From rice fields to coding dreams: New SM Scholar first in the family to step into college

He is one of 900 SM Foundation scholars this academic year 2025-2026. And this is his story.

- KATHERINE L. MAGSANOC

'I may have been born into poverty, but I was raised by purpose - and that purpose is what keeps me going.' Cris Dela Cruz, a 19-year-old from Alicia, Isabela, embodies resilience and determination.

Awarded an SM Foundation scholarship for 2025-2026, his journey from hardship to triumph inspires aspiring students.

His life took a difficult turn at seven when his father passed away, leaving his mother, Jocelyn, to raise six children alone: "My mother, Jocelyn, became a widow at just 36. From then on, she had to carry the weight of raising six children on her own." Their farming livelihood crumbled under medical debts, forcing them to sell their possessions.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND LEADERSHIP

Dela Cruz promised himself that he would help his mother by doing well in school. He excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian and achieving high honors in high school.

He actively participated in school activities, demonstrating leadership as vice president of the Supreme Secondary Learner Government and the Peer Facilitators Circle.