The month of August began with a meaningful act of volunteerism as 51 Security Bank employees came together to paint the future home of hundreds of students at Iloilo City National High School (ICNHS).
Held on August 1, 2026, the school painting activity supported the completion of a two-storey, 10-classroom school building that Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) is set to turn over to the school later this year. Construction of the building began in February 2026.
Employees from six Security Bank branches in Iloilo volunteered their Saturday to apply the first coat of paint. Working in teams under designated leaders, the volunteers ensured both quality workmanship and safety while transforming the classrooms into brighter learning spaces.
SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr. thanked the volunteers for setting aside their weekend and waking up early to serve the community. “You are making a very significant contribution in nation-building because your efforts to help our Filipino youth are efforts that contribute to the progress of our country,” Simpao said.
Beyond painting walls, the activity fostered teamwork and a shared sense of purpose. Volunteers took part in interactive games and reflection sessions prepared by SBFI, including the Laro-Laro Pick trivia game featuring questions about the Foundation’s programs. They also participated in a Group Q&A that encouraged discussions on Philippine education, its challenges, and the day’s volunteer experience.
“As a Security Bank employee for the past 10 years, this is my first time joining a volunteer activity like this. It is truly fulfilling to help create a better learning environment for students while giving back to the community,” said Remcil Ortiz, Branch Channel Manager of Security Bank Iloilo Ledesma.
To recognize the volunteers’ enthusiasm and dedication, SBFI presented awards to the Most Passionate Male Painter, Most Passionate Female Painter, and Best Painted Classroom. The Foundation also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to the Branch Banking Group – Panay Area in recognition of its collective support for SBFI’s classroom construction fundraising campaign in celebration of Security Bank’s 75th Anniversary—the ₱75 for 75 campaign under the Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan resource mobilization program.
Tessa Infini Pari-an, Branch Channel Manager of Security Bank Iloilo Jaro, said she felt proud to be part of the painting activity. “Every time I see the SBFI building at ICNHS, I will remember that I was one of the employees who helped improve these classrooms for future generations of students,” she shared.
The success of the event was made possible through the strong collaboration of the school community. The Supreme Student Government officers actively supported the program by managing stage decorations, technical requirements, and event documentation.
“Our simple efforts to welcome you are our way of expressing gratitude for your kindness. Your presence today is a beautiful reminder that generous and compassionate people continue to believe in the power of education and in the dreams of our learners,” expressed ICNHS School Principal Alpha Java.
Safety remained a priority throughout the activity. The Philippine Red Cross was on-site to provide medical assistance when needed, while Security Bank deployed security personnel to support the event. Before the painting began, Security and Safety Division Special Operations Head Col. Ferjen Torred conducted a safety briefing for all volunteers.
This milestone marks the 125th classroom painted by Security Bank employees through SBFI’s School Painting Volunteer Program. Since the launch of the Build a School, Build a Nation initiative in 2011, the Foundation has conducted 18 school painting activities, engaging 1,293 employee volunteers in helping create safe, inspiring, and conducive learning environments for Filipino students.
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