When strong typhoons like Rolly and Ulysses hit Legazpi City, Albay, many families in Brgy. Bigaa were affected due to extensive damage to properties, roads, and power lines. But in the midst of the storm, one building stood strong, the school building donated by Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) at Bigaa Integrated School.
“The SBFI school building became our evacuation center,” shared School Principal Dr. Conchita G. Bartolay. “It’s elevated and sturdy, so it protects people from floods and possible lahar flow. It also became a relief center.”
More than a learning space, the building served as a lifeline for the community. Even after the storm passed, its role in the lives of students and teachers remained strong.
Over the years, the school building had sustained damages from typhoons. Recently, it got a fresh start. From April to July 2025, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) repaired nine of its previously donated school buildings, including the one in Bigaa. In total, 60 classrooms were restored across five cities and municipalities, benefiting around 3,000 students and their communities.
At Bigaa, eight classrooms were repaired. Walls and floors were repainted, broken windows and doors were replaced, and damaged roofs, ceiling and toilets were fixed.
Dr. Bartolay, with 25 years of experience in education, knows how crucial a safe and well-built classroom is. The improvements meant so much.
“Since the building was renewed, students have become more excited to go to their classrooms,” said Dr. Bartolay. “And our teachers feel more motivated, knowing they’re teaching in a safe space.”
As part of its commitment to the Build a School, Build a Nation program, SBFI has been doing major repairs of donated school buildings every five years, or earlier if schools are affected by disasters.
“Thank you, Security Bank Foundation. You gave us more than just classrooms. You gave us a place to learn, a place to grow, and a place to survive. Dios mabalos,” Dr. Bartolay added.
Bigaa is just one of many schools that benefited from its first batch of classroom repair this year along with Tikay Elementary School in Malolos, Bulacan; Washington National High School and University of Eastern Philippines – High School in Catarman, Northern Samar; Cabagñan Elementary School in Legazpi, Albay; New Ormoc City National High School and Ipil Central School in Ormoc, Leyte; and Tagbilaran City East and Central Elementary Schools in Tagbilaran, Bohol.
The second batch includes twenty more classrooms that are still being repaired and are expected to be finished by September 2025.
Beneficiary schools are empowered to care for their donated buildings through regular upkeep like derusting windows, declogging pipes, and trimming trees that may cause damage. Security Bank Foundation also guides them through online assemblies on proper building care because lasting building impact relies on shared responsibility.
SBFI welcomes partnerships with like-minded organizations that share its commitment to improving public school infrastructure. To learn how you can support, visit https://bit.ly/SBFIPartnershipPage
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