Story of success: From scholar to Philippine Air Force pilot
In Photos: (Upper left Photo) Major Edjil Lopez, a proud SM scholar, continues SM Group founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s legacy by imparting his learnings as a scholar to future pilots of the Philippine Air Force. (Upper right Photo) Major Lopez revisits his alma mater, Asia Pacific College (APC). Joining Lopez are members of the APC Chairperson Paulino Tan, APC President Teresita Medad, SM Foundation (SMFI) Education Programs Executive Director for Education Programs Linda Atayde, and SMFI SAVP Eleanor Lansang. (Lower Photo) Throwback. SM Scholar alumnus Lopez (second row, third from left) during the 2007 Presentation of SM Scholar Graduates with APC president Tan, other SM scholars from APC, SM Group founder Henry Sy Sr., and SMFI executive director Debbie Sy (seated). (SMFI File Photos)
I vividly remember the feeling the first time I flew a Philippine Air Force aircraft. It was a mix of responsibility and pride, knowing that at one point in life, I never thought I would be where I am today. Today, I proudly stand as a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
This journey has taken me from being an Attack Pilot, participating in numerous missions in the Southern part of the Philippines, to my current role as an Instructor Pilot at the PAF Flying School.
My current role offers a unique sense of fulfillment. Every day, I have the privilege of shaping future pilots, not just in their technical abilities, but in cultivating perseverance, resilience, responsibility, and commitment to excellence and service.
When I guide an aviation student through a challenging maneuver or help them push past their limits, I’m not just teaching them to fly, it is my goal to help them build the character they’ll need throughout their careers.
And no wonder why I have this deep sense of giving back and honing the abilities of aspiring PAF pilots like me—I was once in their shoes, I was once an SM scholar.
I came from a humble family where attaining a college degree was quite a long shot. When I learned about the SM scholarship, I knew I had found the wings that would help me fly. It was one of the moments where my persistence took flight. I did everything I could to submit the requirements and pass the exams—and I did.
SM Foundation gave me a weapon, which I used to change my life. The scholarship gave me further focus on my studies and personal development, as I was able to withstand challenges without the burden of financial issues related to my education.
The education I received equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to excel in my chosen field. It also instilled in me a determination and relentless pursuit of excellence in service to others—the very lessons I learned during my SM College Scholarship journey.
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch these young aviators grow, knowing that the lessons in perseverance will help them navigate the inevitable turbulence in their paths. When I emphasize the importance of responsibility, I’m preparing them for the weight of the decisions they’ll make in service to our country. By fostering a commitment to excellence, I’m helping them strive to be the best versions of themselves—both in the cockpit and in life—rooted in a sense of duty to serve, lead, and inspire those around them.
This process of mentorship feels like a natural extension of my duty to serve. It’s as if all my experiences–from my humble beginnings as an SM scholar to my missions as a military pilot–have converged to this point. My journey has allowed me to give back in one of the most meaningful ways possible and helped me ensure that the values and dedication that have defined my path to success will continue to soar with each new generation of pilots. (Written by: Major Edjil Rixon B. Lopez, PAF)
