Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) turned over its fifth school building in Cebu—a two-story, six-classroom structure at Pusok Elementary School in Lapu-Lapu City—on November 10, 2023.  

One of the classrooms was donated by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) Bank Manila Branch to commemorate its 70th anniversary. Notably, MUFG is the largest financial services group in Japan and a strategic partner of Security Bank since 2016.  

“In December 2021, Lapu-Lapu City’s educational infrastructure was badly affected by Typhoon Odette. SBFI’s classroom donation provides hope and shelter for the future generation of Oponganons (Lapu-Lapu locals) who will use the building,” said Junard “Ahong” Chan, Mayor of Lapu-Lapu City, who also encouraged Oponganons to open accounts at Security Bank to increase the Bank’s funding for school building projects. 

“In our pursuit to enhance the nation’s educational landscape, we recognize that classrooms form the essential foundation for students’ learning journey. For this reason, we commit to continue building classrooms all over the nation as long as the Bank continues to do well,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr.  

In August, Security Bank employees in Cebu volunteered to apply the initial coat of the school building paint as their way of supporting SBFI’s education advocacy and giving back to the community.  

“Because of SBFI’s generous donation, the students of Pusok Elementary School can now go back to normal class schedules instead of having to follow a two-shift schedule,” said Dr. Marilyn Andales, DepEd Lapu Lapu City Schools Division Superintendent.  

The donation to Pusok Elementary School marks SBFI’s 721st classroom donation across 128 schools in 72 cities and municipalities nationwide as part of its “Build a School, Build a Nation” program. To date, SBFI has donated 30 classrooms within the Cebu province. Previous Cebu beneficiary schools include Basak Elementary School, Jagobiao National High School, and Tipolo National High School in Mandaue City, as well as Sabang Elementary School in Danao City. 

Aside from the classroom construction, the school principal and teachers will have the opportunity to participate in the Foundation’s three-year training programs entitled “Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building” in partnership with educational stalwarts Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle Philippines.  

To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s projects and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.