The SM Group is expanding scholarship support for uniformed personnel and their families, reinforcing its push for accessible quality education as part of its broader strategy to support inclusive growth.
Through its education institutions, National University (NU) and Asia Pacific College (APC), the group is widening access to senior high school, undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly for communities with limited access to higher education.
NU recently renewed its partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), providing up to 2,250 scholarship slots across its 15 campuses for qualified dependents and active personnel. NU is present in various cities and provinces including Manila, Laguna, Pasay, Makati, Quezon City, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, Bacolod, Pasig, Cebu, Las Pinas, and soon in Davao.
The partnership also includes access to internship, training, and development opportunities aimed at improving employability outcomes.
Scholars may avail of a 20% discount on tuition and miscellaneous fees across all programs. The partnership also provides full scholarship to dependents of KIA (killed-in-action) uniformed personnel.
“We honor the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. As part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFP-EBSO) community of schools, we are proud to help carry their legacy forward by supporting their families, especially their children, in pursuing quality education through scholarship opportunities,” said Mr. Rolando T. Averilla, Senior Vice President for Corporate and International Relations for NU.
A daughter of a Philippine Navy Marines officer, Jamaica Casiano, an 18-year-old first year student at NU Manila, shared that she “chose National University because it is a UAAP school known for its quality education and strong academic reputation. Being part of NU motivates me to strive harder and achieve my goals. My scholarship has relieved me from the financial burden of paying for my education, allowing me to focus fully on my studies.”
Asia Pacific College (APC), part of the SM Group, has supported 1,283 scholars from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police since 2006, helping them pursue degrees in IT, engineering, and business, programs designed to strengthen skills and open pathways for career advancement.
“Providing access to relevant, industry-aligned education is not just an aspiration for us. It is something we actively deliver,” said APC President Dr. Ma. Teresita ‘Tata’ Medado. “Through this partnership, we meaningfully honor the service of our uniformed personnel by equipping them with education that strengthens their careers, uplifts their families, and enables them to serve their communities with even greater impact.”
Among the scholars is Lt. Junior Grade Charles Nakpil of the Philippine Navy, who graduated from APC in 2016 with a degree in BS Electronics Engineering.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity APC gave me,” said Lt. Nakpil. “The education I received at Asia Pacific College did not only strengthen me as a public servant; it also gave my family greater security and pride; and allowed me to serve alongside my colleagues with deeper confidence and competence. What I learned continues to guide how I lead, how I work, and how I support the communities we are sworn to protect.”
Separately, SM Foundation continues to support uniformed personnel through healthcare initiatives, including the provision of medical equipment and the development of healthcare facilities.
These efforts form part of SM’s long-term focus on education as a lever for workforce development and broader economic participation.
