Village Connect
Creating meaningful change often begins when organizations unite behind a common goal. For many years, SM Foundation has demonstrated how collaboration can expand opportunities for Filipinos, particularly in education, healthcare, and livelihood development. Through partnerships with various institutions and organizations, the foundation continues to help transform lives and empower communities nationwide.
One of the strongest examples of this commitment is its education program, which has enabled thousands of young Filipinos to pursue higher learning despite financial challenges. For Academic Year 2025–2026, the shared mission of empowering future leaders continues through the recognition of the Ten Outstanding STEM Students (TOSS), a program supported by SM Foundation and Mastercard. The initiative highlights the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education while encouraging students to excel in fields that will help shape the country’s future.
Education remains at the heart of SM Foundation’s efforts to create lasting impact. Since launching its scholarship program, the foundation has supported 7,376 college scholars, with 4,640 graduates successfully completing their degrees. Beyond financial assistance, scholars receive guidance and opportunities that help prepare them for meaningful careers and leadership roles.
The foundation’s commitment to education also extends to improving learning environments. To date, SM Foundation has built 116 school buildings and 398 classrooms, providing public school students with safer and more conducive spaces for learning. These facilities help ensure that young Filipinos can pursue their education in environments that support their growth and development.
While education remains a major focus, SM Foundation also works to improve lives through healthcare and livelihood initiatives. Across the country, it has rehabilitated 228 health and wellness centers, making healthcare services more accessible to underserved communities. Through 1,797 medical missions, the foundation has provided assistance to more than one million patients. Its SM Blood Bank program has also collected over 40,000 blood bags, helping support healthcare institutions and patients in need.
In the area of livelihood, the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Market Linkage Program continues to create opportunities for farmers. Today, 72 farmers supply fresh produce to the SM Weekend Market, providing them with sustainable income opportunities and improved market access. These efforts demonstrate how targeted support can strengthen communities and create long-term economic benefits.
Central to the success of these programs is SM Foundation’s growing network of partners. The foundation works with around 60 participating organizations for education initiatives and more than 100 organizations across its various programs. Through these collaborations, resources, expertise, and opportunities are brought together to maximize impact.
Among these partnerships, the collaboration between SM Foundation and Mastercard stands out as a model of how organizations can work together to support Filipino youth. The partnership began during the pandemic when Mastercard helped provide tablets to SM scholars, ensuring they could continue learning amid the challenges of remote education. Since then, the collaboration has evolved into a broader effort focused on expanding educational access and encouraging excellence in STEM disciplines.
The TOSS program reflects this shared commitment. By recognizing outstanding STEM students, SM Foundation and Mastercard are helping inspire young learners to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—fields that play a vital role in innovation, economic growth, and national development.
According to SM Foundation Partnerships Manager Joy Guevarra, partnerships create a multiplier effect that allows programs to reach more communities and generate greater impact. Mastercard Philippines Country Manager Jason Crasto echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that meaningful change happens when organizations, communities, and individuals contribute their strengths toward a common purpose.
The success stories emerging from these initiatives demonstrate how opportunities can create ripple effects. Scholars graduate, secure employment, support their families, and contribute to their communities. Farmers gain sustainable livelihoods, while patients receive essential healthcare services. Each success becomes part of a larger cycle of positive change.
As SM Foundation and Mastercard celebrate the achievements of the Ten Outstanding STEM Students for Academic Year 2025–2026, they also highlight the power of collaboration. Through shared vision and collective action, opportunities continue to grow, helping shape a future where more Filipino youth can achieve their dreams and become catalysts for progress in their communities.
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