For many families of uniformed personnel, access to stable, quality education directly shapes long-term financial security and career mobility. This initiative provides clearer academic pathways, reduced financial burden, and stronger professional opportunities for dependents and active personnel. For readers, it highlights how institutional partnerships can translate national service into sustained educational support that benefits households and communities.
Broadening Educational Opportunities Across Institutions
PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES — The SM Group is expanding its scholarship program for uniformed personnel and their families, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education through National University (NU) and Asia Pacific College (APC). The initiative covers senior high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels, targeting communities with limited access to higher education.
NU has renewed its partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, offering up to 2,250 scholarship slots across 15 campuses nationwide, including Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Cavite, Cebu, and the soon-to-open Davao campus.
Institutional Support and Skills Development
Beyond tuition assistance, the program includes internship placements, training modules, and career development pathways designed to improve employability outcomes.
Scholars are eligible for a 20% discount on tuition and miscellaneous fees across programs, while dependents of killed-in-action personnel may receive full scholarship grants.
According to NU leadership, the initiative reflects a deeper commitment to families of national service members:
“We honor the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. We are proud to help carry their legacy forward by supporting their families,” said Rolando T. Averilla, Senior Vice President for Corporate and International Relations at National University.
Voices from Scholars and Alumni
The impact of the program is reflected in the experiences of its beneficiaries.
Jamaica Casiano said; an 18-year-old NU Manila student and daughter of a Philippine Navy Marine officer.
“I chose National University because it is a UAAP school known for its quality education and strong academic reputation. My scholarship has relieved me from the financial burden of paying for my education,”
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific College has long supported uniformed personnel through career-aligned programs in information technology, engineering, and business.
Dr. Ma. Teresita “Tata” Medado, president of Asia Pacific College, said;
“Providing access to relevant, industry-aligned education is not just an aspiration for us. It is something we actively deliver.”
Alumni testimonies also underscore the long-term impact of the program:
“The education I received at Asia Pacific College not only strengthened me as a public servant; it also gave my family greater security and pride,” said Lt. Junior Grade Charles Nakpil of the Philippine Navy, an APC graduate.
Expanding Impact Through Long-Term Partnerships
Since 2006, APC has supported more than 1,283 scholars from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, helping them pursue degrees aligned with workforce demands. SM Foundation also complements these efforts through healthcare-related initiatives, including medical equipment donations and facility development for communities of uniformed personnel.
Together, these programs reflect a coordinated effort to strengthen education as a foundation for national development and workforce resilience.
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