The achievement, SM said in a statement, reflects its unwavering commitment to building a future-ready workforce by investing in education that bridges the gap between classroom learning and career success.
Through its educational institutions—Asia Pacific College (APC), National University (NU)—and the scholarship programs of SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI), the SM group is equipping students with the technical skills, industry experience, and mindset needed to thrive in a competitive, evolving job market.
“At APC, our mission is to shape potential into progress as we prepare our students for the global arena,” said Dr. Ma. Teresita "Tata" Medado, president of APC. “Graduation is not an end—it’s a beginning. We challenge our students to become lifelong learners and purpose-driven leaders.”
APC’s dedication to employability has earned it a 5-star QS Stars rating in the employability category. A student-initiated graduate tracer program, launched in 2022, helps track alumni outcomes and strengthens the institution’s career readiness efforts.
Notable alumni success stories include Lieutenant (JG) Andrew Charles Nakpil, a 2016 Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate contributing to defense and tech sectors, and Lea Bhel Araneta-Cabailo, 2015 Multimedia Arts alumna and founder of TwinkleA Digital, a creative agency she now leads as president and CEO.
Beyond APC, SM Foundation’s scholarship program continues to uplift thousands of students. At a recent alumni homecoming, 925 graduates from 27 batches shared their career stories—71 percent have pursued further education and many are employed in key sectors including IT, education, engineering, finance, retail, and construction.
“The scholarship empowers promising young talent while fostering a holistic student experience that prepares them to excel in their chosen careers,” said Carmen Linda Atayde, SM Foundation executive director for education programs.
“Each scholar’s success reminds us of education’s long-term social impact and the ripple effect of positive change,” she added.
SM’s education initiatives reaffirm its commitment to developing leaders and changemakers who will shape the future of industries and communities. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
