Education can change lives, and scholarships open doors that would otherwise remain closed for many students facing financial challenges.
The SM Foundation, in partnership with Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ),
is helping make this possible by providing students with the support they need
to complete their studies and build their careers.
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| SM Scholar and Universidad de Zamboanga graduate Alhadzfar Jammang |
UZ is one of 18 SM Foundation partner schools in Mindanao and one of three in the Zamboanga Peninsula, ensuring that scholars have access to quality education and opportunities. One of those scholars is Alhadzfar Jammang, who graduated cum laude in 2023 with a degree in Accountancy.
Utilizing education to open opportunities
Balancing studies and financial struggles is challenging for many students, but Alhadzfar was determined to change his life through education.
Growing up in Zamboanga City, Jammang’s family relied on his father’s income as a driver while his mother focused on caring for him and his six siblings. Although college seemed out of reach, he pursued the SM Foundation scholarship to focus on his studies.
The SM Foundation scholarship covered his tuition and miscellaneous
fees and provided a stipend, allowing him to concentrate on his coursework.
Beyond financial aid, the program also provided mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities. During the pandemic, scholars received digital tools like tablets to ensure they could continue their studies online.
Collaborating for scholars’
development
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| SM Foundation executive director Carmen Linda Atayde (front row, center) gathered with SM Scholars at SM City Mindpro for a meaningful session focused on guidance, mentoring, and catching up while getting to know their fellow recipients, fostering a sense of community among the program's participants. |
Complementing the foundation's support is UZ's commitment to academic excellence, which played a key role in his development.
Faculty members of the School of Business and Management shared their best practices, provided mentorship, and guided him through his academic journey. Their support helped him build skills and gain knowledge essential to his growth.
Beyond academics, UZ emphasized perseverance and service—principles that continue to influence his career. He remains committed to applying these values in his field while upholding the standards set by the scholarship foundation and the university.
His involvement in UZ’s co-curricular programs further shaped his experience. As a member of the UZ Scholars and Grantees Association (UZ SGA), he participated in activities such as orientation programs, "Kumustahan" sessions, and other gatherings that foster engagement. With members from different academic departments, these initiatives encouraged collaboration and networking among scholars.
Looking Ahead
Recently, Alhadzfar earned his degree in Accountancy, graduating cum laude. As he moves into his professional career, he is pursuing online training to develop his skills further and stay competitive in the finance and accounting field—an approach to continuous learning he adopted as an SM scholar and UZ student.
He aims to strengthen his expertise, build a competitive edge, and gain experience to help him enter the country’s top companies.
Giving Back
For Jammang, the scholarship wasn’t just financial assistance—it was a community that believed in his potential. Now, he hopes to pay it forward.
“Being an SM Scholar is more than just receiving support. It’s about being part of a bigger family that helps you grow. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. My time as an SM scholar empowered me to be of service to my community in the future. I look forward to the day I can make a significant contribution to my family and community,” he said.
With the support of institutions like SM Foundation and Universidad de Zamboanga, scholars like Jammang are turning dreams into reality. Their journeys highlight the power of education and the importance of helping the next generation succeed.
To date, the SM Foundation College Scholarship has supported over 5,500 SM scholars. To learn more, visit www.sm-foundation.org (PR)
