Kwento Ni Toto: SM group

Sunday, November 5, 2023

UST's Manila Campus Adds Henry Sy, Sr. Hall

Toto 10:35:00 AM

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) celebrated the completion of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall on October 7, 2023. This ceremony is a construction tradition that marks the moment when the last beam is placed atop the building.

The artist’s rendition of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, which will rise near Gate 10 (Dapitan St.)

The seven-story building stands as a tribute from the Sy family, the SM Group, and UST to honor the lifelong commitment of SM's founder to education. It also reflects the University's ongoing dedication, alongside the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI), and the 152-year-old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS), to advance in the field of medicine.

Heads of the UST and HSFI, led by Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang,O.P. FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao, and Debbie Sy, at the topping off ceremony last October 7, 2023

The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will serve as a hub for simulation in medical education, interactive student centered-learning, collaborative multidisciplinary research, and interprofessional education. It will house the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center.

“The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will be a state-of-the-art structure designed to meet the challenges and expectations of a digitally-inclined medical education landscape. It will house technologically advanced facilities and equipment, which will complement the existing teaching, learning, and research practices of the University. It is yet another milestone, securing the UST FMS a relevant spot, a significant spot in Catholic medical education in the country, the region, and the world.” FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao said about the Henry Sy. Sr. Hall.

“Medical students can access a broad range of digital tools and resources to enhance their learning and education as we were compelled to shift to e-learning and online course platforms,” UST Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., said.

(from left) SM Foundation (SMFI) SAVP for Education Eleanor Lansang, SM Investments VP for Securities Judith Balderrama, Henry Sy Foundation (HSF) treasurer Virginia Yap, SMFI Executive Director and HSF Trustee Debbie Sy, HSF Executive Director Dr. Lydia Echauz, SMFI and HSF Trustee Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal are welcomed by Dr. Joreen Rocamora, Director of the UST Office of Public Affairs.

“Nowadays, keeping up with the advances in medical education is paramount to ensure that our students are competent, agile, and well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing educational landscape of modern medicine, and this building, this edifice, will give us state-of-the-art equipment, which will give our medical students a cutting-edge knowledge on how to use robotics as well as other equipment,” Fr. Ang added.

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall is on track to be completed by June 2024.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

updates

SM Group awards its 104th school building

Marco Polo Demo 5:13:00 PM

In time for the school year opening, SM Prime through SM Foundation turned over a fully furnished two-storey building to the President Manuel Roxas Memorial Integrated School-South in Roxas City, Western Visayas.

SM scholars from Roxas City volunteer to clean the new school building ahead of its turnover.

The 104th educational facility resulting from this joint effort adheres to the standards mandated by the Department of Education (DepEd). It comprises four classrooms, each equipped with desks and chairs tailored to accommodate left-handed students. Moreover, the facility includes dedicated restroom facilities for each classroom, with an additional accessible restroom for individuals with disabilities situated on the ground floor. It also includes concave blackboards, electric fans, and LED lighting. Emergency lights were installed in the stairways for emergency-preparedness.

Supporting DepEd’s commitment to ensure that learners have access to water for hygiene and sanitation, SM Foundation installed a handwashing facility along with liquid soap for the community’s use.

To further assist, the SM group will help with the maintenance and upkeep of the said school.

SMFI School Building head, Juris Soliman (center) leads the preparation if the school building turnover.

Social Good

It was earlier announced by DepEd that roughly 21 million students enrolled this school year 2023-2024.

Amidst this, the agency reported that only over 100,000 out of the more than 300,000 school buildings are in good condition.

Believing in the power of education in uplifting communities, SM Foundation has been an active member of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School Program since 2002, turning over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities nationwide. The said program intends to address overcrowding in schools and provide an environment conducive for learning.