- SM Group is expanding scholarships through National University Philippines and Asia Pacific College for uniformed personnel and their families.
- The program, in partnership with Armed Forces of the Philippines and Bureau of Fire Protection Philippines, offers thousands of slots, tuition discounts, and full scholarships for families of fallen personnel.
- Beyond financial aid, the initiative includes internships and industry-focused training to boost employability and support long-term career development.
The SM Group is strengthening its commitment to accessible quality education by expanding scholarship opportunities for uniformed personnel and their families, helping ease financial barriers while promoting inclusive growth. Through its academic institutions, National University (NU) and Asia Pacific College (APC), the initiative is opening more doors to higher education for students who may otherwise struggle to pursue their academic goals.
For students like Jamaica Casiano, a first-year student at NU Manila and daughter of a Philippine Marines officer, the impact is deeply personal. She shared that her scholarship has lifted the financial burden of tuition, allowing her to focus fully on her studies and future ambitions. NU recently renewed its partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), offering up to 2,250 scholarship slots across its campuses nationwide.
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The program also provides a 20 percent discount on tuition and fees, along with full scholarships for dependents of personnel who were killed in action, ensuring that families who have made the greatest sacrifices receive meaningful support.
Beyond financial assistance, the program integrates internship opportunities and training programs that enhance employability and prepare students for the workforce. At APC, which has supported more than a thousand scholars from the AFP and the Philippine National Police since 2006, students gain access to industry-aligned education in fields such as IT, engineering, and business, equipping them with practical skills for long-term career growth.
Education leaders emphasize that these efforts go beyond scholarships, aiming to empower families and strengthen communities. By investing in scholarship programs and workforce-ready education, the SM Group continues to position education as a key driver of opportunity, economic participation, and national development.
