FEU, SM Markets ink academe-industry partnership

From left to right: Arnold Paul Daluz (SM Hypermarket President), Jojo Tagbo (SM Supermarket President),  Juan Miguel R. Montinola (FEU President), Architect Raquel Baquiran (FEU VP for Academic Services), Atty. Marilou Cristine Dugenio (SM Market Legal Officer). Photo by Media Center.

The Far Eastern University (FEU) Group of Schools has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SM Markets, which is composed of Supervalue, Inc., Sanford Marketing Corp., and Super Shopping Market, Inc., which operates SM Supermarket, Savemore Market, and SM Hypermarket. 

Jojo Tagbo, an FEU Outstanding Alumnus and SM Supermarket President, and FEU President Juan Miguel R. Montinola led the MOU signing last July 1 at the SM Retail Headquarters in MOA Complex, Pasay City. SM Prime Director Herbert Sy, who was present during the signing, gave a tour of the headquarters to Montinola and FEU students who are currently having their OJT in SM Markets. 

“We are so happy to have you here today for the signing of this exciting partnership between FEU and SM Markets. This collaboration marks a significant step towards providing valuable internship and work immersion opportunities for FEU students. Through this partnership, we hope to offer them not only practical skills but also a deeper understanding of the retail industry,” said Tagbo. “As an alumnus of FEU, I can personally attest to the solid foundation that my education provided me.”     

This MOU is part of FEU’s initiative to foster deeper and more invested partnerships with select industry leaders, such as SM Markets. These partners will play an active role in the development of FEU students and share the university’s vision of preparing them for meaningful careers, said Montinola.