Security Bank Foundation supports brighter future for Antique students

Insider Spotlight

• Security Bank Foundation donates new school building to Antique National School
• More than 7,000 learners to benefit from safer, distraction-free classrooms
• Turnover addresses decades of overcrowding and inadequate facilities
  

Security Bank Foundation has turned over a newly built two-storey, eight-classroom building to Antique National School in San Jose de Buenavista, giving thousands of learners access to significantly improved learning spaces.

Why it matters

For years, the school operated in cramped conditions, with eleven sections squeezed into makeshift spaces separated only by thin partitions. Noise and constant distraction became daily hurdles for both students and teachers.

“Students and teachers alike have to compete with noise and distractions while trying to learn,” said school principal Roger Jomolo. 

“Security Bank is very, very generous. As a proud alumnus, it warms my heart to see them make Antique National School a better place to learn and to produce more young leaders in the future,” Jomolo said.

The big picture

The turnover, detailed in a press release, marks a major milestone under the Foundation’s Build a School, Build a Nation initiative. “This building expands our home and brings new hope—giving learners the space they need to focus, grow, and dream,” he said.

A closer look

For Grade 11 student Laica Shane Fernandez, the new classrooms symbolize renewed hope. Despite financial challenges and a house fire that destroyed her school materials, she kept moving forward, selling handmade polaroids and school supplies to stay in school.

“Even if the challenges come one after another, I became more motivated to work harder in my studies so we can recover whatever we have lost,” (“Kahit sunod-sunod ang pagsubok, lalo po akong naging motivated na mas sikapan pa ang aking pag-aaral upang mabawi namin kung ano man ang mga nawala sa amin,”) she shared. “Now, with these new classrooms, I can focus on learning without distractions.”

Zoom out

During the ceremony, SBFI chair Rafael Simpao, Jr. emphasized the organization’s commitment to strengthening Filipino education. 

“We trust our actions show how serious we are in elevating the education of Filipino youth—one child at a time. Some may feel the country’s education challenges are overwhelming and that our efforts hardly make a difference. I disagree. There is power in persistent persevering effort.”

By the numbers

Security Bank Foundation has donated 877 classrooms to 150 schools across 91 cities and municipalities, helping ease overcrowding and improve learning conditions nationwide. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma