More than 7,000 learners at Antique National School will now benefit from safer, more conducive classrooms as the Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) officially turned over a newly constructed two-storey, eight-classroom building through its flagship Build a School, Build a Nation program.
For years, the school has faced severe overcrowding, with eleven sections housed in makeshift rooms separated only by thin partitions. “Students and teachers alike have to compete with noise and distractions while trying to learn,” said School Principal Roger Jomolo.
As an alumnus, Jomolo expressed how meaningful the donation is to him. “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.”
He added that the new facility represents a major milestone for the entire community. “This building expands our home and brings new hope, giving learners the space they need to focus, grow, and dream.”
A classroom that restores hope
For students like Grade 11 learner Laica Shane Fernandez, the new classrooms symbolize more than just improved infrastructure. Despite financial hardships and a house fire that destroyed her school materials, Laica persevered by selling handmade polaroids and school supplies to continue her education.
“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.
Even as challenges came one after another, she said, she became more motivated to work harder so her family could recover from their losses. “Now, with these new classrooms, I can focus on learning without distractions.”
A commitment to education, one child at a time
During the turnover ceremony, SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao Jr. reaffirmed the Foundation’s strong commitment to uplifting education in the Philippines.
“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.”
To date, the Security Bank Foundation has donated 877 classrooms to 150 schools across 91 cities and municipalities, helping ease overcrowding and improve learning conditions for students nationwide.
