Insider Spotlight
The project was formally turned over in Tarlac City by Security Bank Foundation chair Rafael Simpao Jr., together with school officials, local partners, and members of the Security Bank community. One of the classrooms was sponsored by the Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, extending the reach of the initiative.
Why this matters
For young students, classrooms are more than four walls. They shape how well students focus, interact, and stay engaged in school.
In public schools where overcrowding is common, additional learning spaces can mean smaller class sizes, safer facilities, and a better chance for students to succeed academically and personally.
Tarlac National High School, one of the oldest and largest public secondary schools in the Philippines, has long grappled with limited classroom space.
Despite these challenges, the school continues to perform strongly, running inclusive education programs for out-of-school youth, young mothers, working adults, and learners in correctional facilities.
According to a press release shared by the foundation, the school’s leadership under principal Yolanda Gonzales has been instrumental in sustaining this performance.
Gonzales was recently recognized as Best Principal of the Year at the 26th World School Summit in London, highlighting how effective leadership can help public schools thrive even with constrained resources.
“The outstanding performance of Tarlac National High School offers a ray of hope for a better Philippines,” Simpao said. “Under the remarkable leadership of principal Gonzales, we see how public schools—when given the right support—can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best and help shape a brighter future for our youth.”
Special program in sports
The newly completed building is dedicated to the school’s Special Program in Sports, giving student-athletes a safer environment where they can balance academic requirements with athletic training.
For many public school students, especially those juggling multiple responsibilities, having stable and well-designed learning spaces can make staying in school more achievable.
“This new facility shows what is possible when vision, care, and opportunity come together,” Gonzales said. “With this support, even the biggest challenges can be transformed into success stories—for our students and for our community.”
Jane Canlas, branch manager of Security Bank Tarlac–Tañedo and a proud TNHS alumna, said the project carried personal meaning. “It is both an honor and a privilege to now represent Security Bank in giving back to my alma mater,” Canlas said.
“This donation reflects our commitment to empowering communities through education, and it is deeply meaningful to see it benefit the school where my own foundation was built.”
To date, Security Bank Foundation has donated 887 classrooms to 151 schools across 91 cities and municipalities nationwide, part of a broader effort to strengthen public education and create safer, more supportive learning environments for Filipino students. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
