CitySavings helps build, refurbish 30+ schools nationwide in 2025

 CEBU CITY -- City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank arm of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines helped build and refurbish more than 30 learning spaces nationwide in 2025, as the bank’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative promoting quality education in the country.

CitySavings President and CEO Manuel Santiago, Jr shared that the Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to actively support DepEd’s programs, by co-creating safe and empowered learning spaces.  “We are investing in the future of every Filipino learner,” Santiago added.

The transformed learning spaces benefit more than 2,500 teachers and nearly 44,000 learners, aligning with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) five-point agenda to address basic education challenges.

CitySavings significantly contributed to major construction projects in 2025 in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other community partners in major construction projects in Bashoy Elementary School in Kabayan, Benguet, and Santiago South Central School in Santiago City, Isabela.

The project also reached several schools in Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Bulacan, Tarlac, Laguna, Albay, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Southern Leyte, Davao del Norte, South Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, and Surigao del Norte for repairs and refurbishments, Santiago bared.

Melozar Dizon, principal of Santiago South Central School, Santiago City, Isabela expressed their gratitude to City Savings Bank for its unwavering support that goes beyond infrastructure, she added that it inspires hope and a positive change and leaves a lasting impact on the lives of learners and the entire school community.

City Savings Bank also repaired the damaged classroom roofing at Old Fabrica Elementary School in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, helping restore a safe and conducive learning environment for educators and learners affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.

School Head Dennis Calataro of Old Fabrica Elementary School, La Castellana, Negros Occidental said that the Bank’s assistance came in when resources were scarce and the needs were many.  “This act was not just about providing materials; it was about giving our learners a safe space to dream, learn, and grow despite the disaster that had shaken our community,” he said.

In Davao del Norte, the Bank has also helped repair a school clinic at Panabo City National High School in Davao del Norte. Principal Manuel Esperanza, gushed at the more comfortable and fully-functional school clinic.

For 2026, CitySavings reaffirms its support for DepEd’s Adopt-a-School Program (ASP) to contribute to more classroom construction and repair projects, with the aim to reach as many learners as possible.  Santiago said that the Bank continues to provide relevant, accessible, and sustainable CSR programs that elevate the lives of the people it serves, especially the education sector. (Photos: CitySavings)