Village Connect
In the heart of Tanza, Cavite, Punta Elementary School (PES) stands as a testament to progress and partnership. As one of the town’s oldest schools, PES had long grappled with space limitations and crowded classrooms—until a meaningful intervention arrived at a crucial time. In November 2020, amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SM Foundation and SM Prime turned over a new two-story, four-classroom building to the school, signaling the start of a new chapter for its learners and educators.
This newly built facility was more than just concrete and walls—it was a lifeline. Before its turnover, PES was forced to hold some classes in the school’s covered court due to the lack of rooms. The addition of the building gave learners in Grades 3 to 6 a stable and comfortable place to study, helping restore order to an overstretched system.
The number of students enrolled at PES has nearly doubled over the years, reaching around 3,000 today. The added classrooms have been instrumental in addressing the growing student population, accommodating 55 to 60 pupils per section and ensuring that learning takes place in an environment designed for focus and engagement.
Each classroom was furnished with thoughtful features—panoramic whiteboards, electric fans, and even left-handed chairs crafted by the Foundation of These-Abled Persons. These small but vital inclusions show a clear understanding of students’ diverse needs and help foster a more inclusive and effective learning experience.
Grade 6 teacher Xeladawn delos Reyes noted the difference immediately. “Better ventilation makes a huge impact on how learners concentrate,” she shared. “This building isn’t just for students—it’s helping teachers, too.” In a tropical country like the Philippines, such practical features go a long way in supporting classroom comfort.
The support didn’t stop with the structure itself. A 10-faucet handwashing station was also installed, promoting good hygiene among students and reinforcing healthy habits—especially essential during and after the pandemic years.
Grade 3 teacher Leah Manato highlighted another overlooked but important improvement: built-in comfort rooms. “It may seem small, but having restrooms inside the classrooms saves so much time and allows learners to stay engaged with lessons,” she said.
The teachers of PES have long dreamed of improved facilities, not for luxury, but for functionality and equality. With the help of the SM Foundation’s program, those dreams have materialized. The 2024 rollout of maintenance efforts—including repainting, fan replacements, and added classroom lavatories—ensures that these gains are preserved and expanded upon.
For Principal Dr. Cynthia Cadua, who joined PES in August 2023, the new building is a symbol of hope. “It gives both students and parents the confidence that their school is invested in their growth,” she said. The presence of a strong, permanent structure represents more than safety—it speaks to opportunity and commitment.
The SM Foundation’s School Building Program has now completed over 110 school buildings nationwide. With its combination of construction and continuous upkeep, the program brings to life Henry Sy, Sr.’s belief in the power of education as a bridge toward equality. For Punta Elementary School, that belief is now part of its everyday reality.
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