Building Foundations, Shaping Futures in Cebu Schools

Grade 6 students with Principal Mafe Morales Baladjay in front of the newly rehabilitated two-storey, four classroom building of Jugan Elementary School.

Students and teachers gather outside in one of the newly renovated school buildings of Marcelo B. Fernan-Polambato Elementary School.
When learning spaces are safe, conducive, and dignified, students and teachers, are empowered to thrive, laying the foundation for a better future.
Putting this belief into action,SM Foundation (SMFI) turned over newly rehabilitated learning facilities to Jugan Elementary School in Consolacion and Marcelo B. Fernan-Polambato Elementary School in Bogo City, Cebu. The initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to providing learning environments that empower students to develop their skills with confidence while giving teachers spaces that support meaningful learning every day.

The newly rehabilitated classrooms provide safer and more conducive learning and teaching spaces for both students and teachers, fostering growth and innovation.
For generations, both schools have made the most of limited resources to provide quality education. Through its school building program, SM Foundation helped strengthen these efforts by providing learning facilities that support both present and future generations of learners.
At Jugan ES, a two-storey, four-classroom building rehabilitated and renovated with a DigiHub ICT room which now serves 148 learners across Kindergarten, Grade 3, and Grade 4, guided by five teachers. Every classroom and learning space was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of both students and educators, creating an environment where learning can thrive.
“Kaya po Kinder, Grade 3, at Grade 4 ang gumagamit ng mga [rehabilitated classrooms] ay dahil sa kaligtasan, sukat ng silid, at disenyo na swak sa mga batang mag-aaral,” Teacher Rizalyn Rico explains.

Students of Jugan Elementary School explore their newly renovated DigiHub ICT room, facilitated by Principal Mafe Morales Baladjay. The facility was made possible through the partnership of SM Foundation, SM Store, and Mastercard.
Similarly, in Marcelo B. Fernan-Polambato ES, the administration strategically assigned its 436 learners across three newly repaired buildings with a total of 16 classrooms, based on developmental needs. Younger students occupy the ground floor for easier access, while the upper floor of one building has been transformed into a dedicated Math and Science laboratory and an instructional room, allowing students to explore and discover their skills in various fields of learning.

Students of Marcelo B. Fernan-Polambato ES conduct their science experiments in their newly renovated Math and Science laboratory.
The thoughtful use of these spaces reflects how school leaders maximized every opportunity for students to learn, grow, and dream.
Beyond the physical improvements, the revitalized learning spaces provide a stronger foundation for learning. The reinforced roofing, newly painted doors, and removal of structural barriers symbolize new beginnings for learners, bringing them one step closer to turning their dreams a reality.

The newly improved learning spaces of Jugan ES and Marcelo B. Fernan-Polambato ES provide opportunities for students for conducive and maximized learning.
SM Foundation’s School Building Program reflects the vision of its Founder, Mr. Henry Sy Sr., who believed education is one of the strongest pathways toward opportunity and social mobility.
While SM Foundation lays the foundation, learners and educators build on it every day, shaping brighter futures one lesson, one dream, and one generation at a time.
