There’s much to learn within the four walls of a classroom, including valuable knowledge about various specialties and life lessons. But with many students across the Philippines who want to learn as much as possible, not every institution can accommodate every enrollee.
It has been a persistent challenge nationwide, especially in far-flung areas or those with large populations. One example is San Antonio Elementary School (SAES), situated in one of Batangas’ most populated municipalities, which has been affected by the longstanding challenge of classroom shortage.
“Sa sobrang dami po ng aming estudyante, hindi po namin maprovide ang accommodation na nararapat para sa mga bata. Meron po kaming 1,550 learners last school year at 21 classrooms—kaya’t kulang po talaga kami ng 22 classrooms,” SAES Principal Joy Obreo said.
One solution to having limited space is shifting classes, with one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, which runs for six hours each. However, it’s not feasible as the students receive less time to adj–ust to the classroom setting and prepare themselves to learn.
Despite this lack of resources, Obreo and the other SAES teachers make up for the unconducive learning environment by ensuring they provide their students with quality education. Fortunately, they have the city government’s support in equipping the teachers with their daily tasks, starting with receiving learning materials like laptops.
Given this, many institutions have stepped up to share in the bid to promote quality education in local schools. Among them is the SM group. Recently, SM Prime, through the SM Foundation, improved education in the Philippines by constructing new school buildings. SM group’s school building program has contributed to resolving educational woes, hoping to improve the quality of learning.
SM Foundation, an active partner of the Department of Education’s Adopt-A-School Program, turned over a two-floor, four-classroom school building to SAES. Each classroom is well-equipped with armchairs, including left-handed ones, wall fans, and concave whiteboards.
Obrea is deeply grateful to the SM Foundation for providing SAES with the new facilities for their students.
“Dahil dito sa four-classroom na ipinagkaloob niyo sa amin, mage-end of shifting na kami ng Grade 6 learners. Instead na ang pasok nila ay 6:00 a.m. to 12 noon, magiging 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,” the principal said.
She added their students will also get enough time for special intervention activities, including special reading programs, to help them better grasp or understand their subjects.
Moreover, the building has a clinic and PWD-friendly facilities—from ramps to accessible restrooms with handrails to promote inclusivity. SM Foundation also set up a reading nook in an area with high student traffic to encourage learning.
SM Foundation also strategically installed a handwashing facility accessible to the SAES community. The foundation aims to protect students and staff from infections, foster a more conducive learning environment, and promote lifelong healthy habits.
The SM Foundation remains ever-committed to improving the quality of education to help Filipinos unlock their full potential.
