Security Bank Foundation donates school building to Pangantucan Community High School through Ateneo

Driven by the urgent need to address classroom shortages in the Philippines, the Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) launched the “Build a School, Build a Nation: The Classrooms Project” in 2011. Originally envisioned to donate 60 classrooms within five years, the initiative has far surpassed this goal. As of today, SBFI has delivered an impressive 845 classrooms to 145 schools in 86 cities and municipalities in the country. The project also includes professional development training for the school principals and teachers in these schools, through the Ateneo Center for Educational Development.

Among the recent beneficiaries of this initiative is the Pangantucan Community High School (PCHS) in Bukidnon, which received a two-story, six-classroom building. The official turnover took place on 19 November 2024. While SBFI primarily focuses on public schools, the foundation made an exception for this school due to its unique role in serving underprivileged communities in the area. PCHS was established in 1968 as a Jesuit Agricultural Mission School. Nearly 60% of its students at present are children of small-scale farmers and tenants, while 20% come from indigenous groups, making the donation a significant investment in the future of marginalized youth. The donation was facilitated by Ateneo de Manila University.

The event which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and blessing of the new building was attended by school administrators led by PCHS President Fr Marlon Fabros, teachers, staff, students, and representatives from the Jesuit communities in the area. In his keynote address, SBFI Chairman Rafael F Simpao Jr reaffirmed the foundation’s unwavering dedication to education:

“Let us remain steadfast in striving for better education for our Filipino students, for a brighter tomorrow for our beloved Philippines, and for the greater glory of God," Mr Simpao said. "No matter the challenges, we shall not waver in our purpose but remain victorious in elevating the learning of our youth.”

In his acceptance message, Fr Ambrosio Flores SJ, Superior of the Jesuit Community in Bukidnon, expressed heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation for the donation from SBFI. He described the new building as an incredible gift – one that symbolizes magnanimity, hope, and the shared vision of creating a brighter future for the youth of Pangantucan.

“This building is not just a structure of cement and iron beams; it is a safe space where ideas will be nurtured, dreams will be interwoven, and futures will be secured”, he said.

This generous contribution from SBFI invigorates the efforts of PCHS to strengthen its leadership in promoting sustainable agriculture as a cornerstone of community development while establishing itself as the premier agricultural high school in the region.

Photos courtesy of ACED and SBFI