ZAMBOANGA CITY, December 18, 2024 – In a significant move to enhance education and community development, SM Foundation officially turned over its 109th school building to Sta. Barbara Central School in Zamboanga City. The event, held on Wednesday morning, was marked by heartfelt gratitude and celebration.
Courtesy of SM Foundation.
Mayor John Dalipe, represented by Basilio Uy of the Division of City Schools, expressed profound appreciation to SM Foundation for choosing Zamboanga City as a beneficiary of its School Building Program. “This beautiful edifice is more than just a structure; it is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and progress for Barangay Sta. Barbara and the surrounding communities. With this building, we have planted seeds of knowledge that will flourish for generations to come,” Mayor Dalipe said in a message read by Uy.
The newly constructed two-storey, four-classroom school building is designed to provide students with a conducive learning environment. Each classroom is fully equipped with modern amenities, including electric fans, toilets, and wash basins. Left-handed chairs, crafted by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), are also part of the setup, showcasing inclusivity and empowerment. Additionally, the building features a ground-floor PWD-friendly toilet with handrails, a clinic, a mini-library, a dedicated room for arts and music, and handwashing facilities accommodating up to 10 individuals at a time.
The project reflects SM Foundation’s unwavering commitment to education and community development. “This is an investment in the dreams of the city’s children,” Dalipe emphasized.
A Day of Celebration
The turnover ceremony was a momentous occasion for the school and the community. It included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and the formal turnover of the building. Present at the event were SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Carmen Linda Atayde, SM Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Enriquez, SM Mindpro OIC and Assistant Mall Manager Jodie Durens, Sta. Barbara Central Elementary School Principal III Annaliza Martin, and Parents-Teachers Association President Nidznalyn Kasim.
Jodie Durens, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Zamboanga, reflected on the positive impact of SM Foundation’s initiatives. “Having been part of the SM family for years, I have personally witnessed how SM transforms communities. Time and time again, I’ve seen how our collective efforts—from scholarships for deserving students, outreach programs, medical missions, to projects like today’s school building turnover—create a ripple effect of positive change,” said Durens.
Commitment to Community Development
The donation of the school building underscores SM Foundation’s dedication to advancing education and fostering a brighter future for Filipino students. Through its School Building Program, SM Foundation ensures that children in underserved communities have access to quality education in well-equipped and safe facilities.
About SM Foundation
SM Foundation serves as the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Group. Its initiatives span education, health and wellness, livelihood, disaster response, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on areas with SM Malls, the foundation works closely with local communities to implement impactful programs that address their needs and enhance their quality of life.
This latest endeavor at Sta. Barbara Central School is a testament to SM Foundation’s enduring commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Filipino children and communities.