Makati City, Philippines – In 2025, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) strengthened its commitment to education as a powerful equalizer, delivering measurable, nationwide impact amid persistent classroom shortages, disaster-damaged school facilities, and nearly 11 million out-of-school Filipino children.
Through a holistic approach—building and repairing classrooms, supporting scholars, empowering educators, and partnering with communities—the Foundation helped improve access to safe, inclusive, and quality learning environments across the country.
Under the Build a School, Build a Nation program, the Foundation has delivered 901 classrooms in 153 schools across 92 cities and municipalities nationwide and rehabilitated earlier donations to ensure long-term use. Beyond infrastructure, the Foundation invested in people—training nearly 170 principals and teachers, supporting over 300 scholars, and providing eyeglasses to more than 1,000 learners. This impact was strengthened through multi-sector partnerships with government, universities, corporations, and employees, including a 2025 Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education granting nationwide recognition to SBFI’s training program, and contributions to Senate discussions on improving public classrooms delivery.
Expanding learning spaces nationwide
In 2025, SBFI turned over 62 new classrooms, equivalent to nine school buildings, including:
- Sta. Cruz Central Elementary School, Laguna, a pilot site for the Department of Education’s Inclusive Learning Resource Center serving learners with special needs
- Tarlac National High School, supporting its Special Program in Sports
- Zamboanga City High School Main, equipped with technical-vocational laboratories for Caregiving, Cookery, Drafting, and Dressmaking.
The Foundation also repaired 80 classrooms and rehabilitated 48 disaster- or termite-damaged facilities, ensuring safer and more resilient learning spaces for students and teachers.
To date, SBFI has donated 901 classrooms to 153 schools nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to education infrastructure.
Investing in educators and scholars
Through its Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building program, SBFI strengthened school leadership and teaching systems by training 79 principals and 88 teachers in leadership and mentoring, and school governance.
Program participants include Carlo Medrano, who went on to develop a science mentoring initiative now adopted in multiple communities—demonstrating how teacher empowerment creates ripple effects across the education system.
SBFI also supported 302 scholars for Academic Year 2025–2026 and celebrated 103 graduates, including 31 college degree holders.
Addressing barriers beyond academics, SBFI distributed 1,170 eyeglasses in partnership with Ideal Vision Center and the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of San Francisco del Monte, helping students—like Jake Prades—improve classroom performance through better vision.
Partnerships that multiply impact
SBFI’s education programs were strengthened through collaboration with corporate partners, government agencies, and Security Bank employees, enabling sustained support for classrooms, scholarships, and teacher development. Key partners include FWD Life Insurance, Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Signify Philippines, and the Department of Education.
Recognition and the road ahead
SBFI’s education initiatives and efforts earned national recognition at the 21st Philippine Quill and 60th Anvil Awards. Among the accolades are:
- IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Excellence for Employee Engagement – “Paint a Classroom, Paint a Brighter Future – Security Bank Foundation’s School Painting Activity”
- IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Merit for Corporate Social Responsibility – “Hand in Hand: Partnerships for Transforming the Country’s Future, One Classroom at a Time”
- IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Merit for Communication Management – “Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building – Principals Training Track”
- PRSP’s 60th Anvil Silver Award for Employee Engagement – “Paint a Classroom, Paint a Brighter Future – Security Bank Foundation’s School Painting Activity”
- PRSP’s 60th Anvil Silver Award for Change Communication – “School Building Ko, Aalagaan Ko” Campaign
Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to build 60 new classrooms, repair 100 additional classrooms, expand educator training and scholar programs, and continue nationwide vision screening initiatives.
“Every classroom we build, every teacher we empower, and every scholar we support brings us closer to a Philippines where progress is inclusive and sustainable,” Simpao added.
Learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s education initiatives at https://www.securitybank.com/foundation/.