Taking leadership in advancing quality education

The Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI)’s transformative impact on education extends far beyond constructing physical structures. Encompassing leader empowerment, continued learner support, and a sustainable commitment to fostering a brighter future for generations to come, its programs continue to play an important role in reshaping the educational landscape in the country. 

2-story, 10-classroom school building donated to Camarines Sur National High School, one of the 135 beneficiary schools of Security Bank Foundation

SBFI’s flagship project is “Build a School, Build a Nation” which addresses critical educational issues in the country starting with classroom construction. Through collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government, the classrooms’ impact is not just quantitative but qualitative. Specifically, the classrooms are a meter above the ground and are equipped with modern amenities, including bidets, fire alarms, ramps, and dedicated restrooms for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). SBFI ensures that each classroom is a safe, inclusive, and conducive space for learning.

Thirty (30) principals from public schools nationwide, many from SBFI classrooms beneficiary schools, receive their International Certificate in Educational Studies in Leadership from partners University of Nottingham (UK) and The HEAD Foundation (Singapore), in attendance to award certificate include Prof. Tony Bush, Renowned British Professor and Author on Educational Leadership, Prof. Vicente Reyes, Associate Professor in Educational Leadership and Management, Director Jennifer Lopez of National Educators Academy of the Philippines, Rev. Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, Former President of Ateneo de Manila University, and Rafael F. Simpao, Jr., Chairman of SBFI.

Aside from building classrooms, SBFI also collaborated with international partners and local institutions in the “Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building” program to provide a strategic and impactful approach to enhancing education. The three-year journey for principals and teachers reflects SBFI’s dedication to long-term growth and sustainability. The success stories of educators like Mrs. Adeline Francisco and Cherry Domino underscore how SBFI’s training programs are not just theoretical but lead to tangible improvements in teaching methods, student performance, and overall school leadership.

Stories of successes

Ivan Rudolf Borlogan, one of SBFI’s former scholars, now works for Security Bank ranked as Assistant Vice President of its Transaction Banking Group department.

A compelling testament to the success of SBFI’s programs comes from the experience of its former scholar, Ivan Rudolf Borlongan, who now works for Security Bank Corporation. The Foundation’s investment in Borlongan’s education allowed him to excel academically, as well as uplift his family situation. His dedication and rise within Security Bank, now ranked as an Assistant Vice President, showcase how empowering individuals through education creates a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom.

Dr. Ma. Antonette Padreganda-Dugang, one of SBFI’s beneficiaries for principal training, provides lecture on school governance as part of her duty as an Education Program Supervisor at DepEd Division of City Schools Tagbilaran City

The story of Ma. Antonette Padreganda-Dugang’s is also noteworthy. From a school principal to an Education Program Supervisor at DepEd, her journey illustrates the holistic approach SBFI takes in transforming education. The comprehensive training program for educators not only equips them with essential skills but also fosters a mindset of continuous improvement. Dugang’s role in encouraging other principals to go beyond their daily duties and engage with community stakeholders emphasizes the broader impact of SBFI’s initiatives on the entire educational ecosystem.

Roberto Dondan, one of the beneficiaries of SBFI “Build a School, Build a Nation” program, receives a With Honors award on his graduation.

And then there is Roberto Dondan, one of the thousands of students who benefited from the classrooms donated by SBFI to CCT Visions of Hope Christian School in Sarangani. The classrooms became a catalyst for breaking through the barriers faced by indigenous communities. Dondan’s pursuit of higher education and his commitment to giving back to his community exemplify how SBFI’s initiatives plant seeds for long-term, sustainable change.

SBFI’s initiative to support Filipino inventor Jeremy de Leon’s “Make-roscope” innovation showcases the Foundation’s forward-thinking approach. By investing in portable microscopes for public schools, SBFI not only facilitates hands-on, experiential learning but also contributes to the recognition of Filipino inventors on the international stage. This initiative stands as proof of SBFI’s commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity and innovation, even in the face of challenging circumstances.

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.

Now in its 30th year, SBFI continues to innovate and push forward, especially with how it has progressed from targeting to build only 60 classrooms over 5 years to now achieving 700 classrooms. Over the years, it has also gone beyond improving education, having impactful medical, environmental, and livelihood projects as seen in its timeline. 

SBFI’s total donations would reach 771 classrooms by the end of 2023, benefitting 135 schools in 79 cities and municipalities nationwide. It will continue to do so, as in the words of SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, “As long as Security Bank continues to do well, we shall continue to improve the quality of education of the country to build healthy, progressive, and sustainable communities.”

Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/SBFI2023AnniversarySpread

To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s projects and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.

ADVT.