A disaster-resilient classroom brings hope to San Isidro Elementary School

On April 5, 2025, a new era began for the students and teachers at San Isidro Elementary School in San Narciso, Quezon, as the TORM Philippines Education Foundation, Inc. (TPEF) officially turned over and inaugurated a one-storey, disaster-resilient classroom.

The ceremony was led by Jesper Jensen, Chairperson of the TPEF Board of Trustees and Senior Vice President, Head of TORM UK and Technical Division, together with TPEF members, colleagues, and volunteers from TORM Philippines. Their presence highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to promoting quality education and uplifting rural communities through its Social Development Initiatives (SDI) program.

Building resilience in remote communities

San Isidro is among the most remote villages in San Narciso, where children have long studied in makeshift classrooms vulnerable to frequent typhoons. To address this urgent need, TPEF began planning the project in 2023, held a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2024, and completed construction by March 2025.

The new classroom is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring that students can learn safely even in this typhoon-prone region. Beyond serving as a learning space, it will also function as an evacuation center during disasters, strengthening both education and community resilience.

Equipped with built-in ventilation, natural lighting, a restroom, rainwater collection system, and a four-faucet handwashing station, the facility meets the Department of Education’s disaster-resiliency standards and supports the WinS (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools) program. These features create not only a safe space but also a healthy and inspiring environment for children to learn and grow.

More than just a classroom

TPEF’s support went beyond infrastructure. Teachers received a refrigerator to ease the challenges of living on campus throughout the week, while all 85 students from kindergarten to Grade 6 were provided with new footwear. The TORM Philippines TEC-CSR program also distributed complete sets of school uniforms with socks, towelettes, and snack packs—giving children the confidence and comfort they need for their daily learning.

These thoughtful contributions brought joy to both students and their six dedicated teachers, reinforcing that their hard work and dreams matter.

A shared celebration of hope

The inauguration was attended by representatives from the Department of Education District Office, local government officials, and Parents and Teachers Association officers. Their presence reflected a strong spirit of unity and collective action in advancing education.

For San Isidro Elementary School, this classroom is more than a building—it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of bayanihan. As the first foundation to extend such meaningful and sustained support since 2023, TPEF has left a lasting difference, giving every child in San Isidro a safe and supportive place to learn.