The Asia-Pacific Enterprise Leadership Awards (APELA) recently bestowed upon Security Bank Corporation (SBC) the Honorable Mention Award for Educational Service. The award recognizes the Bank’s various education-centered programs that provide access to quality education to deserving beneficiaries through Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm.
Security Bank was the only one from the Philippines awarded under the Educational Service category, which honors enterprise leaders and their organizations for undertaking key efforts that have developed their local educational landscape.
APELA, a non-profit organization ran the awards program in 16 Asia-Pacific territories which include the Philippines, Australia, Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr., who accepted the award for Security Bank, said SBFI was established with the aim of uplifting the quality of life in various communities where Security Bank has a presence. We adhere to the old Chinese proverb, Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Recognizing that given our resources we cannot be everything to everybody, we decided to focus on education and livelihood development programs. This recognition is totally unexpected, but very much appreciated. We are truly honored to accept this prestigious award in the field of Educational Service.
SBFI develops long-term sustainable social development programs that help alleviate poverty through education and livelihood. Beneficiaries of SBFI Education Program include students and teachers of public schools, as well as less fortunate and deserving students of identified colleges and universities. Its various programs include Scholarship Grants, the Student Excellence Awards (SEA) Project, the Security Bank Corporation Professional Chair Grant, the Build a School, Build a Nation: The 100 Classrooms Project, and Sponsorship of Various Educational Activities and Projects and Employee Volunteerism Projects on Education.
Security Bank has a history of nation-building and plays a significant role in stimulating business activities through its nationwide network of branches located in key areas of economic growth. The Bank continues to be at the forefront of educational programs that help open opportunities for a better financial future among the people in the communities where they serve.