Fostering a better learning environment for children in need
Why education?
Why Education Matters: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
At The Ruth Sembrano Foundation, we believe that access to quality education is not just a right—it’s a life-changing opportunity that can break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals to build a brighter future. Education is one of the most effective ways to create systemic change and uplift entire communities.
Studies from UNESCO reveal that if all adults completed secondary education, the global poverty rate could be cut by over 50%. Yet, barriers such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited resources continue to deprive millions of this fundamental right. Globally, 258 million children and youth are out of school, including 59 million primary school-aged children.
In the Philippines, the challenges are equally pressing. Half of Filipino families face barriers to basic education, leaving countless children without the tools they need to succeed. For marginalized communities, education is the first and most vital step toward a better life.
The Ruth Sembrano Foundation is committed to bridging this gap by ensuring that quality education is accessible to those who need it most. By investing in education, we are investing in the future—empowering children and families to rise above poverty and create sustainable change for generations to come.
Our mission is clear: education transforms lives, and together, we can transform communities.
Empowering Filipino Students Through Quality Education
The Philippines faces a significant education crisis, with 2.8 million children out of school and only 78% of those enrolled completing basic education. The Ruth Sembrano Foundation is dedicated to tackling these challenges head-on by delivering high-quality education to underserved communities.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further magnified these issues. In 2021, over 4 million Filipino learners were unable to enroll in school. Many schools lack the necessary infrastructure, resources, and capacity to provide safe, socially distanced classrooms, hindering students’ ability to learn effectively.
This has contributed to alarming academic outcomes. In the 2018 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Philippines ranked last in Reading Comprehension and second to last in Mathematics and Science among 79 countries.
At the Ruth Sembrano Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education. Our projects focus on addressing these gaps by building modern school infrastructure, supplying essential educational resources, and implementing innovative learning programs designed to improve academic performance.
By delivering quality education, we aim to empower Filipino students to rise above these challenges, break the cycle of poverty, and unlock their full potential. Join us in creating lasting change—because every child deserves the chance to succeed.
What We’re Doing
The Ruth Sembrano Foundation aims to break these barriers to children’s education by investing in the necessary resources to create a better learning environment in the Philippines. We work hand in hand with youth-led grassroots organizations, school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders to strengthen the capacity of public schools, provide essential resources and supplies for basic education, and explore opportunities to offer scholarships to students.
Improving Schools
The Ruth Sembrano Foundation improves schools by rebuilding classrooms and fostering partnerships with educators, municipalities, and the Department of Education. Together, we create sustainable solutions that enhance learning environments and uplift education for Filipino students.
Providing Materials
Provide young learners with the tools and resources they need in order to thrive in school. Donations will be tailored to the specific needs of our beneficiaries ranging from purchase and distribution of items such as school supplies, books, and AV and laboratory equipment.
Increasing Access to STEM Education
The Ruth Sembrano Foundation is committed to equipping Filipino students with the digital skills needed to thrive in the modern world. Through our tech education initiatives, we provide access to computer labs, deliver hands-on STEM programs, and offer training in essential technology skills. By bridging the digital divide, we empower students to embrace opportunities in the tech-driven economy, fostering innovation and preparing them for future careers.
Our Education Projects
Tabon Elementary School Classroom Rebuild
The Ruth Sembrano Foundation, in partnership with the City of Dalaguete, undertook the critical mission of rebuilding Tabon Elementary School in Cebu. The school building had been condemned and was unfunded by the Department of Education, leaving 350 students crammed into just three classrooms. Through our efforts, we successfully constructed additional classrooms, ensuring that every child now has a safe and conducive space to learn.
Our commitment to educational excellence doesn’t stop at infrastructure. Thanks to a generous donation of laptops from APEX Clean Energy, we launched a cutting-edge STEM education initiative at Tabon Elementary. These tools are helping students access modern, technology-driven learning opportunities that empower them to thrive in a digital world.
Tabon Elementary School is more than a success story—it is our vision for the future of education in the Philippines. We are piloting our innovative STEM curriculum here, with the goal of replicating it in schools nationwide, transforming education and creating pathways for Filipino children to excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
By investing in Tabon, we’re building more than classrooms—we’re shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
RSF Cavite Preschool Program
We’re proud to have funded the purchase and renovation of a preschool building in Cavite, creating a safe and welcoming space for preschool-aged children in an underserved community. Early childhood education is a vital foundation for every child’s growth—it helps them develop critical thinking, creativity, and social skills that will shape their future success.
This renovated preschool gives kids the opportunity to learn in an environment where they can thrive. To make sure no child is left behind, we’ve also launched a scholarship program to support families who otherwise couldn’t afford to send their little ones to school.
By investing in early education, we’re helping to set these kids on a path toward lifelong success and breaking down the barriers that hold families back. It’s all about building brighter futures, starting with the youngest members of the community.
