Under its flagship Build a School, Build a Nation program, SBFI concluded 2024 with the donation of 845 classrooms to 145 schools in 86 cities and municipalities.
The foundation also constructed 62 classrooms with the help of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government units (LGUs) in Carmona, Cavite; Rosario, Cavite; Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur; Pangantucan, Bukidnon; Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Mabalacat, Pampanga; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; and Cotabato, Maguindanao del Norte.
Donated classrooms have benefited over 266,000 students thanks to the stewardship of beneficiary schools.
Additionally, SBFI repaired 70 previously donated classrooms, totaling 449 renovated classrooms since 2019, benefiting over 266,000 students.
SBFI also invests in human capital through its Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building program. Last year, 53 principals and 90 teachers were trained in leadership and innovative teaching methods, in collaboration with institutions like Ateneo de Manila University and The HEAD Foundation of Singapore. Since 2014, these initiatives have supported 148 principals and over 36,000 teachers nationwide.
The Scholars for Better Communities program provided scholarships to 359 students in 2024, bringing the total to over 2,000 scholars, including 225 college graduates, 55 of whom earned Latin honors.
Employee volunteers further contributed by painting 29 classrooms in Cavite, Zamboanga del Sur, and Pampanga, while a partnership with Ideal Vision Center provided free vision screenings and eyeglasses to 1,050 students.
SBFI’s efforts have earned prestigious awards, including the IABC Philippines’ Quill Award and DepEd’s Adopt a School Partner Award.
SBFI chair Rafael F. Simpao Jr., emphasized the collective effort required to uplift education: “We believe that it takes a community to properly raise a child. Together, let us be resolved that no matter what challenges we face, we shall not waver in our purpose and be victorious in elevating the learning of our youth.” --Ed: CSN
