Security Bank Foundation, Inc.’s (SBFI) 2020-2022 college and master’s scholar graduates together with Security Bank Foundation trustees, advisers, and other Security Bank officers. Pictured are Rafael F. Simpao, Jr., SBFI Chairman (back center), Nerissa Berba, SVP and Head of Human Capital Management (third left from center), Melissa Aquino, SBFI Trustee and Corporate Secretary (second left from center), Imelda Marie Amora, SBFI Independent Trustee (first left from center), Joey Mape, SBFI Trustee and Treasurer (bottom left), Milarey Wee, SBFI Adviser (fifth from left), and Maria Ayesha Aguiting, SBFI Adviser (ninth from right).

So young, yet so many responsibilities. This is a typical story of many young Filipinos who pursue continuing education because they are the future breadwinners of their families, like Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) scholar Mellan Benitez.

Mellan is the eldest among her siblings and had to care for the family since her father had already passed and her mother is unemployed. “Life, prior to being a scholar, was difficult. Since I live in Cavite and have to travel to school every day, it was really hard to sustain my studies. There are times when I have to ask for financial assistance from my relatives. When I became a Security Bank Foundation scholar, I was able to finance my transportation, books, and other schooling expenses and this motivated me to persevere even in the most academically challenging times,” shared Mellan.

Mellan was one of 29 graduates (collegiate and masteral) of SBFI’s scholarship programs who was recently honored at a commencement ceremony in Security Bank Centre, Makati City. In 2022, Mellan graduated magna cum laude and was immediately hired at the Bank as an audit examiner.

The SBFI graduates are young Filipinos from various backgrounds. Some are children of Security Bank employees and agency personnel, others came from eight partner universities, and the rest are Security Bank employees. Twenty-five scholars obtained Bachelor’s degrees, while four Master’s degree holders are current Security Bank employees. Twelve of the graduates (41%) received Latin honors; four magna cum laude and eight cum laude.

“Security Bank Foundation is always proud of the success of our scholars. They have finished the course of their dream and we pray that their recent success will motivate them to build a better future for themselves, their families, the company they will work for, and for our country,” said Rafael F. Simpao, Jr., SBFI Chairman.

As recognition of their achievements, graduates received certificates, plaques, and monetary rewards.

At the ceremony, Security Bank’s SVP and Human Capital Management Head, Nerissa Berba, shared tips with the scholars on finding an organization with a work environment that enables them for success. She advised the scholars to align with a company that is purposeful, flexible, has an enabling environment, gives rewards and recognition, cares and listens.

Since 1993, SBFI has supported the education of more than 1,200 scholars, with over 170 having graduated from college. Thirty-three of these scholars graduated with Latin honors and 10 now have a career with Security Bank.

To learn more about the Security Bank Foundation, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.