Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) donates 700th classroom to Digos City National High School as part of its “Build a School, Build a Nation” program. In center: SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao Jr., Digos City National High School Band Master Melvin Sabio, and Digos City National High School Band.
Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) has breached the 700th classroom mark with its recent turnover in Digos City, Davao del Sur on August 15, 2023. The donation is important for the city as most of its educational infrastructure suffered from damages brought by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that devastated the city in 2019.
“Until now, some of our schools are using temporary learning shelters because of the damages from the earthquake. We are very grateful for Security Bank as they are the only commercial bank in the city to donate for classroom construction,” said Digos City Office of the Mayor Representative Lolemier Egos.
Four classrooms were donated to Ramon Magsaysay Central Elementary School (RMCES), while eight classrooms were donated to Digos City National High School. The school buildings are resilient two-story structures that use steel for doors and window frames to prevent termite infestation; strengthened roofing structure; and pre-cast concrete wall panels. The school buildings are also elevated by a meter to safeguard against flooding. Furthermore, it has a dedicated comfort room for PWDs, along with ramps to ensure accessibility for all.
“The donated classrooms will be of great help in providing a conducive learning environment which is important for our learners with disability,” said RMCES Principal Mario Andales. Special education (SPED) students will be the beneficiaries of the new building donated for RMCES.
SBFI’s 700th classroom achievement came 12 years after the launch of its “Build a School, Build a Nation” program in 2011 and at an opportune time as public school classes for the 2023-2024 school year are set to resume on August 29. With 68 additional classrooms presently under construction, SBFI aims to donate 771 classrooms by the end of 2023 across 135 schools in 79 cities and municipalities nationwide.
“As a client of Security Bank, I am grateful that they have chosen my alma mater as the recipient of its ‘Build a School, Build a Nation’ program. I feel a sense of vicarious accomplishment knowing that my bank is helping schools and communities,” said Department of Education Digos City Division Senior Education Program Specialist Peter Jason Senarillos.
“The Department of Education acknowledges that there is a shortage of about 165,000 classrooms nationwide. As such, Security Bank made a commitment that as long as it continues to do well, we shall continue to build and donate classrooms to the public schools throughout our country,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr.
To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s projects and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.