Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) expanded its Build a School, Build a Nation program by donating a two-story, six-classroom building to Pangantucan Community High School (PCHS) in Bukidnon. This Jesuit mission school serves children of small-scale farmers and indigenous tribes. The building was turned over on November 19, 2024.
The school is dedicated to becoming a leading Agricultural High School that produces skilled and socially responsible graduates. Many of the students are subsidized for their schooling expenses. Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J., former President of Ateneo de Manila University, current Adviser of the Ateneo Center for Educational Development, and SBFI training program partner, played a pivotal role in connecting the school with SBFI for potential support. Fr. Nebres was also present at the building turnover ceremony.
“While this is a private school, we also note that this is a mission school with limited funding and in need of more conducive classrooms. If their students get a good education and earn a degree, they have access to better employment or livelihood opportunities, to uplift the quality of the lives of their families, and be productive citizens of our country,” shared SBFI Chairman, Rafael F. Simpao, Jr.
The Build a School, Build a Nation program was launched by SBFI in 2011 to help address the nationwide classroom shortage while improving the quality of education through complementary training support for teachers and school principals of beneficiary schools. Through the years, SBFI has made the program inclusive by donating school buildings benefiting special education students as well as children of indigenous tribes, farmers, and fishermen. To date, the Foundation has donated 815 classrooms to 141 schools across 83 cities and municipalities throughout the Philippines.
“This building is not just cement and iron; it is a safe space where ideas grow, dreams are woven, and futures secured,” said Rev. Fr. Ambrosio Flores, S.J., Superior of the Jesuit Bukidnon Mission District. “This donation invests not only in facilities but in the countless students who will pass through these six classrooms, inspiring learning, service, and the drive to uplift others.”
To learn more about SBFI’s programs and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.