Top hospital is recognized for its innovative initiative to drive blood donations and maintain supply for patients

Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) gains another international recognition, winning in the IPRA Golden World Awards (GWA) Community Relations category for its Red Light Project. The 2026 winners list released by the GWA also shows MakatiMed as the sole winner from the Philippines.

The Red Light Project is the innovative initiative developed by the hospital’s Hematology Section through its Hospital Blood Transfusion Committee (HBTC) and the collaborative efforts of the management and leadership to address recurring challenges in maintaining adequate blood supply.

It uses a simple yet powerful communication tool – the activation of red lights at the top of the hospital building, whenever blood supply reaches a critical level as an urgent visual alert to encourage timely blood donations. The project also raises public awareness on the importance of consistent blood supply and how a lack thereof can compromise the overall quality of patient care.

The hospital’s two other entries were also named finalists in the healthcare and sustainability communications categories.

This is the second time MakatiMed has participated and won in the prestigious awards program by the International Public Relations Association. The top hospital was previously recognized for its Covid-19 information program in the crisis communication online category.

Established in 1990, the annual IPRA Golden World Awards recognizes excellence in various categories of public relations practice worldwide. Recipients take particular pride in the recognition granted to their entry as meeting international standards of excellence in public relations.

“Makati Medical Center Medical Director and Interim Co-President & CEO Saturnino P. Javier, MD asserts how significant the project is in helping mitigate the issue of blood supply, while driving awareness on the impact of shortages in delivering safe and quality patient care. It also reinforces the ‘bayanihan’ mindset among us which demonstrates how collective, voluntary efforts of donors reinforce a culture of compassion and social responsibility in the face of a major healthcare issue.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) collected 367 kilograms of waste during a coastal clean-up at SM By the Bay in Pasay City, as part of the company’s observance of World Ocean Day 2026.

The activity gathered 67 Maynilad employee-volunteers who removed litter and debris from the coastal area, helping prevent waste from entering Manila Bay and nearby waterways.

The initiative forms part of Maynilad’s environmental sustainability efforts, which include programs that promote water resource protection, responsible waste management, and employee volunteerism.

“As a water and wastewater services provider, Maynilad recognizes that the protection of waterways requires collective action. Through activities like this, we are able to engage our employees in environmental stewardship while helping protect coastal and marine environments,” said Maynilad Chief Sustainability Officer Atty. Roel S. Espiritu.

World Ocean Day is observed annually to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and to encourage action against pollution and other threats to ocean health.

Maynilad also continues to invest in wastewater treatment and infrastructure, and water resource management programs that support the protection of waterways within its service area.

Maynilad operates the largest water concession by population served within a single concession area in the Philippines. It is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.

MANILA – JUNE 2, 2026 – For decades, the Philippines’ most iconic food and beverage brands have been staples in every Filipino household. Today, new data shows that these brands are finding their most effective modern home on YouTube, delivering higher returns on investment than any other marketing platform.

A series of recent studies—conducted by industry leaders Monde Nissin, Nestlé, NutriAsia, and URC reveal that YouTube has become one of the primary drivers for business growth in the local Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

For the parents planning the next family vacation, the students grabbing a quick snack between classes, and the teachers looking for a well-deserved break, YouTube is where they go for inspiration and entertainment. The data proves that when brands meet these people where they are, the results are undeniable.

The findings highlight significant breakthroughs for local household favorites, proving that YouTube consistently outperforms both TV and social media:

• Skyflakes (Monde Nissin):YouTube delivered a 3.1 ROI—performing 1.8x better than traditional media and 1.3x better than social media (Nielsen NIQ report)
• Bear Brand and Milo (Nestlé): YouTube drove approximately 3.0 ROI in the Philippines (Nestlé’s internal measurement study)
• UFC Banana Catsup (NutriAsia):Achieved the highest ROI at 2.2, proving more effective than both traditional and social media platforms. (Nielsen NIQ report)
• Nissin Cup Noodles & Nissin Ramen (URC):Beyond just “views,” YouTube drove real-world sales growth, with a 1.6% sales lift in South Luzon and a 0.8% lift in North Luzon (Nielsen Sales Lift Study)

What these findings mean is that in a world where people are busier than ever, YouTube offers an easily accessible, convenient, and most importantly, effective space for authentic connection. Whether it’s a parent watching drama Shorts, a student learning a new trend or an entrepreneur unlocking the next big idea, YouTube reaches Filipinos in moments that matter—far more effectively than traditional media.

“Filipinos don’t just scroll past content on YouTube; they lean in to watch, learn, and connect with creators and stories they genuinely love,” said Prep Palacios, Country Manager for Google Philippines. “This deeply engaged behavior is why brands are thriving on the platform. These local favorites are leveraging YouTube’s immersive, multi-format ecosystem to build deep consumer trust. Whether it’s through a long-form recipe tutorial or a punchy YouTube Short, authentic storytelling on this platform translates directly into real-world volume at the checkout counter.”

For business owners and marketing leaders navigating a highly competitive landscape, the data yields a definitive conclusion: the definitive path to sustainable business growth in the Philippines is through YouTube—the platform where parents, students, and everyday consumers actively look for inspiration and entertainment.

MANILA & CEBU CITY, Philippines, July 2026 —The biggest names in music, worship, and sports are taking over SM Mall of Asia Arena and SM Seaside Cebu Arena this third quarter. From global K-pop acts and chart-topping artists to international basketball action and inspiring worship nights, the season is packed with experiences worth marking on your calendar.

Here’s your guide to the can’t-miss events happening from July to September.

EXO PLANET # 6 EXhOrizon

The K-Pop boy group of the generation is back as they return to the Philippines for a two-day sold out concert. Group members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun present top vocals, electrifying choreography, and charisma.

EXO makes a comeback at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, reuniting with long-time fans.

 

ITZY 3RD WORLD TOUR TUNNEL VISION in MANILA | July 11

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Global K-pop powerhouse ITZY returns to Manila for a night of electrifying performances, fan-favorite hits, and tracks from their latest release, Tunnel Vision. Following their successful 2024 show, the five-member group is ready to bring their signature energy back to Filipino MIDZYs. 

ITZY returns to the SM MOA Arena for their third world tour.

MITSKI ‘NOTHING’S ABOUT TO HAPPEN TO ME’ IN MANILA | July 14

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Making her long-awaited Philippine debut, Mitski brings her acclaimed live show to the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Marking her biggest show in Southeast Asia to date, fans can look forward to an emotional and immersive performance featuring beloved hits such as “My Love Mine All Mine,” “Nobody,” and “If I Leave Me.” 

Mitski makes her Manila debut at the SM MOA Arena.

 

PLANETSHAKERS LIVE IN MANILA | July 17 to 19

Contemporary Worship band Planetshakers returns just after a year since their five-day sold out concert in 2025. Bringing their hits such as “Nothing is Impossible,” “This is the Day,” and “Turn It Up”, the SM Mall of Asia Arena is in for a night of praise and worship.

Planetshakers brings a groundbreaking 3-day sold-out concert.

 

XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE IN MANILA | July 22

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Known for their bold sound, futuristic visuals, and genre-defying style, XG makes its highly anticipated Manila debut. Expect a dynamic performance that showcases the group’s unique brand of X-pop and a show packed with high-energy performances. 

Japanese Girl Group XG breaks boundaries with their signature ‘X-pop’ sound.

 

2026 AHOF 1ST TOUR: THE FIRST SPARK IN MANILA | July 25 & 26

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Fresh from their breakthrough debut, AHOF heads to Manila for its first solo concert in the Philippines. The multinational boy group brings its rising global appeal, youthful energy, and standout performances to Filipino fans. 

AHOF returns to Manila with its first solo concert at SM MOA Arena.

 

CXMMXNS WORSHIP WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME TOUR | August 7 & 8

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Come together for a powerful spiritual encounter as Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan return to Manila for two nights of worship. Led by the renowned worship leaders, CXMMXNS Worship brings beloved anthems and new songs for today’s generation, alongside performances from OPM artists including Moira Dela Torre and Ogie Alcasid. 

A night of worship awaits with CXMMXNS.

 

KODALINE FAREWELL TOUR | August 10

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As part of their farewell tour, Irish alternative rock band Kodaline returns to Manila for one final performance with the fans who have supported them through the years. Expect an emotional evening filled with the band’s biggest hits and cherished memories as they take their final bow. 

Let your final goodbyes to the band reach Kodaline at their Farewell Tour.

 

Rosetopia Asia Tour 2026 in Manila | August 15

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South Korean Indie Band ‘The Rose’ makes  a stop at the SM Mall of Asia Arena as they bid their fans a short goodbye before going on hiatus. The band’s music features hard-hitting hits that highlight vulnerability and soulful melodies, perfect for those who look for catharsis and authenticity in every verse.

‘The Rose’ makes a stop at the SM Mall of Asia Arena this August.

 

REX ORANGE COUNTY EXCLUSIVE ASIA SHOW | August 20

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British singer-songwriter Alexander James O’Connor, better known as Rex Orange County, returns to Manila with his signature blend of indie pop and heartfelt storytelling. Fans can look forward to crowd favorites including “Best Friend,” “Loving Is Easy,” “Amazing,” and “The Shade.” 

Rex Orange Country returns to the Philippines for an Exclusive Asia Show.

 

2026-27 BABYMONSTER (CHOOM) WORLD TOUR IN MANILA | September 5

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One of K-pop’s fastest-rising groups, BABYMONSTER makes its Manila debut with a high-energy show featuring powerful vocals, dynamic choreography, and chart-topping hits including “Batter Up,” “Sheesh,” and “Psycho.” 

Babymonster turns up the heat with their first Manila stop at SM MOA Arena.

 

JAPAN PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE | SEPTEMBER 9 & 10

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Experience elite-level basketball as Japan’s premier professional league brings world-class competition to Manila. Featuring top Japanese talents and international standouts, including players from the Philippines, this matchup promises fast-paced action and unforgettable moments on the court. 

Witness global sporting talents at the SM Mall of Asia Arena this September.

  

HILLSONG WORSHIP NIGHT ASIA TOUR | September 18 & 20

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Hillsong Worship returns to the Philippines with special performances at both SM Seaside Cebu Arena and the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Join thousands of worshippers for an evening of faith, music, and inspiration led by one of the world’s most influential worship collectives. 

Hillsong Worship goes to SM Seaside Cebu Arena and SM Mall of Asia Arena.

 

From world-class concerts and inspiring worship nights to international sporting events, SM Mall of Asia Arena and SM Seaside Cebu Arena continue to deliver the maxed-out experiences fans love. As two of the country’s most preferred and most loved venues, they remain the stage for unforgettable moments that bring communities together through music, sports, entertainment, and faith. Secure your tickets and be part of the biggest events of the season. 

Nasakote na sa Pasay City ang tatlong suspek sa pagpatay kay dating Abuyog, Leyte Vice Mayor James Bohol at anak nitong si Carlo James.

Kinilala ang isa sa mga suspek na si alyas “Mak” na umaming humingi umano sa nakatatandang Bohol ng palugit sa pagbabayad ng tseke at nagbanta pa ang dating bise alkalde laban sa kanya at kanyang pamilya, kaya’t dinukot ang mag-ama.

Naaresto sina alyas “Mak,” na pawang residente ng Basey (Ba-say), Northern Samar, sa tulong ng Anti-Kidnapping Group at Criminal Investigation and Detection Group matapos matunton ng mga awtoridad ang ginamit nilang sasakyan sa krimen.

Ayon kay Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, director ng Police Regional Office-8, natunton ang iniwang Mitsubishi GLX Mirage sa Barangay Tingib habang nakatulong ang Global Positioning System footage recorder na ibinigay ng car rental company upang masundan ang galaw ng mga suspek.

Lumabas din sa imbestigasyon na iniwan ng mga suspek ang isang Toyota Hilux sa Sariaya, Quezon bago sila naaresto sa Pasay City.

Patay na nang matagpuan si dating Abuyog, Leyte Vice Mayor James Bohol at anak nitong si Carlou James o Jimbo sa Silago, Southern Leyte tatlong araw matapos silang napaulat na dinukot.

Narekober ang bangkay ng mag-ama mag-a-alas diyes kahapon ng umaga sa isang bangin na nasa pito hanggang walong metro ang lalim sa gilid ng kalsada.

Kinumpirma ni Abuyog Mayor Lemuel Gin Traya ang pagkamatay ng dalawa matapos ipabatid ng Philippine National Police.

Kinondena naman ng alkalde ang insidente at nagpaabot ng pakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga biktima habang tiniyak ang suporta ng lokal na pamahalaan upang makamit ang hustisya.

Blangko pa ang P.N.P. sa pagkakakilanlan ng mga suspek at maging sa motibo sa krimen.

MANILA, Philippines — July 1, 2026 — Google launches Project Sigma for Philippine news organizations, a new initiative designed to help local newsrooms find creative ways to connect with Gen Z youth.

As young Filipinos change how they find, share, and talk about the news, local publishers are looking for fresh ways to meet them where they are. Project Sigma will select 10 news publishers in the country to experiment with new ideas, formats, and tools to make their news more engaging for the next generation of readers.

Today’s youth—specifically Gen Z, which currently make up nearly 29 million Filipinos, or 25 percent of the population, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2020 Census—consume information differently than previous generations.

They value visual storytelling, community-first spaces, and authentic voices. Project Sigma gives publishers the space and support to step outside their comfort zones, try new storytelling methods, and build lasting relationships with younger audiences.

The Philippines is the third country in Southeast Asia to welcome Project Sigma, following successful launches in Malaysia in 2024 and Indonesia last year. The program is built around practical, hands-on experimentation, allowing local newsrooms to test what works best for their unique audiences.

A customized path to journalistic innovation

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all training model, Project Sigma is designed as a collaborative, hands-on journey.

The program is looking for newsrooms where reaching youth is a strategic priority. Over the course of the 10-week program, the 10 selected newsrooms will work closely with Google and its partner AnyMind to experiment on innovative ways to engage with GenZ audiences.

Publishers will choose one core area to focus their experiment on, whether that means sharpening their audience analysis to decode what young readers care about, crafting highly resonant content, experimenting with new distribution formats on the platforms youth actually use, or designing fresh revenue models that Gen Z is willing to get behind.

Through this process, the participating newsrooms will gain a much deeper, data-backed understanding of young Filipino news consumers. More importantly, they will walk away with the practical experience of launching a live initiative and a lasting culture of innovation, equipping their teams to continuously test new content and product ideas long after the program ends.

The chosen newsrooms will work hand-in-hand with Google and AnyMind, starting with an in-person design thinking workshop to shape their ideas, followed by bi-monthly check-ins to track progress.

Publishers from previous batches of Project Sigma in neighboring Southeast Asian countries have already seen the impact of the program.

“Project Sigma provides news publishers with a framework to address evolving news consumption patterns for younger audiences by running targeted experiments to test out new hypotheses, allowing journalism to thrive in exciting new ways,” shared Kate Beddoe, Managing Director of APAC News Partnerships at Google.

She also shared, “The future of a resilient news ecosystem depends on the ability to engage the next generation of news consumers on their own terms. Through Project Sigma, we are proud to  partner with Filipino publishers to build lasting, trusted connections with younger audiences.”

“Project Sigma helped us strengthen our target audience and boosted our visibility throughout the country and the region as well,” said Tasnim Lokman, Editor of Sinar Daily in Malaysia.

“This initiative prompted reflection on how we understand Gen Z as news audiences and will inform continued efforts to better track and engage Gen Z readers,” shared Devie Emza, Managing Director of Kompas.com in Indonesia.

Applications for Project Sigma open on June 29, 2026, and will close on July 8, 2026.

 

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has strengthened its water supply and risk mitigation measures to better respond to the possible effects of El Niño and lower raw water allocation, even as Angat Dam levels continue to decline.

Water supply in Maynilad’s service area remains stable, and the company continues to work with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, National Water Resources Board, PAGASA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Irrigation Administration, and other concerned agencies on a coordinated response to evolving water supply conditions.

“Maynilad recognizes the concern over the continued decline in Angat Dam levels and the possible effects of El Niño. We have been preparing for these circumstances since previous El Niño episodes, particularly in 2019, when Angat Dam dropped to its historical low level,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Christopher Jaime T. Lichauco.

“The Maynilad system today has more buffers than it had in 2019. Angat Dam remains our main raw water source, but we now have more supplemental sources, lower water losses, expanded storage, and improved network management capabilities to help manage tighter raw water conditions,” Lichauco added.

A key part of this improved readiness is Maynilad’s Laguna Lake treatment capacity, which now totals 450 million liters per day (MLD) through Putatan Water Treatment Plants 1 and 2 and the Poblacion Water Treatment Plant, each with a design capacity of 150 MLD.

Maynilad has also increased its total treatment capacity by 173 MLD since 2019, from 2,700 MLD to 2,873 MLD, supported by additional treatment facilities and supply augmentation projects. These include modular treatment plants, NEW WATER facilities, and deep wells, where appropriate.

Among these is Maynilad’s NEW WATER program, which produces potable water from treated effluent that undergoes advanced treatment processes such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and disinfection. Maynilad currently has NEW WATER facilities in Parañaque and Valenzuela, and is preparing to commission its 12-million-liter-per-day Pasay NEW WATER facility in 2026 to further expand potable recycled water availability in its service area.

Maynilad has likewise added 88 million liters in reservoir capacity since 2019, from 692 ML to 780 ML. With the expected completion of the 40-ML Parada Reservoir and the 200-ML La Mesa raw water reservoir within 2026, total reservoir capacity is projected to reach 1,020 ML.

Another key component of Maynilad’s El Niño readiness is its intensified Non-Revenue Water reduction program. As of the first quarter of 2026, Maynilad brought its average NRW down to 32.0%, while its period-end NRW stood at 30.7%. In 2025 alone, Maynilad recovered 256 million liters per day of water through NRW reduction—roughly equivalent to the output of more than one and a half major water treatment plants.

Maynilad said these gains were achieved through leak detection and repair, pipe replacement, meter management, pressure regulation, and network efficiency measures, which help reduce water losses and improve the distribution of available supply across its service area.

The company also continues to implement pressure management and network optimization measures to help move available supply more efficiently across its network. In the event of localized low pressure or temporary service interruption, Maynilad has standby support measures such as mobile water tankers and stationary water tanks for deployment to affected communities.

“Maynilad’s investments in additional sources, NRW reduction, storage, treatment upgrades, and network management give us more tools to reduce the risk and extent of service disruption under tighter raw water conditions. While the severity and duration of El Niño will ultimately depend on weather patterns and raw water availability, we will continue to implement appropriate measures to protect service reliability as conditions evolve,” Lichauco said.

Maynilad also encouraged customers to use water responsibly, avoid wastage, fix household leaks, and report street leaks or illegal connections.

Maynilad operates the largest water concession by population served within a single concession area in the Philippines. It is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.

There is no doubt that education and obtaining a college degree changed the destinies of many individuals—empowering them to live in comfort and prosperity.

For SM Foundation scholar graduates, this meant helping another sibling pursue a college education and realizing the vision of SM Founder Mr. Henry Sy Sr. to eradicate intergenerational poverty through education.  “Education is the greatest equalizer,” Mr. Sy Sr. was once quoted.

The SM scholarship program is the flagship program of SM Foundation. Like other SM Foundation program beneficiaries, the scholars are instilled with the life principles of its founder.

Two of these principles are aligned with giving back: “Make it your mission to provide employment” and “Social responsibility is important.”

Since the establishment of college scholarship program about 4, 849 have graduated across the country. Most of them have sought employment while others opted to be entrepreneurs and are now providing livelihood opportunities to others.

A few years after the college scholarship program opened to provide financially challenged but deserving high school graduates from public schools an opportunity to earn college degrees, SM Foundation initiated its Technical-Vocational Scholarship Program.

The program complements government efforts to provide opportunities to out-of-school youth and high school graduates who do not want to pursue four-year college degrees. The courses offered in the program consist of curricula to train the beneficiaries with specific skills and enhance these so they can be employable in the hospitality and manufacturing-related services.

In pursuing its tech-voc scholarship program, SM Foundation collaborated with schools offering technical-vocation courses such as Don Bosco, Punlaan School, Dualtech Training Center, and Meralco Foundation, among others.

With the advancement of technology that is rapidly shaping the employment landscape, SM Foundation is re-examining the educational goals under its scholarship programs. It recognizes that the education or training to be provided must meet the requirements available for employment. It is reshaping its programs to prioritize flexibility, employability, and industry demand.

According to Anne Racoma, SMFI external programs manager for the SM Foundation Scholarship Program, not everyone is ready or equipped or interested even in a college degree.  “Some students, they’re just trying to figure out what they want in life, what they need in life,” she added.

A “skills-to-work” model will be introduced by SM Foundation in its technical-vocational program where the primary consideration is the labor demand.

SMFI manager for partnerships Joy Guevara said the Foundation will work with the industry to identify the manpower skills on demand or needed. Then it will partner with schools to develop the content or a training.  “Then we look for the scholars, she added.”

“It’s like the technical vocation [education], the difference there is this is really targeted towards students or aspiring students who want immediate jobs or who need immediate jobs,” Racoma stated. This involves short-term certifications and micro-credentials that focus on the skills to do the job.

To date, the tech-voc scholarship program has produced 5,090 graduates.

 

After college graduation, companies are swamped with applicants wanting to join the workforce among them SM scholar graduates.

For those who completed degrees requiring licenses from the Professional Regulation Commission, they aspire to hurdle the licensure examinations and devote time to review for such. After all, a license is something that is advantageous and gives them an edge over other applicants in their chosen profession.

In the recent Certified Public Accountants Licensure Examinations held last May, three SM scholar graduates ranked among the top-notchers: Angle Jean Bagacay (6^th), Steven Brielle David (8^th), and Fermina Kassandra Dela Cruz (12^th).

For the three new CPAs, the lessons they learned as SM scholars helped in their preparation and eventual passing of the board examinations.

Angle Jean G. Bagacay who hails from Tampakan, South Cotabato graduated in 2025 from the Mindanao State University-General Santos City. She completed Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.

Bagacay shared her stint as an SM scholar inspired her to dream bigger. “With SMFI believing in my potential and investing in my future, I have learned to be more confident in my abilities because I became part of a community that empowers financially challenged yet deserving students to achieve their dreams,” she said. “I carried this lesson with me throughout my CPALE journey as a form of self-affirmation whenever I felt anxious. Of course, there was always pressure to perform well, but over time, I learned to see the brighter side of it — that pressure is a privilege because it comes to those who earned it,” she added.

Passing the CPALE and being among the top passers was surreal for Bagacay. “I remember refreshing the site several times just to make sure it was real and not some kind of system error”. It was a gratifying and humbling experience for her as well as relief to know that all the hard work, sleepless nights and her parents’ sacrifices paid off.

It also led to offers from different auditing firms nationwide, including firms she had dreamed of joining since her college days. “I was honestly surprised to realize that I now have many paths to choose from depending on the career I want to pursue.” Beyond the career opportunities, “this achievement also gave my family a stronger sense of security and hope for the future.”

Bagacay intends to join an audit firm and explore opportunities to pursue further studies or contribute to the academe.

Another board passer is Steven Brielle S. David from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. He obtained his BS Accountancy degree magna cum laude from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan in 2025.

“My SM scholarship inspired me to work harder, persevere through challenges, and strive for excellence in everything I do,” he said.  He admitted he encountered challenges pursuing his college degree and formal review for CPALE. But he wasn’t disheartened and considered these setbacks as stepping stones to achieve his dreams. “I am blessed to have received support from SM Foundation, and I always use that support to rekindle my passion and keep myself focused on my goals,” he added.

On passing the boards and being one of the top-notchers, he shared: “I burst into tears and was comforted by the embrace of my parents and siblings. Those tears signified the

culmination of my academic journey and the realization that I could finally move on to a

new chapter of my life—as a professional. I am very grateful to God for hearing my prayers and being with me throughout college, during my review phase, and during the

actual board examination. It feels surreal because I used to daydream that maybe,

someday, I could also become a topnotcher, and now I am living that dream. I cannot

stress enough my gratitude to my parents, family and friends, professors and lecturers,

and the SM Foundation for helping me realize this dream. I am especially thankful to the

Foundation for seeing my potential and trusting in my capabilities.”

Aside from the recognition of being a board passer, David sees this achievement as an inspiration to uphold excellence and integrity as he begins his journey as a professional. He hopes to

take on leadership roles and mentor aspiring accountants as one of the means of paying it forward. “I want to build a career that is founded on excellence, integrity and service while creating a good impact on the people and communities,” he said further.

Meanwhile, for Fermina Kassandra D. Dela Cruz of Malolos City the scholarship instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, discipline, perseverance, and gratitude. Graduating summa cum laude in 2025 from the National University – Baliwag with a degree in Accountancy, she said SM scholars are always reminded to do things for social good and to make the most of every opportunity entrusted to them.

“I saw preparing for and eventually passing the board exam as my way of giving back and honoring the people and institutions that carried me through my journey, and that includes SM Foundation. The review process was demanding and filled with challenges, but the resilience and determination I cultivated as an SM Scholar enabled me to remain consistent, adapt to setbacks, and stay focused on my goals.”

While she was among the top performing examinees, she said the review season was not easy and there were moments of exhaustion, self-doubt and unexpected challenges. “But because I knew that my success was never just for myself, I kept going. The values I learned as an SM Scholar reminded me to remain committed, persevere through difficulties, and maximize the opportunities that came my way. In many ways, passing the boards was not only a personal achievement but also my expression of gratitude to everyone who believed in me.”

She was overwhelmed and speechless when she learned she passed the board exams. “I couldn’t fully process what I was feeling at that moment. Unlike the reaction videos I often see online, I didn’t have an emotional breakdown or a crying moment. I think it was because I was experiencing so many emotions all at once—overwhelm, gratitude, immense happiness, and the realization that every sacrifice and hardship had been worth it. I also feel like I had already cried all my tears during the review season.”

According to Dela Cruz, more than anything, it as the result of countless prayers, sacrifices, and the unwavering support of the people who believed in her. It was a humbling reminder that no achievement is ever accomplished alone.

 

Like Bagacay and David, being a board passer has opened many opportunities for Dela Cruz. “I see it as motivation to continuously strive for excellence, uphold integrity, and remain committed to lifelong learning. I also hope to use this achievement as a platform to inspire and mentor aspiring accountants, showing them that success is attainable through hard work, determination, and faith.”