Pampanga SM scholar alumni model for their 'kabalen'

MANY Filipino students — especially those from low-income communities — face uncertain paths to higher education regularly.

They frequently think about forgoing education and starting work as soon as they finish high school because of the pressing need to help provide for their families.

This could have been the story of Prince Mangahas and Queenie Alfonso — if not for an SM scholarship.

Queenie Alfonso (left) and Prince Mangahas join the SM Scholars’ general assembly at SM City Clark. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Both are from Pampanga, whose family backgrounds painted a picture of hardship.

With Mangahas' mother returning from overseas work and a struggling household, a college education seemed out of reach.

«I felt I needed to step up for the family and be the provider. I was really determined to get an education no matter the odds because I was heartbroken by the fact that my siblings had to stop going to school. As the big brother, I wanted all of us to climb up the ladder together,» he shared as he contemplated enrolling in a short vocational course instead of attending college.

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Hope emerged when he stumbled upon the SM Foundation scholarship program at the Angeles University Foundation (AUF).

«There were times when I couldn't afford lunch and had to walk for hours just to attend classes. But I never lost focus because I am an SM Scholar. SM had it all for me. All I had to do was immerse myself in my studies. Struggle was real, but I was not battling alone. SM was there,» he reflected, acknowledging the role the scholarship played in shaping his journey to becoming the accomplished educator he is today.

Education was not just Teacher Prince's ticket to a better life; it has become his tool to empower his students and give his family the life he hoped to have.

Motivated by the influence of education on his life, he extends his influence beyond the classroom. Besides his primary role as a math teacher, he takes on leadership responsibilities as the Grade 9 coordinator and does private tutoring for added income.

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During the pandemic, he leveraged his expertise as a DepEd TV Math Teacher-Broadcaster, creating video lessons for students nationwide.