For Antique National School in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, the challenge of accommodating more than 7,000 students in a limited number of classrooms has long been a reality. Eleven sections were displaced, forcing the school to construct makeshift rooms separated by thin materials. “Students and teachers alike have to compete with noise and distractions while trying to learn,” shared School Principal Roger Jomolo, describing the daily struggle for a conducive learning environment.
On October 24, 2025, hope arrived in the form of a two-storey, eight-classroom building turned over by Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) under its flagship Build a School, Build a Nation Program.
Atty. Alfie Jay Niquia, Antique Provincial Board Member and representative of Municipal Mayor Atty. Paul Joseph Untaran, expressed that “Not all banks donate, but Security Bank is very, very generous. As a proud alumnus, it warms my heart to see them make Antique National School a better place to learn and to produce more young leaders in the future.”
For Principal Jomolo, who has devoted nearly three decades to education, the new classrooms are a dream realized. “Our students have been coping with overcrowded and makeshift classrooms for years,” he said. “This building expands our home, brings new hope, giving learners the space they need to focus, grow, and dream.”
The impact is best seen through the students’ stories. Laica Shane Fernandez, a Grade 11 student, has faced many challenges such as growing up away from her parents, enduring financial struggles, and surviving a house fire that destroyed her school materials and awards. Yet she persevered, selling hand-made polaroids and school supplies to continue her studies. “Kahit sunod-sunod ang pagsubok, lalo po akong naging motivated na mas sikapan pa ang aking pag-aaral upang mabawi namin kung ano man ang mga nawala sa amin,” Laica shared. “Now, with these new classrooms, I can focus on learning without distractions.” Teachers and staff also breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they can now teach more effectively and guide students better.
SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr. emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to improving education quality: “We trust all our actions confirm how serious we are in elevating the education of the Filipino youth, even if we have to do it one child at a time. Some of us may feel that the task of addressing the problems of education in our country is so overwhelming that the efforts we are exerting would hardly make a difference. But I beg to disagree, because there is power in persistent persevering effort.”
With these new classrooms, Security Bank Foundation continues to champion quality education, creating safe and nurturing environments where every child can reach their full potential. To date, SBFI has donated 877 classrooms to 150 schools across 91 cities and municipalities nationwide.
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