For more than 200 Grade 6 pupils of Sta. Filomena Central School (SFCS) in Iligan City, long days of shortened lessons and emergency classes are now a thing of the past. With the turnover of a new two-story, four-classroom school building donated by SM Prime through SM Foundation on August 27, students can now enjoy whole-day learning in a safe, comfortable, and fully equipped environment.
The new building directly addresses classroom congestion that had forced pupils into shifting schedules for years. Each of its four classrooms comes complete with curved whiteboards, wall fans, and individual toilets with wash basins. To ensure inclusivity, 200 armchairs—including those designed for left-handed learners—were provided. These were crafted by a Persons with Disability (PWD) community in Surigao, merging quality craftsmanship with empowerment and livelihood support.
Accessibility and safety were central to the design. A ramp and a PWD-friendly restroom provide ease of movement, while fire alarms and emergency lighting on both staircases enhance disaster preparedness. To further support student health, a 10-faucet handwashing facility with an overhead tank was installed in a strategic location for use by the entire school community.
Beyond the classrooms, the building also features a child protection room, a mini library, and a faculty room—spaces that foster holistic development for students and create better teaching conditions for educators.
SFCS Principal Walter Tupas expressed gratitude for the much-needed addition. “This building not only eases our classroom shortage but also provides improved learning conditions for our pupils and a better working environment for our teachers,” he said.
The turnover reflects SM Foundation’s continued commitment to education as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. By addressing urgent infrastructure needs in public schools, the foundation helps open doors for more inclusive, safe, and quality education—ensuring that learning is not just accessible, but also empowering.