Tarlac National High School (TNHS), one of the oldest and largest public schools in the Philippines with over 10,000 students, has long faced overcrowded classrooms, double shifts, and limited space. Yet Principal Yolanda “Yolly” Gonzales has never allowed these challenges to define her school. Under her leadership, TNHS thrives as a community of resilience and opportunity, where students not only excel in international competitions but also benefit from programs that extend education to out-of-school youth, young mothers, working adults, and even persons in correctional facilities. Her unwavering dedication was recently recognized on the world stage when she was named Best Principal of the Year at the 26th World School Summit in London for building an inclusive, globally competitive, and high-performing school environment.
“The outstanding performance of Tarlac National High School gives a ray of hope for a better Philippines. With the remarkable leadership of Principal Gonzales, we see that our schools can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best. With steadfast support for our public schools, they too can rise to excellence and transform the future of our youth”, SBFI Chairman Rafel Simpao, Jr. highlighted.
Against this backdrop of achievement despite adversity, the arrival of a new school building could not have come at a more opportune time, serving both as relief and as an incentive to aim even higher. On November 14, 2025, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) turned over a 2-storey, 10-classroom school building with one classroom sponsored by Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. (JVRFI). Dedicated to the school’s Special Program in Sports, the building will offer young athletes a safe and empowering space to pursue excellence in both academics and athletics.
Principal Gonzales reflected on the journey that brought them here. She recalled how she and her staff maximized every corner of the school, using libraries, laboratories, even the stage and covered court just to accommodate learners. She had overseen schedule adjustments, blended learning setups, and coordinated with community partners to ensure no student would be left behind.
“With this gift, Tarlac National High School continues to show that with vision, care, and opportunity, even the biggest challenges can be transformed into success stories,” Principal Gonzales shared.
The new classrooms are particularly meaningful for learners like Alyssa Mae Taruc, a Grade 10 futsal athlete who juggles academics, sports, and the responsibilities of being the eldest of four in a family facing financial hardship. Despite the weight of her circumstances, Alyssa continued to excel, helping her team place in the Division Meet while consistently remaining an honor student. Stories like hers echo the very purpose of this donation which is to give young people the chance to pursue education without limitations.
Branch Manager Jane Canlas of Security Bank Tarlac–Tañedo, a proud TNHS alumna, also expressed her personal gratitude. “It is both an honor and a privilege to now represent Security Bank as we extend support to my alma mater. This donation reflects our commitment to empowering communities through education, and I am proud to see it benefits the place where my foundation was built.”
With these new classrooms, Security Bank Foundation continues to create safe spaces for students to grow and excel. To date, it has donated 887 classrooms to 151 schools in 91 cities/municipalities nationwide. To further address the critical classroom shortage in the Philippines, the Foundation is seeking partners to join this mission. Learn more at https://bit.ly/PartnerWithSBFI.
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