Insider Spotlight
It recently turned over a two-story, six-classroom school building to Gapan East Integrated School (GEIS) in Nueva Ecija, marking another milestone in its long-running “Build a School, Build a Nation: The Classrooms Project.”
The new facility addresses the school’s shortage of learning spaces and will benefit more than 1,200 students and teachers.
Despite limited resources, GEIS has consistently excelled— achieving above-average scores during the 2023-2024 National Achievement Test, outperforming even top Metro Manila schools in problem-solving and critical thinking—proof that potential thrives when given the right environment.
The bigger picture
Education remains one of the Philippines’ most pressing challenges. Many public schools still lack basic infrastructure, and classroom overcrowding continues to hinder learning.
SBFI’s intervention underscores how the private sector can fill these crucial gaps through sustained partnerships with local governments and educators.
“Some of us may feel that the task of addressing the problems of education in our country is so overwhelming that the efforts we are exerting would hardly make a difference. But I do not agree because I believe in the power of persistent cumulative influence,” said SBFI chair Rafael F. Simpao Jr., in a press release.
Gapan City Mayor Emary Joy Pascual expressed heartfelt appreciation for the foundation’s generosity: “Sanay po kami na ang LGU ang nagbibigay. Napakasarap po palang mabigyan at maalala. Mahiyain po kami kaya kami na bahala sa repair,” she said.
(We are used to the local government being the one that gives. It feels so wonderful to be the ones receiving and remembered. We’re quite shy, so we’ll take care of the maintenance ourselves)
Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Enrique E. Angeles Jr. added, “Sa pagtanggap ng gusaling ito, pangako naming pupunuin ang bawat silid ng mga kwento ng inspirasyon, pag-asa, at pagmamahal, mga kwentong huhubog sa mga kabataang magiging pag-asa at pagbabago ng ating bayan.”
(In accepting this building, we promise to fill each room with stories of inspiration, hope, and love—stories that will shape the youth who will become the hope and agents of change in our nation).
Beyond the walls
SBFI’s efforts go beyond building classrooms. Through partnerships with Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle Philippines, it invests in the growth of school leaders via the Principals’ Training Program.
One former GEIS assistant principal—now leading Lupang Pangarap Elementary School—is currently enrolled in this initiative. With 851 classrooms built across 146 schools in 87 cities and municipalities, Security Bank Foundation continues to turn blueprints into bridges of hope for the next generation. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
