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.
