In a moving testament to perseverance and purpose, SM Foundation scholar Rica Marbebe secured the fifth-highest rank in the May 2025 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE), marking a triumphant moment not only for her personal journey but for the thousands of students who dare to dream beyond financial hardship.
Growing up in a modest household in Davao City, Rica was no stranger to challenges. Her father worked at a motorcycle parts shop while her mother tended to a younger sibling with special needs. The family’s small sari-sari store barely met daily necessities. But in 2019, a sudden family emergency changed everything. When her sibling collapsed and they had no money for transport or medical help, Rica was confronted with the stark limitations of their situation—and it lit a fire within her.
That pivotal moment became the catalyst for change.
Determined to break free from the cycle of poverty, Rica sought support through education. She was accepted into the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program, a move she describes as the start of a new chapter for her family. With her tuition, books, and allowances covered, Rica was able to study without financial distractions, focusing instead on academic excellence and personal growth.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she braved online classes using just a mobile phone in an area with weak signal. Later, a tablet donation from the Mastercard-SM partnership helped ease her struggle, but it was the mentorship, peer support, and opportunities from SM Foundation that she says truly elevated her academic journey.
“For me, a fulfilling college life means more than just good grades. It’s about having the freedom to grow, to discover myself, and to give back,” Rica shared.
Rica graduated Summa Cum Laude in Accountancy from the University of Mindanao – Davao City Campus, and her dedication culminated in a top 5 finish in the May 2025 CPALE. Her story didn’t end at graduation—through the SM Foundation’s networking events and alumni community, she has already received career guidance and job opportunities from fellow scholars turned professionals.
Now, Rica is committed to paying it forward.
“When I’m in a position to help, I will share my blessings. My success is not mine alone—it’s a reflection of the values instilled by the SM Foundation and the unwavering support of my family,” she said.
Rica is just one of the many success stories emerging from SM Foundation’s education program. Alongside her, 34 other SM scholars passed the CPALE, with additional scholars excelling in licensure exams for teachers, civil engineers, and electrical engineers this year.
Her story shines as a powerful reminder that with the right support, passion, and perseverance, no dream is too far-fetched—even for a girl who once thought survival was her only option.
