SM: Creating Shared Value through Tech-Voc Education

One of the flagship programs of SM Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the SM group, is its scholarship program. Aside from the college education offerings, the program also provides venues for students who would like to pursue a career in the skilled labor industry.

The gradual reopening of economy not just in the country, but around the world, brings hope to more job opportunities for Filipinos who lost their jobs because of the health crisis. Indeed, the support for individuals eyeing to be part of the skilled industry is needed now more than ever.

It was in this light when SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), together with SM Foundation (SMFI), Don Bosco One TVET Phils. Inc., and the city government of Pasay partnered to give educational support to 20 deserving youth coming from Pasay. To date, SMFI has already produced more than 4,500 tech-voc graduates who are now gainfully employed.

A dream to be fulfilled
One of the current SM tech-voc scholars from Pasay is Stephen Parina. His dream is to put up his own automotive shop since aside from his interest in cars and motorcycles, he intends to uplift the economic status of his family. Both of his parents are temporary employees at the Pasay City Hall.

“Nakita ko sa Facebook post ng SM Foundation na nandun ang aking gustong course kaya dali-dali akong pumunta sa city hall ng Pasay para alamin ang mga detalye nito at kinabukasan ay nagpasa na ako agad ng mga requirements,” said Stephen, who is now studying Automotive Mechanic course at the Don Bosco Makati.

“Gusto kong matuto kung paano mag ayos ng mga sasakyan at makatapos ng pag-aaral dahil hirap kami sa aming pamumuhay. Alam ko na makakatulong ang edukasyon, kagaya ng techvoc upang matupad ang aking pangarap na makapagpatayo ng sarili kong automotive shop. Magiging susi ito upang mai-angat ko ang antas ng pamumuhay ng aking pamilya” he added.

“Taos pusong pasasalamat sa SM at sa Sy family dahil nabigyan nyo ako ng pagkakataon na makabalik muli sa pag aaral. Hinding hindi ko ito malilimutan. Dadalhin ko ito hanggang sa aking pag tanda,” Stephen said.

Ticket to success
Another current tech-voc scholar is Jeorge Angelo Madrid. He is also studying Automotive Mechanic course at the Don Bosco Makati. His father works as a painter of houses and buildings while his mother works at the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Jeorge is the youngest and most of his five siblings already have their own families.

According to Jeorge, he sees this opportunity of going back to school as his ticket towards achieving his dreams: “Nag-apply ako sa SM Foundation kasi wla po akong kakayahan na makapag aral at makapagtapos. Wala po akong pagkukuhanan ng pang tuition para maipang bayad sa eskwelahan.”

Jeorge is adamant to find a gainful employment right after he finish his studies. “Salamat po sa SM Foundation. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi madaragdagan ang kaalaman ko tungkol sa automotive. Magagamit ko ito sa aking paghahanap ng trabaho at kinalaunan, masuportahan ang aking sarili, mga pamangkin at ang aking mga magulang,” Jeorge further shared.

Reaping the fruits of his efforts
Anthony Andales, an SM tech-voc scholar alumnus, also took the time to share his inspiring story. He graduated from the Dualtech Training Center in 2019 and is now employed as a staff technician in a known company which manufactures various electronic products for home and office use.

“Bago ako mag-training sa Dualtech, nagtrabaho muna ako bilang isang helper sa isang refilling station. Ang aking arawang sweldo ay P220 lamang. Akala ko dati, wala na akong mararating sa buhay at hindi na makapagtatapos ng pag-aaral,” Anthony recalled.

“But God gave me the privilege to be chosen as one of the SM Foundation scholars para makapag-aral ako nang walang binayaran kahit piso. Ang tanging puhunan ko lang ay ang aking lakas ng loob at ang aking mga pangarap sa buhay na balang araw, makatutulong ako sa aking pamilya upang kahit papano ay makaahon sa buhay,” he further added.

Right after his on-the-job training, he was absorbed by the program’s OJT- partner company and was given a job as a staff technician because of his skills and work ethics.

“Napagawa na namin ang bahay kahit papaano, hindi man bato pero at least maayos at safe kapag may bagyo. Hindi po kagaya dati na pag umuulan ay may pa-shower kami kasi butas-butas na ang bubong at tagpi-tagpi ang dingding ng aming tahanan. Walang imposible kapag ikaw ay may pangarap at determinasyon upang maabot ito sapagkat maraming tao at institusyon na handang tumulong. Kaya sobrang thankful po talaga ako sa mga taong tumulong sa akin para magkaroon ng maliwanag na kinabukasan.” Anthony concluded.

SM Foundation, through its Scholarship program, provides deserving and qualified students with access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993.

Mid-Year Sale Alert! Get Up to 59% Off on Selected OPPO Products in this 6.6 Mega Sale!

JUNE 2022; MANILA, PHILIPPINES — It is finally the much awaited season of mid-year sales! After the hectic first half of the year, OPPO gives you the perfect excuse to treat yourself. Enjoy numerous vouchers, freebies, bundle deals, giveaways, and many more at the OPPO 6.6 Mega Sale on Shopee and Lazada.

From June 6-8, OPPO is offering up to 59% off on selected products such as the Reno6 Z, A94, and A16 so you can upgrade to the phone that is perfect for your lifestyle. Throughout the three-day sale, the smart device brand is giving away overflowing freebies with your purchases! Get 2 free DITO sims with every smartphone purchase; a freebie bundle of Q11 smartwatch and G25 earphones for all Reno7 series purchases; a free pair of G25 earphones with all A16 3GB purchases; and free TG113 bluetooth speakers with all A94 purchases.

Exclusively on June 6, early birds who check out their favorite OPPO devices will also be treated to special bundle deals. Shoppers on the first day can avail of the OPPO Band + Enco Buds bundle for Php1,999; the Reno5 + Enco Buds bundle for only Php15,999; and the Reno5 5G + Enco Buds bundle for just Php19,999. 

Eager beavers who add to cart and check out on June 6 will also be eligible to win at the Lucky Spender Raffle! With one entry per smartphone purchase, you can be one of six buyers on Lazada, or one of six customers on Shopee to take home a Home Tech Bundle, including a GAH Modem, A8 Long Speakers, ES300 Robot Vacuum, Mini Air Cooler and more, all worth Php20,000! 

Before checking out, be sure you don’t miss out on these vouchers wherever you are shopping! With a minimum spend of Php9,999 or Php14,999, you can collect vouchers worth Php200 off and Php400 off respectively. Plus, with a minimum spend of Php500, you can also collect free shipping vouchers worth Php50 for Shopee buyers and Php55 on Lazada. 

Customers on Lazada will also be treated to special promos, as you can collect and redeem Php 50 off Lazada Bonus vouchers for every Php 500 spent, and get 10% coins cashback guaranteed with every purchase. 

Whether you’re the type of shopper who needs the extra push before making a big purchase, one who loves to act on impulse for some last minute budol, or the researcher who wants to make sure you’re getting the best deals, catch the livestream on Lazada and Shopee’s pages, and get a chance to redeem even more vouchers and freebies. 

Cap off the first half of the year on a high note and add to cart your favorite OPPO gadgets now! 

For more updates and detailed promotion mechanics about the sale, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines. You can also check OPPO’s official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

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About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 Research Institutes and 5 R&D Centers worldwide, as well as an International Design Center in London. More than 40,000 of OPPO's employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

What it’s like being a Shopee intern, according to Shopee interns

MANILA, JUNE 3, 2022 - As the e-commerce industry continues to grow, so does the need for tech talent that can help support the industry’s growth. Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes this need and aims to help develop young professionals to produce future industry leaders through its internship program.

Shopee’s internship program is a 3 to 5 month program that introduces eligible undergraduates to the e-commerce industry and immerses them into the fast-paced sector. Shopee interns are provided with opportunities to get firsthand experience working on nation-wide projects and campaigns, as they collaborate with their teammates and supervisors. Shopee also provides resources and training for interns to grow and learn during this period. This includes weekly Learning & Organizational Development classes, opportunities to shadow their supervisors, and integration in employee engagement events.

Karen Perez, Shopee Philippines Head of People, said “Shopee will continue to cultivate talent with its vibrant and collaborative working environment. Life at Shopee is about making sure that everyone has the best opportunities presented to them, and that they learn and upskill themselves with real-world training.”

Three Shopee interns shared what being an intern for Shopee is like.

A unique internship program

Alli, an intern under Shopee’s marketing team, shared that one of the defining characteristics of a Shopee internship is how interns are given the opportunity to directly contribute to the content produced by the team. “At Shopee, we’re trusted as if we are full time employees. My supervisors give me opportunities to take on big tasks. It truly is a unique experience in that we are given hands-on work where you’re really involved in the entire process—from brainstorming to the actual execution of the projects. You get to pitch your own ideas, make decisions, and maximize your own potential.”

A welcoming and collaborative culture

Mika, an intern working with the People team, really liked the culture at Shopee, where she and her fellow interns felt like they were part of the Shopee Family. “Even when I was still a new intern, I already felt as if I had been here for quite some time. It’s very easy to get along with everyone here, and to get my message across even during meetings, especially because Shopee’s team guides you every step of the way. Even if we’re just interns, we’re also empowered to speak our minds and contribute ideas.”

An engaging learning experience

Meanwhile Jewel, an intern for Shopee’s Marketing team, said that he was able to hone his skills through the opportunities Shopee provides. “I’m always given the chance to learn through the tasks that I’m given, and I'm able to do my best and overcome any challenges thanks to the guidance of my team. I’ve picked up new skills here—for example, I’m able to write better and manage my time well. My supervisors ensure I have all the tools and resources I need to do my best. They’ll teach you everything you need to know, and even then there’s still so much to learn from Shopee.”

Alli, Mika, and Jewel believe that talents who are interested in joining Shopee’s internship program can expect both personal and professional growth. “Being part of Shopee really allows you to believe in yourself and your capabilities, as you continuously grow and learn” Mika echoed.

For young Filipinos who are open to learning and want to develop their potential, working for Shopee might just be the key step to launching your career. Applications for Shopee’s 2022 Internship Program are currently open, and undergraduate students are welcome to apply here: https://shp.ee/rjqfnx5. 

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About Shopee
Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.

 

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

 

Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.