Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) has turned over a new two-storey, six-classroom Technical-Livelihood Education (TLE) building to Zamboanga City High School Main (ZCHSM), marking its 900th classroom built nationwide.
The new facility is designed for hands-on learning and includes laboratory spaces for caregiving, dressmaking, drafting, cookery, and other skills-based courses. These subjects require proper equipment and dedicated spaces so students can safely practice real-world skills.
ZCHSM serves more than 8,000 students in over 200 class sections but currently has only 136 classrooms. School officials said the new building will help ease overcrowding and provide appropriate spaces for technical and vocational training.
Security Bank Foundation chairman Rafael Simpao Jr. said the milestone reflects more than two decades of investment in public school infrastructure. He noted that Zamboanga City has been part of the foundation’s classroom-building efforts since 2014, when it completed its 100th classroom in the city.
School principal Dr. Anna Bella Espinosa said the additional classrooms address a long-standing challenge. While student enrollment has remained high, the school has struggled to provide enough proper learning spaces, particularly for TLE subjects that require laboratories and equipment.
The foundation’s classroom program now supports 153 public schools in 92 cities and municipalities across the country. More than 40,000 students benefit from improved learning facilities each year.
Education advocates say the continued construction of TLE buildings is significant because it strengthens skills-based education in public schools, giving students better preparation for employment, entrepreneurship, or further technical training.
