Scholars from Bulacan took part on the SM Foundations’ 22nd Presentation of graduates recently held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City last June 27.

A total of 330 scholar-graduates from 105 partner universities and colleges nationwide, the largest batch since the scholarship program started in 1993, gathered all together with their parents and guardians to meet and give thanks to their main benefactor, Henry Sy, Sr. and his family in an annual testimonial dinner.

Out of 330 scholars, 87 graduated with Latin honors, including Ms. Rizalyn Arellano who led the distinct scholars from the province of Bulacan as she graduated Cum Laude in Baliwag University with the degree of BS Accountancy. Other graduates from Baliwag University were Shara Mariz Mempin, BS Electronics Engineering; John Paul Gabriel Rodriguez, BS in Information Technology; and Mark Justine Rubio, BS Civil Engineering. The other three scholars from the province graduated from Bulacan State University namely Al Gene Baguisa, BS Electrical Engineering; Ferdinand Agub and Jo-Ann Lamata both BS Civil Engineering.

This year’s graduation also marks a memorable milestone for both SM Foundation and SM scholars. Some of the graduates were the first batch of Yolanda survivors from Samar, Leyte and other nearby provinces affected by the killer typhoon, and most of them graduated with honors.

SM scholar graduates paid tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sy, Sr. through a heartfelt song followed by a gift giving led by Summa Cum Laude graduates: Jedda Pascual, a graduate of BS Accountancy from Ateneo de Davao University; and Danielle Francis Olsen, a BS Accountancy graduate from the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos.

Aside from the Sy Family, the traditional dinner was graced by the partner schools, SM Foundation and SM Executives, and SM’s business associates to honor the hard work of these scholar-graduates.

SM Foundation maintains 2,000 college scholars yearly and another 2,000 technical-vocation scholars. So far, more than 3,000 scholars have graduated under the SM Foundation Education Program. (PR)