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.

From Dreams to Reality with GLoan: A Working Student’s Journey to Becoming a Lawyer

For many working students, the road to higher education is filled with sacrifices, sleepless nights, and financial uncertainty. For one determined Ilongga, that journey has finally come full circle with a dream realized and the bar successfully passed.

 

Balancing a full-time job while studying law at Central Philippine University was no easy feat. The pressure of exams, recitations, and maintaining employment was already challenging. But perhaps the biggest hurdle of all was financial.

 

“I’ve been exposed to legal matters through my work, and I took up law to gain the right knowledge and prepare myself for when it’s needed,” shared Sheila Mae Gomez, who graduated in 2023 and passed the bar in 2024.

 

“I also pursued law studies to build confidence, make smarter decisions, and help others when they’re dealing with tricky legal situations. For me, becoming a lawyer isn’t just about the title—it’s a chance to stand up for justice, protect people’s rights, and make a real difference by helping others find fair solutions,” she said.

 

Despite having a monthly income, the cost of legal education was still a challenge for Gomez. “Every enrollment and exam season brought anxiety,” she added. “That’s when GLoan became one of my most reliable yet silent personal partner.”

 

“It is unfortunate that loans are often seen in a negative light,” remarked Gomez, “but I believe that borrowing, when done with purpose, can be a powerful tool and a smart investment, especially when it supports your education and personal growth.”

GLoan, a service offered by Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, stood out for its simplicity and transparency. With no documentary requirements, no collaterals, quick approval process, clear terms, and no hidden surprises, it provided much-needed peace of mind.

 

“There was no drama. I didn’t have to risk my relationships by borrowing from family or friends,” she shared. “With GLoan, I immediately saw how much I would receive and what my monthly payments would be,” she expressed.

 

Now officially a lawyer, she looks back on the journey with gratitude, having finally earned the title “Atty.” that now precedes her name and established a law office to serve her immediate community.

 

“With the support of my family, friends, and GLoan, I was able to pass the bar. And even now, as I begin this new chapter, GCash continues to be part of my financial journey,” shared Gomez.

 

To others dreaming of pursuing further studies, her message is clear: “Don’t hesitate to invest in yourself. The road is always tough, but it’s not impossible to reach your dreams.”

Only Ready for Up to PHP 50K: The State of Filipino Preparedness

November 4, 2025. Manila, Philippines – Meet Pia. She is a 35-year-old high-powered senior executive in a management company, a devoted mother of two, and a loving wife. On paper, she is living the life that many Filipinos aspire to achieve. 

 

The truth is that Pia, much like many other middle-class Filipinos, does not have the buffers needed to bounce back from emergencies. 

 

According to the PURPLE Report, a study commissioned by fast-rising insurance company EastWest Ageas to global leader in consumer intelligence NielsenIQ, most Filipinos only have P50,000 in emergency funds. In fact, only 2 out of 10 Filipinos have emergency funds that can last over three months, and even less with P100,000 saved. 

 

The needs of the present with the plans for preparedness 

 

When it comes to how their monthly income is allocated, Filipinos reported that 30% of their income goes to basic household expenses. This means that long-term financial planning often takes a backseat in favor of more immediate concerns. With daily expenses such as food, rent, transportation, and mortgage demanding attention, setting aside money for a rainy day is often overshadowed by the realities of day-to-day needs. 

However, Filipinos still recognize that they need to be prepared for emergencies, as it can ease their worries.  In fact, 52% are concerned about the health of their loved ones, while 24% worry about critical illnesses and the large medical expenses tied to them. 

 

Based on a recent study from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), ischemic heart disease is the number one cause of death in the country. The average treatment cost can range upwards of P690,000. This means that the price tag for this 8-day stay in the hospital far exceeds the P50,000 that Filipinos have on hand, and more often than not, even exceeds their annual income. While government-mandated health and welfare services may cover these expenses, they may not be able to cover the breadwinner’s potential loss of income. 

 

How ready are Filipinos to be ready? 

 

The PURPLE Report shows that Filipinos become better financial planners as they grow older. Some Filipinos over 40 reported that they have more than three months' worth of emergency funds, while those aged 22-39 shared that they have a shorter financial buffer. 

 

The gap between wanting to be ready and actually being ready is made wider with economic pressures like inflation and income instability that hamper financial growth for many Filipinos. The fallback when an emergency happens is often one’s personal savings, the support of the family and community, and taking on loans from informal channels. 

 

These practical solutions highlight the value of resilience, resourcefulness, and the spirit of generosity that Filipinos cling to. However, it also shows just how vulnerable they become when personal storms hit.  Thus, they need the extra support to help them get through these struggles without compromising their goals. 

 

Rising to the readiness challenge 

 

While Filipinos are practical, they should not have to forego financial planning to prioritize current needs. Both should come hand-in-hand, partnered with the right tools and financial literacy programs, tailored insurance solutions, and inclusive savings programs to bridge the gap from wanting to be ready and being ready. 

 

The challenge of readiness is one that can be addressed with education, access, and empathy.  Every Filipino deserves to have a life that is secure, access to effective and affordable healthcare, and wealth that works for them.

 

By aligning services, solutions, and offerings that can help address present priorities and help plan for future goals, every Pia in the Philippines can truly be ready for a better tomorrow.