Village Connect
Success is often measured by achievements, but behind every milestone lies a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination. For SM Scholars Angle Jean Geonzon Bagacay, Steven Brielle Salpid David, and Fermina Kassandra Dela Cruz, their remarkable performance in the May 2026 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE) was not simply the result of academic excellence—it was the culmination of years of resilience in the face of challenges.
Their names now stand among the country’s top CPALE performers, with Angle placing sixth, Steven securing eighth place, and Fermina earning twelfth. Yet long before they celebrated their victories, each of them had to overcome moments that tested their confidence, faith, and commitment to their dreams.
For Angle, one of the defining moments of her college journey came during her sophomore year when she failed a minor subject. The setback deeply affected her confidence and threatened her goal of graduating with Latin honors. Rather than allowing disappointment to define her future, she used the experience as motivation to become stronger.
“That experience taught me resilience, humility, and how to bounce back,” she shared.
The continued support of SM Foundation played a significant role in helping her regain confidence. Opportunities such as winning a national accounting competition and receiving a full review scholarship became stepping stones toward her success. More importantly, the trust placed in her inspired her to aim higher.
“SMFI believed in my capabilities and invested in my future. That trust made me dream bigger and strive for excellence,” she said.
Today, she views her Top 6 finish as proof that persistence, faith, and hard work can transform challenges into opportunities. Beyond personal achievement, she sees the accomplishment as a source of hope and security for her family.
Steven’s journey was equally shaped by responsibility and determination. As the eldest child in a family with limited financial means, he carried the weight of expectations while preparing for one of the most difficult professional examinations in the country.
He initially postponed taking the October 2025 CPALE to give himself more time to prepare. The decision came with uncertainty, as he worried about forgotten lessons and missed opportunities. Despite those doubts, he remained focused and grounded in his goal.
“Ang dami uncertainties, ang daming doubts. My prayer was simply to pass. Becoming a topnotcher felt like divine intervention,” he recalled.
For Steven, placing eighth was more than a personal victory—it represented a chance to create a more stable future for his family. He hopes his story encourages other students from modest backgrounds to believe in their abilities and trust the value of preparation and perseverance.
Meanwhile, Fermina’s path to success was marked by personal sacrifice. During her review period, her grandmother, who had helped raise her, became seriously ill. Faced with competing priorities, she temporarily set aside her studies to provide care and support.
The interruption brought uncertainty, but it also strengthened her sense of purpose.
“When I returned to my books, something deeper had taken root—a belief that purpose is bigger than adversity. God really sustained me through it all,” she shared.
Her eventual Top 12 finish reinforced her belief that resilience and faith are rewarded. Now working at a firm owned by a former SM Scholar, Fermina hopes to mentor future generations and share the lessons that guided her journey.
Together, the stories of Angle, Steven, and Fermina demonstrate that success is not reserved for those who never face setbacks. Rather, it belongs to those who continue moving forward despite fear, uncertainty, and hardship. Their journeys serve as powerful reminders that with faith, discipline, and perseverance, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.
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