year’s 27 scholars from Baguio represent diverse backgrounds but share a common goal of improving their lives through education.

Beyond financial support, the scholarship program seeks to develop future professionals and community leaders by providing students with opportunities for personal growth and values formation, the foundation added.

SM City Baguio, which described itself as Baguio’s “Most Loved Mall,” welcomed the new batch of scholars, saying investment in education helps strengthen families and communities by giving young Filipinos greater opportunities to succeed.

The scholarship program is among SM Foundation’s flagship education initiatives and forms part of the SM Group’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts to support access to quality education nationwide.