Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) capped its 2023 program activities by donating a two-story, ten-classroom school building to the San Isidro Integrated School in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, as part of its “Build a School, Build a Classroom” initiative. Back in September 2023, 80 Security Bank employees from Branch Banking Group Area 11 Central Luzon and Area 14 Bulacan/Nueva Ecija also volunteered in applying the first coat of paint of the building which significantly accelerated the construction.
The program was made possible through multi-sectoral collaboration, including support from the Local Government Unit of Cabanatuan City and the Department of Education Division of Cabanatuan City. Together, they assisted in the construction of the school building by facilitating permit processing, demolishing of old structures, and providing essential equipment such as chairs, and tables.
Following SBFI’s school building donation, the LGU is also constructing another school building for the same school to address the school’s high need for classrooms. Post-construction, SBFI partners Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle Philippines are in charge of principal and teachers training to further improve the quality of education of the school.
All partner organizations attended the official turnover ceremony of the school building held on December 7, 2023.
Notably, former President of Ateneo de Manila University Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, S.J. officiated the building’s blessing rites. It was Fr. Nebres, who pitched to SBFI in 2011 the idea of donating classrooms to help address shortage and also as a complement to Ateneo’s training programs for teachers being done for public schools.
“Cabanatuan City, with a population exceeding half a million, plays a pivotal role as a hub for education, commerce, and medical facilities for its residents and those from neighboring cities. Through Security Bank Foundation’s generous donation, we can meet the high demand in our city and propel its progress forward,” said Mr. Julio Miguel Vergara, Secretary to the Mayor of Cabanatuan City.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Enrique Angeles Jr. of the Department of Education Division of Cabanatuan City emphasized, “The Department of Education envisions the legacy of Security Bank Foundation lingering in the hearts of teachers and students using the new school building. May it serve as a beacon, fostering their dreams and aspirations for the future.“
The donation to Cabanatuan City is notable for being SBFI’s 8th donation of a 10-classroom building. It also has Science and Computer laboratories, which helps in maximizing the learning experience for the school’s students.
For the year 2023, SBFI cumulatively donated 108 classrooms and 17 school buildings to 16 schools in 10 cities/municipalities in the Philippines. The SBFI also approved the donation of another 8 classrooms for Cabanatuan City to be constructed and donated in 2024 to Honorato C. Perez Sr. Memorial Science High School.
In total, SBFI has donated 771 overall classrooms nationwide which benefitted 135 schools in 79 cities and municipalities nationwide.
“We hope that the legacy that Security Bank will leave through our education programs is the empowerment of many individuals who acquired the knowledge, values, and other tools to shape their destinies for a lifetime,” said Rafael F. Simpao, Jr, SBFI Chairman.
To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s projects and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.