Security Bank Foundation reaches 900-classroom landmark with new TLE building in Zamboanga City

SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao Jr. (11th from left, top row) and Security Bank EVP and Branch Banking Group Head Leslie Cham (10th from left, top row) with Zamboanga City High School Main (ZCHSM) faculty members and students during the classroom turnover ceremony

Marking a major milestone in its education advocacy, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) turned over a new two-storey, six-classroom Technical-Livelihood Education (TLE) building to Zamboanga City High School Main—its 900th classroom built nationwide—expanding access to hands-on learning for thousands of public school students. This reflects more than two decades of sustained investment in public school infrastructure across the country. 

Designed specifically for skills-based learning, the building contains laboratory spaces for caregiving, dressmaking, drafting, cookery, and other skills-based TLE programs. ZCHSM serves more than 8,000 students across over 200 class sections and currently operates with 136 available classrooms.

Led by SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao Jr., the turnover ceremony marked more than the unveiling of a building—it celebrated a school that never stopped serving its learners. “This 900th classroom is not just a milestone for the Foundation, but a testament to the countless students and educators who continue to persevere despite limitations,” Simpao said. “Zamboanga City has been part of our journey since we built our 100th classroom here in 2014. We are honored to be able to continue building alongside the community.”

For Dr. Anna Bella Espinosa, Principal of ZCHSM, the new building answers a need she has seen firsthand since assuming leadership of the school. “Our biggest challenge was never the number of learners—it was finding enough spaces where meaningful learning could happen,” she shared. “TLE subjects demand laboratories where students can practice skills with dignity and safety. This building finally allows our learners to experience what quality, hands-on education truly looks like.”

The Foundation’s classroom donations now support 153 public schools across 92 cities and municipalities, contributing to improved learning environments for more than 40,000 students each year. To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s commitment to education, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.