Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) honored its 2023 graduates with a certificate of recognition and cash reward during a celebration at Security Bank Centre in Makati City on June 25, 2024. SBFI and Security Bank leaders including Rafael Simpao, Jr., SBFI Chairman; Melissa Aquino, SBFI Trustee and Corporate Secretary; Nerissa Berba, EVP and Chief People Officer, Security Bank; joined Pamantasang ng Lungsod ng Maynila President, Atty. Domingo Y. Reyes, to recognize the graduates.

 Makati City, Philippines – Gwyneth Kate Biogan, a Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) scholar, dreamt of becoming a doctor. However, she faced financial constraints. As the eldest of four from a humble background, she realized her family couldn’t afford medical school. Instead, she prioritized earning a college degree through a scholarship and public university. Like many other Filipino students, Gwyneth had difficulty affording higher education, even with free tuition fees in public schools.

SBFI, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Security Bank, understands this common struggle for many Filipino students across the country.

Gwyneth is one of 21 SBFI scholars who graduated in 2023. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, graduating magna cum laude. Other SBFI scholars graduated with flying colors, too. Twenty-one scholars received bachelor’s degrees, while two—who are also Security Bank employees—earned master’s degrees. In total, 13 graduates earned Latin honors: four with magna cum laude and nine cum laude.

SFBI hosted a recognition ceremony at Security Bank Centre on June 25, 2024, during the Bank’s 73rd anniversary month. Each graduate received a certificate of recognition and a cash reward, while those with Latin Honors received an additional plaque and extra cash.

SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. expressed his admiration for the scholars’ positive and determined attitude in life which helped them surpass various challenges and finish their studies. “Their values and work ethics are what we hope to see more for our Filipino youth and the citizens of our country. Their stories and examples prove that we shall continue investing in having more of their kind in our society and to actively engage them in nation-building through our social responsibility programs,” said Simpao.

SBFI scholars represent a mix of Security Bank employees, agency personnel, and their children, and college students from eight partner universities across Metro Manila, including Pamantantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila whose officials were present during the ceremony. Other partner schools include Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Chiang Kai Shek College, De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila, Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Manila, University of the Philippines – Diliman (UP-D), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Manila.

To learn more about SBFI’s programs and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.