Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), in partnership with De La Salle University, conducted a five-day training for 27 junior high school science teachers from May 26–30, 2025. The teachers come from schools that are beneficiaries of two-story classroom buildings under SBFI’s Build a School, Build a Nation program. The training, held at De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), is part of SBFI’s three-year Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building initiative and featured fun, engaging, and productive activities.

The training began with a review of the results from the Year 1 training, along with insights from visits to five public schools in Luzon and Visayas. A team from DLSU-D, led by their high school principal and the project head, observed how science teachers conduct their classes in these schools.

In the following days, teachers took part in various activities focused on this year’s theme: “Transforming the School.” The main activity was mentoring, where each teacher created and shared a mentoring plan. Another important topic was how to manage a science laboratory using low-cost methods, guided by the “5S” principle—Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

To help schools that lack proper lab equipment, the training included a creative science activity using everyday items. Teachers learned how to demonstrate blood typing and compatibility using natural colors from duhat (purple), achuete (orange), food color (red) and water.

One participant, Teacher Moonyen of Emiliano Lizares National High School shared her thoughts. “Amat-amat lang—meaning take it slow—describes my journey in this program. This experience reminded me how important it is to be purposeful and inspiring in teaching. Even without a proper lab, the support from peers gives me hope.”

Teachers also explored questions from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to promote critical thinking among students. They were challenged to write similar questions and design science lessons using digital apps—creating content, quizzes, and assignments in just 10 minutes.

With great excitement to share her key takeaways with fellow educators, Teacher Maria from Banga National High School expressed her insights: “Pabuti nang pabuti, paganda nang paganda, pagaan nang pagaan, at paangat nang paangat sa buhay. This has become my new mantra, inspired by the “Power of Freshpective”—a reminder to keep growing and moving forward as empowered and inspired teachers,” Teacher Maria said.

“This training was more than gaining skills—it was about the people, the passion, and the shared purpose. Like the t’nalak cloth woven from dreams, our journey was shaped by vision, patience, and heart. Our mentors inspired us, our peers supported us, and together we’ve grown—stronger threads in a larger tapestry. Now, we carry the responsibility to guide others and continue the weave,” shared Ciman Lou of Koronadal National High School.

Based on feedback from the previous year, more social activities were added. Evening dinners were filled with games, prizes, and performances by groups from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Mindanao group wowed everyone with their unique presentation of Muslim wedding traditions and took home the top prize.

In his speech, SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. talked about how important mentorship is. He shared that helping and guiding others can change lives and help communities grow. He gave examples from the Bible, showing how mentorship made a big difference in people’s lives and helped spread God’s message.

The Year 2 training program is expected to end in April 2026 and will move forward to Year 3, with a theme focused on transforming communities. SBFI continues to support teachers in becoming better mentors and leaders—working toward a brighter future for Filipino students across the country.