Building Futures: SM Foundation’s School Building Program Fosters Lasting Change
ALL children deserve access to quality education that fosters critical thinking, creativity and social-emotional learning. This means more than just being able to attend school, but also having a learning environment that encourages exploration and engagement.
Guided by a commitment to social good, the SM Foundation’s Education Program in collaboration with SM Prime, established its School Building Program to address classroom shortages in underserved communities across the Philippines. Collaborating closely with the Department of Education (DepEd), this initiative aims to create opportunities for a brighter future by empowering students with the tools they need to succeed.
Since 2002, the SM Foundation has made its life work to elevate the quality of education throughout the Philippines, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and communities with over 100 school buildings constructed in underserved areas.
Some of its recent projects are at the Laguna Resettlement Community School (LRCS), San Antonio Elementary School (SAES), Batangas, and San Fernando South Central Integrated School, La Union.
Awakening civic responsibility at LRCS
LRCS struggles under the weight of overcrowding, with over 2,600 students crammed into just 52 classrooms. This translates to a staggering 50 students per classroom, a far cry from the ideal learning environment. Its principal, Rosalie Mabale, worries that these conditions not only demotivate students but also contribute to teacher burnout with many forced to work double shifts due to extended work hours.
Mabale says in Filipino: “The intervention classes are very important as we intervene with the problems that may come along the way of learning. We are doing this so when the problem arises, we can give a solution.”
She adds: “Let’s say you have learners who are non readers or non-numerates. A good classroom will help teachers pay attention to their needs and learning styles more. Through this, we can make a difference in the lives of our learners. We can boost their academic performance, prevent bullying and address their mental health.”
With the new building donated to LRCS, SM Foundation addresses these issues and gives learners and future leaders an inspiration to do something for their community.
Mabale says: “Through their programs, they are making a difference in the lives of every Filipino learner, especially here in LRCS. Having this building helps nurture better individuals as they see that they belong to a community that genuinely cares for them. Initiatives like this help them learn about civic responsibility. When learners achieve their goals in the future, they will remember the value of giving back to the community.”
Since 2002, the SM Foundation has dedicated itself to enhancing the quality of education across the Philippines, leaving a lasting impact on numerous students and communities by constructing over 100 school buildings in underserved areas.
Providing a conducive environment at SAES
Overpopulation of students and classroom deficits is also a problem for SAES. According to Principal Joy Obrero, they tried class shifting which was also another challenge itself.
“Due to the sheer number of enrollees, we cannot provide the proper accommodation to the students. We had 1,550 learners last year and only 21 classrooms. We are short of 22 classrooms,” Obrero says.
The space constraints and scheduling challenges previously faced by SAES are addressed through the SM Foundation’s contribution of a two-story, fourclassroom building. This new facility — complete with armchairs, wall fans and panoramic white boards — provides a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers.
Aside from that, the school building allowed more room and time for the intervention program.
“Our intervention activities are important because they allow our educators to address the needs of students who find it hard to catch up in regular classes. Now, instead of their 6:00 a.m. to 12 noon class, the students’ schedules will now be fixed at 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They will also have enough time for intervention activities like reading, numeracy and others,” Obrero says.
Making history in San Fernando South Central Integrated School
The San Fernando South Central Integrated School received a new building from the SM Foundation, enabling the implementation of two innovative programs: a specialized junior high science program and a dedicated arts program. This initiative seeks to enhance the educational experience of students.
Arlyn Bambico, principal 3 of San Fernando South Central Integrated School, considers the introduction of these programs a significant milestone for the school, highlighting their firstyear implementation.
Bambico says: “The new SM Building will greatly contribute to the academic success of our [learners because now,] they have a very conducive learning environment with complete amenities. So, with all of this, the vision, mission, goals, and objectives of DepEd will be greatly attained.”
The building’s unique amenities such as a mini art gallery for the special program in the arts. The building also houses a prayer room for Muslim students, making sure that the environment is inclusive of diversity.
Bambico adds: “We would like to show our gratitude to SM Prime and SM Foundation through taking good care of this donated building. We will do our best to preserve this valuable resource you have given us. We thank you wholeheartedly.”
She adds: “Through this building, we can be able to develop more progressive citizens of our country who will serve not just today, not just tomorrow, but for generations to come.”
The SM Foundation serves as the heart of the SM Group. Since its establishment, it has remained committed to its mandate to empower communities through education, disaster relief farmer’s training and healthcare. Its Education program offers college scholarships aside from the school building program.