Rebuilding Hope for Educators and Students 

CEBU, Philippines — For every child, a classroom is more than just a place to study. It is where friendships are formed, confidence grows, and dreams begin to take shape. Above all, it should be a place where students feel protected. That sense of security became even more important after the powerful earthquake that struck Cebu in September 2025, leaving schools and communities to recover from its impact.

Among those who carried the weight of the disaster were public school teachers who not only worried about damaged buildings but also about the safety and well-being of the children entrusted to their care.

Teacher III Rizalyn Rico of Jugan Elementary School vividly recalls the emotional impact of the earthquake. Although it occurred during the evening while students were safely at home, she could not stop imagining what might have happened had the tremor struck during school hours.

The thought that she might not have been able to protect every learner weighed heavily on her mind.

For Rizalyn, teaching extends far beyond delivering lessons. Spending nearly eight hours each day with her students has allowed her to understand their personalities, recognize their struggles, and care for them almost like members of her own family. She believes teachers naturally become guardians who look after both the educational and emotional needs of every child.

That is why the rehabilitation of the two-story, four-classroom school building at Jugan Elementary School, supported by SM Foundation, brought reassurance to the entire school community. While several structures on campus sustained damage during the earthquake, the donated building remained structurally sound. After undergoing rehabilitation, it was officially turned over on July 13, providing more than 140 students and teachers with a stronger, safer place to continue learning.

For Rizalyn, the restored classrooms offer more than protection. They provide peace of mind, allowing teachers to focus on educating their students and giving children the confidence to return to school without fear.

A similar story unfolded at Marcelo B. Fernan-Polambato Elementary School, where Teacher III Benedith J. Pedrano immediately contacted the families of her students after the earthquake to ensure everyone was safe.

When she later visited the campus, the sight of the damaged classrooms deeply saddened her. The spaces where children once laughed, learned, and dreamed had been scarred by the disaster.

Determined to help students recover, Benedith understood that rebuilding involved more than repairing buildings. It also meant restoring children’s sense of security and optimism.

Through SM Foundation’s rehabilitation of three school buildings with a total of 16 classrooms, the school gradually regained its role as a nurturing environment for learning.

As students returned, Benedith witnessed a noticeable transformation. Children became more cheerful, engaged, and eager to participate in classroom activities. The renewed facilities helped replace anxiety with confidence, allowing learning to flourish once again.

The experiences of Rizalyn and Benedith reflect the vital role teachers play in every community. Beyond educating, they provide comfort, protection, and encouragement during life’s most difficult moments.

By investing in disaster-resilient classrooms, SM Foundation is helping ensure that schools remain safe spaces where children can continue to learn, grow, and pursue brighter futures despite the challenges they face.