SBFI Gives Plastic Waste a Second Life through Classroom Chairs

What was once discarded plastic is now helping children learn in Misamis Occidental.

Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) donated 50 new classroom chairs made entirely from recycled plastic to Clarin Elementary School in Plaridel, providing students with much-needed furniture while giving waste a second life. The chairs were produced by The Plastic Flamingo (The Plaf), a social enterprise that transforms plastic waste into durable furniture. Delivery to the school was sponsored by LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation.

For years, Clarin Elementary School relied on aging classroom chairs that had been repaired repeatedly to keep them usable. Some students used stools without writing tables, while broken chairs were patched together as often as possible.

For the school's 118 learners, the donation helped address a longstanding shortage of classroom furniture.

"It is not only a donation but an answered prayer and a reminder that our learners are cared for and remembered," said School Head Maria Erica C. Ligason.

The chairs also offer a lesson in sustainability. Made entirely from recycled plastic, they show how discarded materials can be transformed into something useful and durable.

For Clarin Elementary School, the chairs address a longstanding need while giving discarded plastic a new purpose inside the classroom.

For more information, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.

Security Bank Foundation, De La Salle University Empower Science Teachers to Turn Research Into Community Solutions

Makati City, Philippines -- Twenty-nine junior high school science master teachers from across the country have completed the third year of Security Bank Foundation's (SBFI) Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building Program for Science Teachers, equipping them to use science education as a tool for addressing real-world challenges in their communities.

Held at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, the training focused on community-based science research and stakeholder engagement. Participants learned how to design and implement projects that respond to local needs while building stronger partnerships with parents, local government units, and other community stakeholders.

The teachers presented proposed initiatives covering environmental sustainability, livelihood development, and health education, demonstrating how science can move beyond the classroom and help improve everyday life in the communities they serve.

"The most meaningful learning happens when science is connected to people's lives," said Rafael Simpao Jr., chairman of Security Bank Foundation. "By helping teachers understand their communities more deeply, we enable them to develop solutions that are relevant, practical, and sustainable."

The training builds on gains already seen across participating schools, including enhanced science laboratories, stronger teacher mentoring, and improved student learning outcomes. As participants begin implementing their community-based research projects, they will continue to receive support through a series of online coaching and learning sessions.

"To understand people's hearts, look at what they dream of becoming, what they struggle with, what brings them joy, and what they value," Simpao said. "When you understand these, you often discover the way to create meaningful impact."

The program will culminate in 2027, when participants present the results of their projects and demonstrate how science-based interventions have contributed to improved learning outcomes, stronger teacher leadership, and more resilient communities.

The Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building Program for Science Teachers is a multi-year initiative of Security Bank Foundation in partnership with De La Salle University that aims to strengthen science education and develop teacher-leaders capable of driving positive change beyond the classroom.

Learn more here: www.securitybank.com/foundation/

Sun Life Foundation’s Project SUNRISE Continues to Brighten Futures for Cebu Youth

MANILA, PH – (September 2026) – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and Children of Asia recently renewed their collaboration for Project SUNRISE, continuing their shared commitment to helping Cebu youth stay in school, prepare for future careers, and build brighter futures.

 

Through Project SUNRISE, 125 high school and college students in Cebu City as well as the municipalities of Alegria, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Minglanilla receive financial assistance for expenses such as miscellaneous fees, uniforms, and school supplies. The program is renewed annually and will continue until all the scholars graduate from college.

 

Launched in 2020, Project SUNRISE aims to help address a persistent challenge in the Philippines where one in four youth is out of school. 

 

The program also supports the students’ holistic development through additional courses, career development orientation, and soft skills training to help strengthen their future employability. Meanwhile, their families also receive post-disaster support, individualized aid, and parent learning sessions on child development and quality family life.

 

A MOA signing ceremony was held in Cebu City to mark the continuation of the collaboration, graced by Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO JJ Moreno as well as the Sun Life Foundation leadership including President Joy Castillo, Vice President Aleister Cruz, and Executive Director Kristine Millete. Children of Asia was represented by its Country Director, Barbie Romeo-Guardiario, and Deputy Country Director, Andre Frossard.

 

“We believe that education is one of the most powerful foundations for a brighter future,” said Castillo. “With Project SUNRISE, our aim is to empower Filipino youth and enable them to remain in school, feel supported, and build a future filled with possibilities not just for themselves, but also their families and communities.”

 

“Project SUNRISE is about giving students from underprivileged backgrounds the support and confidence to keep moving forward, even when circumstances are difficult. This year, with the earthquake and typhoon affecting Cebu, that support has been especially meaningful,” said Romeo-Guardiario. “By helping our scholars stay in school and develop their potential, we hope they will build a better future for themselves and have the confidence and sense of responsibility to give back to their families and communities.”

 

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to education, promote health and well-being, and promote environmental sustainability in communities across the country.

Security Bank's Security Agency Partners Support Classroom-Building Campaign

Makati, Philippines — The people who help protect Security Bank every day are also helping build a better future for Filipino children.

Six accredited security agency partners donated cash and in-kind support to Security Bank Foundation’s (SBFI) Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan campaign. Their contributions will help fund the construction of classrooms for public schools across the country.

"As a Security Banker and someone who works closely with our security agency partners, I strongly believe in Security Bank Foundation's advocacy for education. That's why I invited our partner agencies to join us in nation-building by supporting the Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan campaign," said Gen. Billy Beltran, Chief Security Officer at Security Bank.

The participating agencies were Eparwa Security Services, Gallantry Security and Investigation Agency, Magno's Security & Investigation Services, Tarsier Security Agency, BOS Security Solutions and Services, and Quiambao Security Specialists. 

The initiative was led by Gen. Beltran and Col. Ferjen Torred, Special Operations Head of the Bank’s Security and Safety Division.

This year, Security Bank Foundation is constructing 60 classrooms for eight public schools nationwide. The agencies’ contributions will help cover rising construction costs and enable SBFI to serve more students and communities.

The campaign forms part of Security Bank Foundation’s Build a School, Build a Nation program. Since 2011, the program has helped address the country's classroom shortage by constructing school facilities for public schools nationwide.

Security Bank Foundation invites individuals and organizations to take part in the campaign. Every contribution helps bring more Filipino children closer to safe and conducive spaces where they can learn, grow, and build their futures. Donate through the Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan donation form.

Public Solicitation Permit No.: DSWD-SB-PSP-S-2026-000082

Learn more here: www.securitybank.com/foundation/n

Vena Energy Honored as Outstanding Stakeholder by DepEd Calbayog City

[Philippines; 23 September 2026] Vena Energy has been recognized as an “Outstanding Stakeholder” by the Department of Education (DepEd), Schools Division of Calbayog City, in recognition of its support for education and community development. The award was presented during the annual Stakeholders Summit.

The recognition was presented at the Calbayog City Convention Center. The annual summit brings together educational leaders, local government officials, and private sector partners to recognize collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of education in the region.

Vena Energy, a leading renewable energy company, was recognized for its “invaluable support, meaningful partnership, and significant contributions to advancing education and strengthening stakeholder engagement in Calbayog City.”

In an invitation sent prior to the event, Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona Jr., Ph.D., Schools Division Superintendent, highlighted Vena Energy’s contributions through its subsidiary, Gemini Wind Energy Corp. (GWEC), and their role in supporting the local education community.

Marivic Acuyong, CSR Manager at Vena Energy, and Falconeri Miranda, Project Manager at GWEC, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Their participation reflected Vena Energy’s continued partnership with DepEd Calbayog City and the local community.

“Receiving this recognition is meaningful to the entire Vena Energy team,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of the Philippines, Vena Energy. “Our commitment to the communities where we operate goes beyond providing clean energy. We believe that supporting education helps create opportunities for young people and contributes to stronger communities. This recognition from DepEd Calbayog strengthens our commitment to supporting students, teachers and schools through sustained and meaningful partnerships.”

Vena Energy’s participation in the Stakeholders Summit reflects its broader commitment to creating long-term positive social impact in the communities where it operates. The recognition also underscores the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors in supporting education and creating opportunities for young people.

DepEd Calbayog expressed its continued gratitude to all stakeholders, emphasizing that strong partnerships and support systems contribute to the successful delivery of educational programs in Samar.

Security Bank Foundation Bags Two Awards at 22nd Philippine Quill for Nation-Building Programs

Makati City, Philippines, --  Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) received two honors at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards on August 27, 2026, at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque City, recognizing the impact of its programs and strategic communications in advancing education and community development.

Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan received a Quill Award of Excellence, while SBF-Eyes (Security Better Future through Eyes) earned a Quill Award of Merit.

Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan was recognized for its collaborative approach to addressing the country's classroom shortage. The program brings together Security Bank clients, employees, local government units, non-government organizations, partner institutions, and other stakeholders to mobilize resources for classroom construction.

Meanwhile, SBF-Eyes was recognized for improving access to vision care among public school students. Through its partnership with Ideal Vision Center, the program provides free vision screening and prescription eyeglasses to students in need, helping improve their learning experience and academic performance.

“These recognitions reflect the power of purpose, partnership, and collective action,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. “We share these awards with our employees, partners, and beneficiaries whose support and commitment continue to create meaningful change in communities across the country.”

Organized annually by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards is among the country's most respected programs recognizing excellence in business communication. Entries are evaluated against global IABC standards for strategic planning, execution, and measurable results.

For SBFI, the awards underscore the role of strategic communication in advancing its mission. By engaging stakeholders, mobilizing support, and sharing stories of impact, the Foundation continues to strengthen partnerships that help create better opportunities for Filipino learners and communities.

Learn more by visiting securitybank.com/foundation

Security Bank Employees Help Build Better Learning Spaces for Iloilo Students

Makati City, Philippines-- Fifty-one Security Bank employees from six Iloilo branches volunteered on August 1, 2026 to help paint newly constructed classrooms at Iloilo City National High School (ICNHS), helping prepare the facilities for students and supporting Security Bank Foundation's (SBFI) commitment to improving access to quality education.

The volunteer activity supported the completion of a two-storey, 10-classroom school building under SBFI’s Build a School, Build a Nation Program. Construction began in February 2026, with turnover scheduled later this year.

"The volunteers are making a significant contribution to nation-building because helping our Filipino youth is helping shape the future of our country,” said Security Bank Foundation Chairman Rafael Simpao Jr.

For Remcil Ortiz, Branch Channel Manager of Security Bank Iloilo Ledesma, the experience was especially meaningful.

"As a Security Bank employee for the past 10 years, this is my first time joining a volunteer activity like this. It is truly fulfilling to help create a better learning environment for students while giving back to the community," Ortiz said.

The activity was conducted in partnership with the school’s student leaders, the Philippine Red Cross, and Security Bank's Security and Safety Division, which provided safety briefings and on-site support.

"Your presence today is a beautiful reminder that generous and compassionate people continue to believe in the power of education and in the dreams of our learners," said Alpha Java, ICNHS School Principal.

The event marked the 125th classroom painted under SBFI’s School Painting Volunteer Program. Since 2011, SBFI has organized 18 school painting activities nationwide, mobilizing 1,293 employee volunteers to help create safer and more conducive learning environments for students.

Learn more by visiting www.securitybank.com/foundation/

AHEAD and Pru Life UK Partner to Help Filipinos Invest in Quality Education

AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center has partnered with Pru Life UK, one of the Philippines' leading life insurers, to offer eligible Pru Life UK customers, agents, employees and their select family members exclusive discounts on AHEAD's college entrance test review programmes, tutorial services, and supplementary classes. 

Education is one of the most meaningful investments a family can make. While financial planning helps protect a child's future, quality education empowers them to shape it. By bringing the two together, AHEAD and Pru Life UK aim to make quality educational support more accessible to Filipino families. 

For more than 30 years, AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center has helped over 250,000 students prepare for college entrance examinations and achieve academic success through its comprehensive review and tutorial programmes. Recognised as one of the Philippines’ leading review centres, AHEAD offers specialised UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) review, Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) review, De La Salle College Admission Test (DCAT) review, and UST Entrance Test (USTET) review programs, alongside personalised tutorials for students from kindergarten to college. 

"This partnership reflects our belief that investing in education is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children," said Rossana Llenado, Founder and President of AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center. "By working with Pru Life UK, we hope to make our programmes more accessible to families who are actively planning for their children's future. Together, we are supporting not just academic success, but lifelong opportunities."

Pru Life UK is one of the leading life insurers in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 33,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that help make its customers’ promises to their loved ones real, by showing them that they can count on PRU to address their unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

“At Pru Life UK, we believe protection is about helping families prepare for life’s important milestones. This partnership with AHEAD allows us to extend meaningful value to our customers, agents, employees and their families by giving them access to educational support as they plan for the future,” said Kathryn Cajucom, Vice President and Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications.

How to avail of the exclusive offer?

Active Pru Life UK customers, including both policyowners and life insureds, agents, customers, and their select family members namely spouses, children and siblings, can enjoy the exclusive offer. To access the benefit, eligible individuals should complete the online enrolment form in the AHEAD benefit section of the Pru Life UK Rewards & Promo webpage. Additional information on eligibility requirements, FAQs, and terms and conditions can also be found on the webpage.

As students prepare for increasingly competitive entrance examinations, access to quality academic support has become more important than ever. Through this partnership, AHEAD and Pru Life UK reaffirm their shared commitment to helping families prepare for every stage of their children's future, from financial security to educational achievement.

As AHEAD and Pru Life UK forge this strategic partnership, both organisations remain committed to supporting Filipino families in preparing for their future, whether through financial security, educational excellence, or the opportunities that come from both.

Because every great future begins with thoughtful preparation.

Think AHEAD.

SM Malls in Grand Central, Sangandaan, and Valenzuela Help PREP Public Schools FOR SY 2026–2027

With only days before the opening of School Year 2026–2027, thousands of students in Caloocan and Valenzuela are returning to cleaner, safer, and more welcoming school environments following coordinated volunteer efforts led by SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela under the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2026.

Held on June 4 and 5, the two-day initiative mobilized employee-volunteers from the three SM malls to assist selected public schools in both cities, aligning with the DepEd’s theme, “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” which underscores shared responsibility in preparing learning environments for the new academic year.

More than a routine clean-up activity, the effort highlighted a continuing public-private partnership aimed at improving school readiness and ensuring that classrooms remain safe, functional, and conducive to learning.

In Caloocan City, volunteers from SM City Grand Central were deployed to Bagong Barrio Elementary School, where they repainted walls, cleaned school grounds, and helped restore common areas that had weathered months of daily use. The mall also turned over hygiene kits, school supplies, cleaning materials, and gardening tools to support the school’s sanitation and greening programs.

At Libis Talisay Elementary School, employee-volunteers from SM Center Sangandaan conducted repainting activities, performed minor facility repairs, and reinforced sanitation efforts. The team likewise provided maintenance supplies such as paint, brushes, disinfectants, and learning materials to help sustain school upkeep beyond the Brigada Eskwela period.

SM City Valenzuela led parallel efforts at Caruhatan East Elementary School where volunteers repainted classroom interiors, cleaned and sanitized comfort rooms, repaired jalousie windows, and restored desks and chairs, helping transform learning spaces to more functional and welcoming conditions.

Despite intermittent rains, volunteer teams pressed on with scheduled activities, underscoring strong participation and commitment to completing school readiness work on time.

The simultaneous initiatives across the three malls were spearheaded by SM Supermalls’ Human Resources Department in partnership with SM Cares, reinforcing the company’s long-standing advocacy for education and community development.

As students prepare to return to school, the refreshed classrooms and improved facilities serve as a reminder that quality education is a shared responsibility, strengthened through collective action.