At Hermosa, Bataan, dreams which were once confined within cramped and aging classrooms have found new light through the donation of the Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI). On October 20, 2025, the Foundation turned over a newly-constructed two-storey, six-classroom building to Hermosa National High School (HNHS) as part of its Build a School, Build a Nation program.

For years, students and teachers of HNHS endured overcrowded and deteriorating classrooms, some with leaking roofs and damaged ceilings that made learning difficult and unsafe. “There were times when students had to squeeze into corners to avoid rain dripping from the ceiling, yet they never gave up. They continued to learn,” shared Principal Arcele Servera, who has been leading the school since 2023.

To address the lack of space, the school resorted to shifting schedules and used non-classroom areas like libraries and faculty rooms to hold classes. Despite these challenges, the spirit of the students never wavered. One of them is Franz Caling, a Grade 7 student whose story mirrors the perseverance of many in Hermosa. Living with his single mother who sells kakanin for a living, Franz spends his evenings studying under a streetlamp because their home lacks reliable electricity. His determination paid off when he won first place in the District Science Investigatory Project competition, proving that poverty is no barrier to brilliance.

Principal Servera said the new building has brought immense joy and relief to the community. “Our students now have a safe, well-lit space where they can truly focus and dream bigger. Teachers are more motivated too, knowing their efforts are supported by people who value education.”

Hon. Anne Lorraine Adorable-Inton, Mayor of Hermosa, Bataan, expressed her gratitude to SBFI for choosing their municipality as one of the program’s beneficiaries.

“Ang dami po nating mga estudyante, pero limitado lang ang ating budget. That is why partnerships with private organizations like SBFI are truly important,” Mayor Inton said. “We will make sure that this building will truly help advance our children’s education. Naniniwala po ako na ang ating mga estudyante ang magpapatuloy sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan,” she added.

Committed to addressing the country’s critical classroom shortage of over 165,000, Security Bank Foundation has, to date, donated 869 classrooms to 149 schools across 90 cities and municipalities nationwide, including this latest turnover in Hermosa, Bataan.

“We know God never intended for anyone to solve all of life’s problems. But I believe that God intends for each of us to use whatever resources He gave us to make a difference, wherever we are and whenever we can,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr.

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