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/

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

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/

Security Bank Foundation and JVR Foundation Expand Partnership with New School Building in Bukidnon

Makati City – More than 1,000 students from farming and indigenous communities in Pangantucan, Bukidnon will soon benefit from safer and more conducive learning spaces as Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) and Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. (JVRF) expand their partnership to build a new 2-storey, 6-classroom school building in Pangantucan Community High School (PCHS).

The new facility helps address ongoing classroom shortages in the area and marks Security Bank Foundation’s second school building donation to PCHS. With this latest project, SBFI’s total classroom support for the school will reach 12 classrooms, reinforcing its long-term commitment to improving access to quality education in underserved communities.

The initiative builds on earlier collaboration between SBFI and JVRFI, including their joint donation of a 10-classroom school building to Tarlac National High School in 2025. Under the agreement for the Bukidnon project, JVRFI will fund one classroom, PCHS will support two classrooms, while SBFI will sponsor three classrooms through its Build a School, Build a Nation Program.

“Every child deserves a safe place to learn,” said Rafael Simpao, Jr., Chairman of Security Bank Foundation. “Through partnerships like this, we help communities close classroom gaps and provide students with an environment where they can learn, grow, and pursue better opportunities.”

The project was made possible through the efforts of Marissa Del Rosario-Blackett, a diplomat and humanitarian leader whose advocacy continues to support underserved communities across the country.

“We are grateful to continue our partnership with Security Bank Foundation in building new classrooms for Pangantucan High School, easing the shortage faced by its learners. Alongside this, JVR Foundation supports 15 scholars—mostly children of farmers—through the school’s horticulture and agriculture program,” said Kana Manglapus, Executive Director of JVRF.

Fr. Marlon Fabros, SJ, President of PCHS, welcomed the continued support. “This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to providing safe and dignified learning spaces for students from farming and indigenous communities. By building classrooms, we affirm that their dreams matter and that they deserve access to quality education.”

Through sustained partnerships with schools, communities, and like-minded organizations, Security Bank Foundation continues to help address classroom gaps nationwide and create better opportunities for Filipino learners.

Learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s education initiatives by visiting https://www.securitybank.com/foundation/

Security Bankers Raise Funds for 41 Scholars through Year-End, Employee-Led Initiatives

Makati City – Security Bankers rallied together at the close of 2025 to raise funds for 41 scholars under the Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko (RMKK) scholarship program, through a series of employee-led initiatives held during the Bank’s year-end celebrations.

Implemented in collaboration with the Bank’s Learning and Engagement Division, the initiatives generated donations for Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), supporting the educational needs of the Bank’s agency personnel—including security guards, janitors, messengers, and drivers—as well as their children.

Employees also extended their support through SBFI’s Adopt a Scholar campaign, contributing in various forms including cash, Cheers Points (the Bank’s employee recognition rewards), and Security Bank Credit Card Rewards points. Through these collective efforts, 41 RMKK scholars were adopted for School Year 2025–2026.

“This is a testament to how collective generosity can change lives,” shared SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr. “Every contribution brings our scholars closer to realizing their dreams and building better futures for themselves and their families.”

The impact of the initiative was felt during the Christmas season, when adopted scholars wrote letters to their sponsors to express their gratitude and reaffirm their commitment to completing their education.

Trina Ortega, Employee Engagement Lead of Security Bank’s Learning and Engagement Division, shared a particularly moving moment when the mother of an RMKK scholar— herself a bank security guard—visited the office to personally express her appreciation for the opportunity given to her daughter.

Through the continued collaboration between Security Bank and Security Bank Foundation, employee-led initiatives remain a meaningful avenue to expanding access to education and uplifting the communities the Bank serves.

To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s commitment to education, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.

Security Bank Foundation Delivers Strong Education Gains in 2025

Makati City, Philippines – In 2025, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) strengthened its commitment to education as a powerful equalizer, delivering measurable, nationwide impact amid persistent classroom shortages, disaster-damaged school facilities, and nearly 11 million out-of-school Filipino children.

Through a holistic approach—building and repairing classrooms, supporting scholars, empowering educators, and partnering with communities—the Foundation helped improve access to safe, inclusive, and quality learning environments across the country.

Under the Build a School, Build a Nation program, the Foundation has delivered 901 classrooms in 153 schools across 92 cities and municipalities nationwide and rehabilitated earlier donations to ensure long-term use. Beyond infrastructure, the Foundation invested in people—training nearly 170 principals and teachers, supporting over 300 scholars, and providing eyeglasses to more than 1,000 learners. This impact was strengthened through multi-sector partnerships with government, universities, corporations, and employees, including a 2025 Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education granting nationwide recognition to SBFI’s training program, and contributions to Senate discussions on improving public classrooms delivery.

Expanding learning spaces nationwide

In 2025, SBFI turned over 62 new classrooms, equivalent to nine school buildings, including:

Sta. Cruz Central Elementary School, Laguna, a pilot site for the Department of Education’s Inclusive Learning Resource Center serving learners with special needs

Tarlac National High School, supporting its Special Program in Sports

Zamboanga City High School Main, equipped with technical-vocational laboratories for Caregiving, Cookery, Drafting, and Dressmaking.

The Foundation also repaired 80 classrooms and rehabilitated 48 disaster- or termite-damaged facilities, ensuring safer and more resilient learning spaces for students and teachers. 

To date, SBFI has donated 901 classrooms to 153 schools nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to education infrastructure.

Investing in educators and scholars

Through its Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building program, SBFI strengthened school leadership and teaching systems by training 79 principals and 88 teachers in leadership and mentoring, and school governance. 

Program participants include Carlo Medrano, who went on to develop a science mentoring initiative now adopted in multiple communities—demonstrating how teacher empowerment creates ripple effects across the education system.

SBFI also supported 302 scholars for Academic Year 2025–2026 and celebrated 103 graduates, including 31 college degree holders. 

Addressing barriers beyond academics, SBFI distributed 1,170 eyeglasses in partnership with Ideal Vision Center and the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of San Francisco del Monte, helping students—like Jake Prades—improve classroom performance through better vision.

Partnerships that multiply impact

SBFI’s education programs were strengthened through collaboration with corporate partners, government agencies, and Security Bank employees, enabling sustained support for classrooms, scholarships, and teacher development. Key partners include FWD Life Insurance, Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Signify Philippines, and the Department of Education.

Recognition and the road ahead

SBFI’s education initiatives and efforts earned national recognition at the 21st Philippine Quill and 60th Anvil Awards. Among the accolades are:

IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Excellence for Employee Engagement – “Paint a Classroom, Paint a Brighter Future – Security Bank Foundation's School Painting Activity”

IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Merit for Corporate Social Responsibility – “Hand in Hand: Partnerships for Transforming the Country's Future, One Classroom at a Time”

IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Merit for Communication Management – “Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building – Principals Training Track”

PRSP’s 60th Anvil Silver Award for Employee Engagement – “Paint a Classroom, Paint a Brighter Future – Security Bank Foundation’s School Painting Activity”

PRSP’s 60th Anvil Silver Award for Change Communication – “School Building Ko, Aalagaan Ko” Campaign.

Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to build 60 new classrooms, repair 100 additional classrooms, expand educator training and scholar programs, and continue nationwide vision screening initiatives.

“Every classroom we build, every teacher we empower, and every scholar we support brings us closer to a Philippines where progress is inclusive and sustainable,” Simpao added.

Learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s education initiatives at https://www.securitybank.com/foundation/.

Security Bank Foundation Donates New School Building to Antique National School

San Jose de Buenavista, Antique – More than 7,000 learners of Antique National School will now have access to safer and more conducive classrooms as the Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) turned over a newly built, two-storey, eight-classroom school building under its flagship Build a School, Build a Nation initiative.

For decades, the school has struggled with limited space, forcing eleven sections into makeshift rooms divided only by thin partitions. “Students and teachers alike have to compete with noise and distractions while trying to learn,” shared School Principal Roger Jomolo.

As an alumnus himself, Jomolo described the donation as deeply meaningful, “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.”

The new building marks a major milestone for the school community. “This building expands our home and brings new hope—giving learners the space they need to focus, grow, and dream,” Jomolo added.

A classroom that restores hope

For students like Grade 11 learner Laica Shane Fernandez, the new classrooms carry even greater significance. Despite financial hardships and a devastating house fire that destroyed her school materials, Laica pushed forward—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,” Laica shared.

Even if the challenges come one after another, became more motivated to work harder so we can recover what we lost. Now, with these new classrooms, I can focus on learning without distractions.

A commitment to education, one child at a time. During the ceremony, SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr. reaffirmed the Foundation’s long-standing advocacy for 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.”

To date, Security Bank Foundation has donated 877 classrooms for 150 schools across 91 cities and municipalities, , helping alleviate overcrowding and improve learning conditions across the Philippines.

Security Bank Foundation Builds Hope with New Classrooms in Gapan City

Gapan City, Nueva Ecija – Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) turned over a newly constructed two-storey, six-classroom school building to Gapan East Integrated School (GEIS) in Nueva Ecija, marking another milestone in its flagship program “Build a School, Build a Nation: The Classrooms Project.”

The donation helps ease GEIS’s classroom shortage, giving over 1,200 students and teachers a more conducive space to learn, grow, and dream. Despite limited resources, GEIS has consistently excelled—scoring above the national average in problem-solving, information literacy, and critical thinking during the 2023–2024 National Achievement Test, even outperforming more than 90% of Metro Manila schools.

“Some of us may feel that the task of addressing the problems of education in our country is so overwhelming that the efforts we are exerting would hardly make a difference. But I do not agree because I believe in the power of persistent cumulative influence.”, said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. 

 “Sanay po kami na ang LGU ang nagbibigay. Napakasarap po palang mabigyan at maalala. Mahiyain po kami kaya kami na bahala sa repair,” said Hon. Emary Joy D. Pascual, Gapan City Mayor.

“Sa pagtanggap ng gusaling ito, pangako naming pupunuin ang bawat silid ng mga kwento ng inspirasyon, pag-asa, at pagmamahal, mga kwentong huhubog sa mga kabataang magiging pag-asa at pagbabago ng ating bayan,” said Dr. Enrique E. Angeles, Jr., CESO VI, Schools Division Superintendent of Gapan City, adding that the new building symbolizes the shared hope and commitment to education of the city and Security Bank Foundation.

Beyond classrooms, Security Bank Foundation also invests in educator development through partnerships such as with Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle Philippines, offering programs such as the Principals’ Training Program. One former GEIS Assistant Principal—now leading Lupang Pangarap Elementary School—is currently enrolled in this initiative.

To date, SBFI has donated 851 classrooms to 146 schools across 87 cities and municipalities nationwide—each one a testament to its belief that nation-building begins with a single classroom.

Learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s commitment to education at www.securitybank.com/foundation.