BNHS Tinapa Dancers performing a dance presentation showcasing Rosario’s identity as a fishing town in appreciation for the new building
From left to right: Jane Medina (Security Bank Incoming Cluster Head for Cavite), Rachel Villafuerte (De La Salle Philippines Consultant), Dr. Carmela Oracion (Ateneo Center for Educational Development Director), Melissa Aquino (SBFI Trustee), Rafael Simpao, Jr. (SBFI Chairman), Hon. Raul Hernandez (Rosario Councilor), Dr. Diana Topacio (DepEd Cavite Province SGOD Chief), Dr. Joel Peregrino (DepEd Rosario District Supervisor), Norman Barroso (BNHS Principal), and Ernest Mojica (BNHS Former Principal)
Rosario, Cavite – November 7, 2024 – Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) donated its first school building in Rosario, Cavite, a coastal municipality renowned for its fishing industry and the production of local smoked fish known as “tinapang salinas”.
The two-story, six-classroom building was donated to Bagbag National High School (BNHS) last November 7, 2024 and will benefit 2,850 students, many from low-income families.
To express their gratitude, BNHS students performed a vibrant dance presentation featuring colorful costumes and large props, showcasing their community’s identity through their famous “tinapang salinas”.
Despite being from a small town, BNHS Principal Norman Barroso expressed that the new building will inspire the school to be among the best in providing quality education to students. “This building signifies more than just a physical structure. It stands as a symbol of hope, opportunity, and our unwavering commitment to excellence. It fuels a collective drive to do our best to have a place among premier high schools in Cavite Province,” said Mr. Barroso.
Since 2011, SBFI has been advocating for quality education as a key to progressive community development through its “Build a School, Build a Nation” program. Quality classrooms are provided in cities/municipalities with classroom shortages while complementing these with free training programs for beneficiary school teachers and school principals. To date, 789 classrooms have already been donated across 138 schools in 80 Philippine cities and municipalities.
“Security Bank continues to donate these classrooms because we believe that these are crucial for providing a better learning environment and a better quality of education for the Filipino youth who are the future leaders of the country. If we want to progress as a nation, there is an urgent need for us to redeem our future generation given the overwhelming problems of education,” said SBFI Chairman, Rafael Simpao, Jr.
Involvement of various community stakeholders is integral in SBFI’s work. Seventy five (75) Security Bank employees contributed to the BNHS project by painting the first coat of the newly-donated building last August 17, 2024. This collaborative effort underscores SBFI’s commitment to fostering whole community engagement in improving education in the country.
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