Rising from the Rubble: SM Scholars turn tragedy into triumph post-Yolanda

Eleven years ago, Typhoon Yolanda—the super typhoon that reshaped countless lives—made landfall and changed the face of the Philippines. Tacloban City, at the heart of the storm’s devastation, bore witness to unimaginable loss and hardship.

Amidst this adversity, a group of young students rose resiliently from the wreckage, guided by hope and a renewed sense of purpose. Through the SM Foundation College Scholarship, they found not just financial support, but a stabilizing community that empowered them to rebuild and chase their dreams. For these survivors, the scholarship became more than just an opportunity; it became a lifeline to reclaim their future and uplift their families, allowing them to envision a life beyond the memories of Yolanda.

Mark Vincent Fuentes, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology graduate, was among the students who received the SM scholarship post-typhoon Yolanda. He vividly recalls his family’s daily struggle to access basic necessities—food, clean water, and shelter. But beyond the physical hardships, the emotional toll left lasting scars.

“The trauma lingered,” Mark shares, “Whenever heavy rain fell, I’d feel a wave of fear come over me, leaving me paralyzed by memories of that day. Nights were the hardest. I would lie awake, haunted by the sound of the rain, terrified another storm might come. That fear was real, and even the safety of our own home sometimes wasn’t enough to shake it.”

For Mark, the SM Foundation scholarship became more than financial aid; it was a source of strength and belonging. “It felt like a haven,” he says. “Beyond the financial support, I gained a deep sense of community and solidarity with my fellow scholars. We helped each other academically and emotionally, whether sharing study notes or just offering encouragement when things felt overwhelming. We became a family united by a shared dream.”

Jessica Tacuyo, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, faced similar challenges. “There were days when we had no choice but to rely on neighbors just to eat a meal,” she recalls. “Clean water was scarce; if we couldn’t find bottled water, we’d boil water from a broken pipe that was leaking into the street. All 13 of us slept in the living room, the only livable part of our home.”

Now an accounting professional, she draws on the skills she developed in college to skillfully budget their combined household income. This allows them to allocate funds for their farmland as well as the education of her nieces and nephews. 

After losing their home to Typhoon Yolanda, she drew on her college education to lift her family back up. Today, she works remotely from the home they rebuilt together.

Jessabelle de Paz Animos, another SM Scholar who completed a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology, also echoed these sentiments. The typhoon took almost everything they had—from their livelihood and basic needs to their home and other familiar surroundings that once offered security and stability.  

Today, Jessabelle works remotely from the comforts of their home. She credits the SM scholarship, calling it a “lifeline and life-changing experience filled with growth.”  

“The SM scholarship was not just financial support; it was a lifeline during a period when we were most vulnerable. Being an SM scholar gave me access to resources that eased the burden on my family and allowed me to fully focus on my studies. The program offered workshops, mentoring, and values formation, shaping me not only into a capable student but also a responsible and compassionate person,” she shared. 

For Engr. Dian Agner, who pursued Civil Engineering, the journey back was steeped in loss. “Going back to school was challenging, I remember that it was months before we resumed classes. One of my classmates didn’t make it, including their whole family. Money had no value, we felt lucky to find even basic items, even if they cost three times the usual price,” she recalled. 

Engr. Dian assists her family in managing their finances to send her sister to college and to help build the first bakery in their area.

Now an engineer, Dian helps her family meet daily needs and feels grateful to support them. “I can now afford to provide food, electricity, and other essentials that were once out of reach. I also support my sibling’s education, and she just passed her board exam on her first try. I assist my mother with finances for her small livestock business, and together, we’re saving to open the first bakery in our barangay” she shared. 

In the face of overwhelming odds, these scholars forged a path forward, driven by a determination to rise above Yolanda’s devastation. Today, they not only support their families but also serve as symbols of resilience and hope, showing how education can empower those who have suffered to rebuild their lives and inspire their communities.