Bukidnon National High School (BNHS) in Malaybalay City is home to nearly 9,000 students, making it one of the largest educational hubs in the region. For years, the school struggled under the weight of overcrowded classrooms. Students endured double shifts, some starting as early as 5:45 AM, others ending past 6:45 PM, just to accommodate the growing student population. Many traveled long distances from remote barangays, only to find themselves crammed into spaces too small for proper learning.
“The overcrowding problem in our school has affected the focus and performance of our students,”recalled BNHS School Principal IV, Dr. Paul O. Orong. “Some learners had to share limited rooms or attend classes in temporary spaces, which was very inconvenient for both students and teachers.”
This daily struggle, however, took a hopeful turn on November 26, 2025, when the Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), through its Build a School, Build a Nation program, formally turned over a brand-new, two-storey, eight-classroom building to BNHS. These new classrooms provide students and teachers with the space they desperately need—spaces where learning is no longer cramped, and opportunity can flourish.
The journey toward this milestone began with a simple social media post by Pastor Rhogene Sagayoc, BNHS SPTA Chairman, highlighting the overcrowded classrooms and the hardships faced by students, some of whom had to attend flag ceremonies before dawn to fit into the double-shift schedule. The post caught the attention of Bishop King Flores, National Director of Transform Our World Philippines, a faith‑based group inspiring communities to create positive change, who connected the school with SBFI.
“The completion and turnover of this building stand as proof that perseverance, cooperation, and faith can turn a shared vision into reality,” said Pastor Sagayoc. “What began as a social media post highlighting a problem has now become a concrete solution that will benefit generations of learners.”
The project also received support from the local government, which sponsored all the whiteboards for the new classrooms. “There’s no right time to prepare for our future but today. The city government of Malaybalay will ensure the repair and maintenance of this wonderful school building,” said City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran.
During the turnover ceremony, SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. shared his vision for Philippine education: “How can we expect progress and a better tomorrow if our future leaders lack proper education? Education is the greatest equalizer, and it is at the heart of everything we do at Security Bank Foundation.”
Despite limited facilities, BNHS has long strived to maximize every resource. In 2022, the school was recognized as the Most Outstanding Blended Learning School Implementer, demonstrating excellence in combining face-to-face, online, and modular learning to ensure education continued despite challenges.
Reflecting on the impact of the new classrooms, Principal Orong expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Ang inyong donasyon ay tunay na nagbigay ng pag-asa at kaginhawaan sa aming mga mag-aaral at guro. Patuloy kaming magsisikap upang mapangalagaan ang tiwalang ibinigay ninyo at mas mapabuti pa ang serbisyo sa aming mga mag-aaral.”
With this donation, Security Bank Foundation continues to create safe, nurturing spaces where students can grow, learn, and dream without limits. To date, SBFI has donated 895 classrooms to 152 schools in 92 cities and municipalities nationwide, touching countless lives and bringing hope to communities across the Philippines.
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