Seven years ago, Tuba Central School (TCS) had to make do with overcrowded classrooms, each accommodating up to 53 students on a typical school day.
The learner population of the then 84-year-old public primary school, located in the quaint-meets-modern municipality of Tuba in the province of Benguet, was almost 600.
Without a dedicated computer lab, learners relied on mobile phones for research, while teachers often used their personal laptops to teach technology-related subjects. Some even lent their devices to ensure their students could gain hands-on experience.
The learning environment at Tuba Central School (TCS) took a significant leap forward when SM Foundation, in partnership with SM Prime and the Philippine Stock Exchange Foundation, turned over a two-story, four-classroom building on August 9, 2019.
Building on this commitment to quality education, SM Foundation returned in 2024 to carry out its school building maintenance program—ensuring that the facility remains safe, well-maintained, and conducive to learning for years to come.
"The SM Foundation School Building helps us augment the lack of a building in our school. With the facility, we can accommodate more enrollees amidst the increasing number of learners," TCS principal Jennifer Cados started, sharing the impact of SM Foundation's project.
Improved environment, leveled-up abilities
Maria Margareth Mae Dacpano, a grade six learner who was already studying at TCS before the turnover, noticed the positive impact of the new classrooms on the learning environment.
"We have more classrooms now, so my schoolmates no longer crowd in a single classroom. We can focus better on studying and avoid conflicts because of overcrowded classrooms and discomfort," Dacpano said.
"And with a dedicated computer room, we can now research faster if we want to get information. We are also learning to use computers, and we no longer have much difficulty accessing them if we need to know something," Dacpano said, noting that before, they used to research using only their mobile phones.
Having the school building has also paid off in other aspects at TCS, particularly in learning outcomes, according to the school principal.
"With more space for the children, the learning environment became more conducive, allowing them to focus better. This has definitely contributed to their academic progress," she said.
Data from TCS reflects this improvement, with a significant number of students achieving proficiency. In some grade levels, as much as one-third to half of the total enrollment consists of proficient to advanced learners. In the first quarter of the 2023-2024 school year, one grade one section had 14 proficient to advanced learners out of 24 enrollees, while a grade five section had 15 out of 32.
The principal also noted a positive trend in student retention, with absenteeism and dropouts becoming less frequent and only a few students discontinuing their studies as of writing.
To further support TCS' growth and sustain a conducive learning environment, the SM Foundation implemented its School Building Maintenance Program. As part of this initiative, the foundation conducted a thorough inspection and completed necessary repairs. It revitalized the building with fresh interior and exterior paint, ensuring the facilities remain safe and well-maintained for students and teachers alike.
Providing holistic learning
The emergency-ready and PWD-friendly school building has been housing two sections of grade one learners on the ground floor.
The second floor now serves as the information and communications technology (ICT) room equipped with 20 WiFi-connected computer units, built in partnership with Mastercard Philippines. This floor includes a dedicated sports room for Arnis training, supporting the province's reputation as a stronghold for the sport in the Philippines.
Since we made use of two classrooms on the ground floor for Grade 1, congestion among learners was lessened. The teacher-to-learner ratio now averages to 1:20," Cados said.
TCS has only one shift for all grade levels, with grade one having four sections and grades two to six having three sections each.
Riola Wasit, one of the teachers who handles the school's computer subject, said the additional building meant a lot to everyone.
"Teachers don't have to spend time making lesson materials because everything they need is already available. It's easier for us to teach about computer literacy because we have computers where they can access applications on their own," Wasit said.
"Iyaman! It means thank you in our dialect," Cados said on behalf of the entire TCS. She shared that SM Foundation and its partners' continued support inspires them to provide quality education and uplift the Tuba, Benguet community. Grateful for the additional school building, the school's stakeholders extend their appreciation to the foundation.
Aside from TCS, seven other schools underwent the maintenance program in 2024: Balanga Elementary School, Bataan; Kalalake Elementary School, Olongapo City; Pedro Candido Memorial National High School, Hernani, Eastern Samar; Looc Elementary School (Batangas), Zamboanga Central School-SPED Center, Zamboanga City, Mantagbac Elementary School, Daet City, Camarines Sur; and Villa Kananga Integrated School, Butuan City.
SM Foundation's commitment to education goes beyond building classrooms—it nurtures learning environments that empower students and uplift communities. By ensuring schools like TCS remain safe and well-maintained, the foundation continues to pave the way for a brighter future, one school at a time.