Gaining solid ground through education

Gaining solid ground through education
Stability is the foundation of a well-lived life. With basic needs fulfilled, people have the
opportunity to develop themselves, explore various facets of life, and contribute to the
welfare of the community.
When aspiring youth, especially those from low-income households, are given the chance to
stand on solid ground, they readily take the chance. They utilize it as a seedbed where they
can cultivate their dreams and aspirations.

One testament to this is SM scholar alumna Jonnah Jane Sacamay, who grew up in a family
where stability seemed like an uncharted territory. Years back, Jonnah’s family’s main
source of living was flower farming. This made them walk on a thin line as the demand for
flowers was seasonal, and they were also often affected by unpredictable weather
disturbances. 
But while they had journeyed through life with uncertainty, they had always planted in her
mind the power of education.
“Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not stable. Aside from
augmenting our daily needs, we also had to ensure that my education is secured,” Jonnah
recalled. 
Holding on to the power of education
And so, to help her family, she studied hard in grade school as soon as she learned about
others who had the opportunity to pursue college through the SM College Scholarship
Program. With her whole heart dedicated to learning and her eyes set on the SM
scholarship, she finished high school as the class valedictorian. Once the forms were
available, she immediately processed her application at the SM Store in Cebu.
“I was informed that I got accepted as an SM Scholar. From then on, a huge weight was
lifted off my parents' shoulders. I could pursue my chosen degree in my chosen university,”
she added.
Through the scholarship offered by the SM group through SM Foundation, she was able to
focus on the development of her skills and knowledge not only in accountancy but especially
in life. She became a Magna Cum Laude graduate of BS Accountancy at the University of
San Carlos.

SM Foundation, Inc.
SM Corporate Offices, Building B, J.W. Diokno Boulevard
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300, Philippines
Telephone No.: +63 2 857-0100 loc. 1678/1687-1692 || Fax No.: +63 2 831-8282
sm-foundation.org

Jonnah (center) with her parents during her graduation

“The SM Scholarship helped me reach my dream of becoming a CPA, and this opened
doors for me, enabling me to land a job that empowered me to help my family,” she said. 
“My experience in retail has given me wide knowledge in different areas. With this, I always
make sure that my family makes informed decisions in all aspects of life. One thing that has
become a tradition among SM Cebu scholars during my time was to have an outreach
program. In our own way, we were able to pay forward the help that we received from SM. It
was a fulfilling experience that we could share our blessings in our own little way,” she
added.
Jonnah currently serves as a Senior Accounting Manager at the SM Store, Cebu. Aside
from financial security, she currently takes care of her parents’ medical expenses and lets
them enjoy vibrant life experiences after retiring as flower farmers.

SM Foundation, Inc.
SM Corporate Offices, Building B, J.W. Diokno Boulevard
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300, Philippines
Telephone No.: +63 2 857-0100 loc. 1678/1687-1692 || Fax No.: +63 2 831-8282
sm-foundation.org
Jonnah Sacamay serves as a Senior Accounting Manager at the SM Store in Cebu.
“Having a degree enabled me and my family to experience more in life. It paved the way for
me to secure a stable job, which allowed me to travel, treat my family to a nice meal, take
them shopping on special occasions, and most importantly, support my parents and their
medical expenses. Aside from providing me with a scholarship grant, working in SM has
provided a sense of security for me and my family,” she shared.
Opening doors to more
SM Foundation made it its goal to help create an environment where low-income families
can thrive and achieve stability, just like how the SM College Scholarship Program paved
ways for Jonnah and her family.
For the school year 2023-2024, the application period is open from February 1-March 31,
2023. The selected scholars may specialize in accounting, information technology,
engineering, and education with full tuition and monthly allowance, including enrichment
programs and activities. 
For more information about the SM College Scholarship program, visit https://www.sm-
foundation.org/what_we_do/college-scholarship-program.