SM Prime Supports Future Sustainability Leaders through Scholarships

Inspired by the late Henry Sy Sr.'s dedication to education and their focus on sustainability, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a prominent integrated property developer, has introduced a scholarship program in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Known as the "SM Sustainability Scholarship," this program embodies SM Prime's dual commitment to promoting educational opportunities and fostering sustainability efforts.

Future sustainability leaders. Strengthening its commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship, SM Prime welcomes ten scholars from UPLB, who are taking up degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry.

Ten deserving students will receive full support for their undergraduate studies at UPLB through the program. They can pursue degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry, aligning with SM Prime's commitment to resilient communities and sustainability. These scholars, selected for their academic excellence and sustainability commitment, were officially introduced during a meet-and-greet event at UPLB, marking the beginning of their journey as SM Sustainability Scholars.

SM Sustainability Scholarship. In the photo are the SM sustainability scholars with the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ Office of Scholarships and Grants Director Assoc. Prof. Ariel L. Babierra, Ph.D., College of Forestry and Natural Resources’s Prof. Marilyn Combalicer, College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr, Janette Malata-Silva, Scholarship Affairs Officer Ivy Salarde and SM Prime AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo with the rest of the SM team.

Each scholar will benefit from a comprehensive scholarship package covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and a book allowance, allowing them to focus on their studies without financial concerns.

During the event, Dr. Jennifer Amparo, Dean of the College of Human Ecology (CHE), emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in pursuing sustainability: "CHE values interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches because sustainability requires collective action. To ensure sustainability, we must work together and enhance our skills and programs."

She also commended SM Prime for not only providing financial support but also for investing time in meeting the scholars and offering additional support mechanisms to help them succeed academically, highlighting SM's commitment to developing future sustainability leaders.

Prof. Marilyn Combalicer from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, representing Dean Dr. Marlo Mendoza, expressed the college's continued support for the scholars and their growth in academia and beyond, emphasizing the importance of collaborative initiatives in enhancing educational experiences for students.

SM Prime's AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Corporate Communications, Rida Reyes-Castillo, emphasized the company's core values intertwining education and sustainability. She highlighted founder Mr. Henry "Tatang" Sy Sr.'s belief in education as a transformative force and SM's commitment to enhancing youth well-being and community development.

Over the years, the SM group has prioritized social good initiatives in education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response. These efforts, aimed at improving lives in host communities, align social development with business growth for a brighter future.