After a year, leading integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) stays true to its commitment for educational access and environmental stewardship through its sustainability scholarship program in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

Under the SM Sustainability Scholarship, SM Prime continues to support ten UPLB students with their undergraduate studies, helping them pursue degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry, fields that align with the property developer’s focus on building resilient communities and fostering a sustainable future.

“SM Group’s founder, Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr. always believed that education is the greatest equalizer. He envisioned that sending one child to college would create ripples of social good, not just for families but for the entire community these students belong to,” said SM Prime Assistant Vice President for Marketing, Public Relations, and Corporate Communications, Rida Reyes-Castillo.

“SM Prime believes UPLB would be the best partner to support its sustainability initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment while honing new Iskolars ng Bayan leaders committed to knowledge creation and public service. We will continue to support the empowerment of our youth and communities’ well-being”, she added.

The SM Sustainability Scholars, who were chosen for their academic excellence and dedication to sustainability, were again met by the SM Prime team during their meet-and-greet gathering at UPLB last September 26.

Each scholar will receive a full scholarship covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and a stipend for books, ensuring all the support they need is there so that they can focus on their studies.

For UPLB, 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.

SM Sustainability scholar Adina Lacdang, who majors in Bachelor of Science Forestry, said that the crucial support from SM Prime has helped her in her studies and also eased the added financial burden on her parents.

“With the knowledge I am able to acquire through this scholarship, gusto ko po mapangalagaan ‘yung sarili naming kabuhayan through agroforestry. I hope to serve as a bridge for industries that are rapidly modernizing and use my skills and knowledge to align them to sustainable practices,” Lacdang said.

Now in her sophomore year, she hopes to apply her knowledge of sustainability and use her voice to encourage the youth to take an interest in the environment, including forestry.

“I have seen that they are making a great impact in the field of forestry in terms of sustainability and broadening the sciences. When we continue to learn about our surroundings, we are able to make informed decisions that will leave a lasting positive impact,” she shared.

For decades, SM Prime 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.