The SM Foundation (SMF) and SM Prime turned over a newly constructed school building to Booy South Elementary School in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on 13 February.

The recent project is a step towards fulfilling the mission of the late SM Group founder, Henry Sy Sr. to uplift communities through education.

The 110th school building of SM donated by SM Prime through SMF features modern amenities designed to create an optimal teaching and learning environment for both students and teachers.

The fully-furnished two-story, four-classroom school building is equipped with curved panoramic whiteboards, wall fans, wall clocks and proper sanitation facilities, including flush toilets with wash basins. Each of the classrooms have 50 armchairs, including specially designed left-handed chairs to accommodate the students’ needs.

Ensuring the needs of the learning community are met, SMF incorporated dedicated spaces such as a clinic, teachers room and mini-library. A handwashing facility with 10 faucets promote proper hygiene practices among students. Storage rooms were built to provide a space where educational materials and equipment can be organized.

Safety features include emergency lights in its two staircases, a fire alarm bell system and person with disability (PWD) ramps, ensuring a secure environment for all occupants. The building’s design prioritizes accessibility, with a PWD-friendly toilet at the ground floor.

Complementing these efforts, Mastercard Philippines, a social good partner of the foundation, donated three laptops to enhance digital learning capabilities in the school.

This project is part of SMF’s School Building Program, an ongoing initiative to help ease the classroom shortage in public schools across the Philippines. Working closely with the Department of Education’s Adopt-A-School Program, the foundation identifies areas with critical needs and constructs facilities that meet national educational standards.

To learn more about the SM Foundation School Building Program, visit www.sm-foundation.org/