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A moment that changed lives: SM scholars recall the beginning of their SM scholar journey

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  Some moments fade with time, certain experiences leave an indelible mark, shaping not just our paths but our very identities. For Atty. Marmie Deniega and Amanda Hora , the SM scholarship application wasn't just a gateway to education; it was the moment that shaped the life they live today. The first to obtain a degree in the family A family legacy, SM scholar Amanda Hora becomes the first in her family to earn a degree. Amanda’s unforgettable story as an SM scholar began when she stumbled upon a Facebook post about the SM scholarship application. “It has always been my dream to pursue a quality education without the burden of tuition expenses. I enrolled in a university in Senior High School because of a scholarship, and I know that the only way to continue my college years at the same university is to obtain another full scholarship. That is why I never hesitated to apply for the SM scholarship, hoping to be accepted,” she said.  In the quiet hours of the night several yea...

Henry Sy Foundation promotes inclusive education Revitalizing the Philippine School for the Deaf

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   Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) hand signs a gratitude message to Henry Sy Foundation (HSF), Department of Education, and Pasay Local Government after they collaborated for the revitalization of the 12-room laboratory building of Senior High School students. The Philippines’ Magna Carta for Disabled Persons ensures the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance of persons with disabilities. The country provides educational assistance to people with disabilities from primary to tertiary education, including vocational or technical training.   One such school is the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City. For over a century, the school had demonstrated the transformative power of education in empowering and unlocking the capabilities of those with diverse disabilities to live fulfilling lives.   Though standing as a testament to the Philippines' long-standing commitment to differently-abled education, the school, one of Southeast Asia's ol...

Tears from Heaven: CHILD Haus celebrates 21 years

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  The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the  21 st -anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus , an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee   Hans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father.   CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries. Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky, and several individuals and companies who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The media wa...

SM Supermall's Lady Security guard GILREN BAJADO honored for exemplary act

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  Marikina City - Gilren Bajado, lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Almus J. Alabe and Regional CRS Manager Harold James E. Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony.   LG Bajado's outstanding accomplishment stems from her remarkable act of honesty and integrity on August 3, 2023, at SM Cinema, SM City Marikina. During her clearing duties, she discovered a lost black pouch containing 64,800 pesos, along with ATM cards and assorted ID cards belonging to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old staff member of Palarong Pambansa. L-R: SM City Marikina Customer Relations Services Manager Mr. Edward S. Masangcay, Regional CRS Manager Mr. Harold E. Herrera, ...

UST tops off Henry Sy, Sr. Hall at Manila campus

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  The University of Santo Tomas (UST) held the topping off ceremony of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall last October 7, 2023. The ceremony is a builder’s tradition that highlights the placement of the final beam on top of the structure.  Heads of the UST and HSFI, led by Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang,O.P. FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao, and Debbie Sy, at the topping off ceremony last October 7, 2023 The seven-storey building is a tribute of the Sy family, the SM Group, and UST to the SM founder for his life-long education advocacy. It is equally a manifestation of the ever-growing desire of the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI) and the 152-year old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) to further level up in the field of medicine.  The artist’s rendition of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, which will rise near Gate 10 (Dapitan St.) The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will serve as a hub for simulation in medical education, interactive student centered...

SM Prime, WWF-Philippines join forces to nurture the future sustainability champions

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  Recognizing today's youth’s key role as tomorrow’s guardians of the environment, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) have teamed up to launch   YOUth are the Future , a leadership program aimed to equip young student leaders on environmental conservation , climate change, and sustainability issues. “There is no better time than now to educate the youth. As stewards of the planet, it is important that they have an opportunity to learn about environmental conservation, encourage them to voice out their fresh ideas, and share new perspectives,”  said WWF-Philippines Education for Sustainable Development Project Head  Dino Calderon. “When we provide our young student leaders with learning opportunities and expose them to practical solutions, we have a chance to help them design a sustainable future. We are committed to make sure that things change for the better,”  says  Hans “Chico” Sy , President o...

Expanding Sustainability: SM Foundation's 2nd Rainwater Harvesting System

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  Health workers in San Fernando, Cebu Primary Healthcare Facility water the locally sourced plants using the water from the rainwater harvesting system.   Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy. SM group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), for one, has embraced this by installing rainwater harvesting systems in two of the local health centers it recently refurbished–Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility.  SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment. Ready in time...