SM Prime
invests in future sustainability leaders with scholarship program
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.
Inspired
by the late Henry Sy Sr.'s belief in the power of education and driven by their
commitment to sustainability, leading integrated
property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has launched a
scholarship program in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los
Baños (UPLB).
Aptly
called the "SM Sustainability Scholarship," the initiative reflects
SM Prime's commitment to both educational access and sustainability
stewardship.
Video
courtesy of SM Prime
The
program will fully support ten deserving students through their undergraduate
studies at UPLB, providing them with the opportunity to pursue degrees in
either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
These fields align with SM Prime's focus on building resilient communities and
fostering a sustainable future.
The
scholarship recipients, meticulously chosen for their academic excellence and
dedication to sustainability, were formally recognized during a meet-and-greet
gathering at UPLB, marking the start 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 receive a full scholarship covering tuition fees, a monthly living
allowance, and a book allowance, ensuring they can focus on their studies
without financial worries.
During
the gathering, College of Human Ecology (CHE) Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo
expressed that the pursuit of sustainability is most effectively undertaken
collaboratively.
“CHE
is one of the colleges that puts a premium on interdisciplinarity and
trans-disciplinarity because we believe that in sustainability, you don’t work
in silos. We need to work together and build each other’s skills, know-how, and
also our programs together to ensure sustainability,” she said.
“I
would also like to thank SM Prime for putting emphasis on this scholarship. SM
Prime did not just provide the finances or scholarship. They invested the time
to really meet our scholars and provided other support mechanisms to ensure
that our scholars thrive in their academic lives. This is also a manifestation
of SM’s commitment to sustainability by really developing our future
sustainability leaders,” she added.
College
of Forestry and Natural Resources’ Prof. Marilyn Combalicer also extended the
college’s support to the scholars on behalf of the college’s dean, Dr. Marlo
Mendoza: “We hope to continue nurturing such meaningful collaboration and
initiatives that enhance our educational experience and initiatives for our
students. Rest assured that we will continue providing support to our students
in ensuring their growth and success in both academia and beyond.”
SM Prime’s
AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo meets the SM sustainability scholars.
Meanwhile,
SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications, Rida
Reyes-Castillo, echoed that the fundamental values of the company are
intricately interwoven with both education and sustainability.
“SM
Group’s founder, Mr. Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr. believed that education is a great
equalizer, and he envisioned that sending one child to college would create
ripples of social good not just for families but for an entire community,” she
said. “The improvement of
the well-being of the youth and the partner communities is something that we at
SM invest in.”
For decades, the SM group has embraced the responsibility to contribute
to nation building through social good programs that are geared towards quality
education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response. By
helping improve the quality of life of the people in these host communities,
social development and investment go hand in hand with business growth to
achieve a better future for all.
This
is a paid partnership with SM Prime Holdings.
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