SM Foundation has launched the first two tracks of its Upskill-to-Work Scholarship Program, giving underserved young Filipinos a direct path from skills training to full-time employment within the SM Group.
The program was formally rolled out in August 2026. The construction and electrical track was launched on August 17 at Tagaytay Highlands in partnership with Highlands Prime Inc. (HPI) and Costa del Hamilo Inc. (CDHI). The retail track followed on August 24 at SM Retail Headquarters in Pasay City.
The initiative follows a clear demand-driven model: identify actual workforce needs of SM business units, provide targeted technical-vocational training and certification, then place graduates into full-time jobs. The program’s guiding principle is 'Aral ngayon, trabaho bukas' (Study today, work tomorrow).
Each track is built around specific hiring requirements of SM companies, with the business units committing in advance to employ scholars who successfully complete the training.
For the construction and electrical track, SM Foundation, HPI, and CDHI partnered with five contractor companies that will absorb the graduates. These include FMJ Marketing & Electrical Services, Jethrock Construction Corporation, Megabuilders & Building Care Services Corp., Radja Builders & Enterprise, and Rizhle Construction & Development Corporation. Scholars will train at Don Bosco One TVET Technical-Vocational School, a TESDA-certified institution, before joining projects under HPI and CDHI.
Linda Atayde, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education, explained the rationale behind the program. She noted that the foundation currently supports about 3,500 college scholars across more than 200 schools nationwide. However, a significant group of young people who did not pursue college and remain unemployed had not yet been reached. Many industries need workers, she said, but the youth often lack both the required skills and formal certification such as TESDA’s NC II.
Arlene Keh, SM Foundation trustee and program champion, encouraged the scholars during the Tagaytay launch. “Wag kayong matakot mangarap kung anong gusto niyong maging sa kinabukasan. Magtiyaga at magsipag dahil itong unang trabaho natin, umpisa pa lamang ito,” she said. She added that within two weeks of training with Don Bosco, the scholars would gain practical skills they could use to secure decent work.
The program also deliberately builds soft skills. In each class, scholars elect their own class beadle to lead discussions and keep the group on track. This structure gives them early practice in leadership, collaboration, and teamwork before they enter the workplace.
The second track, focused on retail, welcomed an initial batch of 19 scholars. They will undergo an intensive two-month training program conducted by SM Retail’s own HR and Training team, leading to a TESDA accredited NC II Retail Customer Service Certification. Upon completion, the scholars will be offered jobs and deployed to SM Retail stores across Metro Manila.
Leny Hernandez, SM Senior Vice President for Human Resources at SM Retail, told the scholars that the program would instill drive, enthusiasm, and grit. “Hindi madali ang trabaho, pero kailangan mahalin ang trabaho,” she said, urging them to keep adding knowledge, upskill continuously, and learn to love the work.
Both launches form part of the program’s first nationwide batch, which offers more than 260 scholarship slots. Partner SM business units include SM Retail, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), HPI, CDHI, Goldilocks, and Brownies.
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The Upskill-to-Work program aims to close the gap between education, skills, and actual industry demand. By guaranteeing employment after certification, it provides underserved youth with a secure transition into the workforce while helping SM companies fill critical roles with trained, certified workers.
Officials said the initiative prepares participants not only for immediate jobs but also to become confident and capable members of the workforce over the long term.
