Dole Philippines, Inc. (Stanfilco Division), together with its implementing partner – Kasilak Development Foundation, Inc. successfully turned over/donated the newly completed one-unit two-classroom school building to Bantuanon Integrated School in Brgy. Bantuanon, Lantapan, Bukidnon last August 18, 2026.
This donation is part of Dole-Stanfilco’s continuing effort to invest in the well-being of the communities where the company operates. Executives from Dole-Stanfilco led by the Cluster Manager, Keith Ramos, Kasilak Development Foundation led by the Executive Director, Jobe Tubigon, DepEd officials, Philippine Army officers (403rd Infantry Brigade, 52nd Engineer Brigade, 512th Engineer Construction Battalion and 1st Special Forces Battalion), and local government leaders gathered for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and classroom blessing, joined by students and teachers.
The newly completed classroom building stands as a testament to the collective commitment of various partners to improve the learning environment and provide better educational opportunities for learners. To date, Dole-Stanfilco donated 14 classroom school buildings since 2012 benefitting nine schools from Cotabato, Davao and Bukidnon Regions. Of the 14 classrooms, four (4) classrooms were supported by the 512th Engineer Construction Battalion of the Philippine Army.
During the turnover ceremony, the DepEd Bukidnon Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Victoria V. Gazo, expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the project a reality. She was grateful for the school building as this will accommodate growing enrollment of the school and address classroom shortages in the entire Bukidnon. Although it’s only two classrooms but it’s a big help for addressing the classroom shortages. The facility will offer students a safer, more conducive, and more comfortable space for learning. She also emphasized that investments in educational infrastructure are investments in the future of the community, as they help create environments where children can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
The School Principal, Christopher Flores, highlighted the positive impact that the new classrooms will have on both students and teachers. With additional learning spaces available, classes can be conducted more efficiently, allowing educators to deliver quality instruction in an environment that supports academic achievement and student engagement. The space will be used for approximately 115-120 Junior High School students.
Community members also shared their appreciation for the project, recognizing the importance of strong partnerships in addressing the educational needs of the school. The representatives from the Philippine Army were also grateful for being part of the initiative for the students of Bantuanon Integrated School. This activity is just one of their contributions to the whole nation approach as stated in the Executive Order 70, making Bukidnon as insurgency free. The turnover serves as a reminder that when government agencies, private partners, and local communities work together, meaningful and lasting change can be achieved.
Beyond providing physical infrastructure, the project symbolizes hope and opportunity for the young learners of Bantuanon Integrated School. It creates an environment where students can pursue their dreams with confidence and where teachers can continue nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers. As the school officially receives the new facility, the entire community celebrates not only the completion of a building but also the strengthening of its commitment to education. The turnover of the one-unit, two-classroom building represents a shared vision of empowering learners and building a brighter future for all. Indeed, every classroom built is a step closer to transforming lives through education.
