Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) helped achieve the ideal 1:25 classroom to student ratio for Barra Elementary School, a public school in the city center of Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte after turning over a two-story, six-classroom school building on November 16, 2023. The donation is part of the Foundation’s “Build a School, Build a Nation” program.
“While the school is strategically located at the Dipolog City center, parents are discouraged from enrolling their children due to the deteriorating and frequently flooded state of their very old school buildings,” School Principal Sharika Jumawan said.
The new school building donated by SBFI is disaster resilient, elevated by a meter height from the ground. With such features, Principal Jumawan has already received interest from parents in the area to enroll the following school year. SBFI’s donated school building also serves as a landmark in the city as its roof is visible from airplanes arriving at Dipolog Airport.
The program’s community partners namely, City Government of Dipolog and Department of Education (DepEd) Dipolog City Division, attended in full force during the turnover ceremony. Mayor Hon. Darel Dexter Uy and Vice Mayor Hon. Senen Angeles represented the LGU which shouldered the demolition of old structures that previously occupied the site of the new building, the electricity during construction, and the building permit fees.
“SBFI’s donation is a testament to its unyielding commitment to education, proving how private corporations can play a pivotal role in societal development. I extend my heartfelt appreciation for SBFI’s dedication to the betterment of Dipolognons, true to its commitment to building communities sustainably,” said Dipolog City Mayor, Hon. Darel Dexter T. Uy.
Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ma. Liza Tabilon and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Lourma Poculan represented the DepEd Division. “The two-story, six-classroom school building was made in compliance with DepEd standards. It is a gift that will transform our educational landscape and empower our students to unlock their full potential to contribute meaningfully to our society,” said Dr. Ma. Liza Tabillon, Department of Education Dipolog City Schools Division Superintendent.
Barra Elementary School teachers Jessa Ajero (English) and Gemma Villar (Mathematics) are current beneficiaries of SBFI’s sustainable three-year training program, developed in collaboration with Ateneo de Manila University. The training program will enhance their competencies in teaching students with 21st-century skills, formulating lesson plans for both struggling and advanced learners, developing and administering effective student assessments, and engaging stakeholders to support student learning.
The donation to Barra Elementary Schools marks SBFI’s 733rd classroom donation across 130 schools in 74 cities and municipalities nationwide. Beyond constructing educational infrastructure and providing teacher and principal training, SBFI is committed to offering scholarships and fostering employee volunteerism opportunities.
“Our mission in SBFI is to provide a holistic improvement to education nationwide, especially in communities where Security Bank has a presence. We invest in the education of the children of these cities as we believe that it is the greatest equalizer in life,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr.
To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s projects and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.