November 2023

The Henry Sy, Sr. topping off ceremony was held at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Hall on October 7, 2023, lastly. The ritual honors the final beam’s placement atop the structure and is a custom among builders.

The Sy family, the SM Group, and UST are honoring the SM founder for his advocacy of lifelong learning with the construction of this seven-story skyscraper. It is also a reflection of the 152-year-old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS), the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI), and their ongoing aspirations to advance in the medical sector.

As for Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will work as a central location for interactive student-centered learning, collaborative transdisciplinary research, interprofessional education, and medical education simulation. 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.

“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. ♦

The process of gathering and preserving rainwater for later use is known as rainwater harvesting. It is a flexible and efficient method of preserving water and lowering dependency on primary water sources. Owing to its effectiveness, it has been used historically by numerous civilizations and is still being used as a sustainable water management method by progressive organizations today.

In order to address this, the social good arm of the SM business, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), has installed rainwater harvesting systems in two of the nearby health institutions that it recently renovated—Brgy. Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s Irawan Birthing Facility and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility.

This invention was proactively adopted by SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs to support environmental preservation and community health maintenance.

Ready in times of emergency

Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”

SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.

All of the faucets connected to the facility have labels that are visible to help consumers utilize recycled water safely. In addition to this innovation, SMFI employed locally grown plants, LED lighting fixtures, air-cleaning paints, and appliances to create a hygienic and comfortable atmosphere for patients and healthcare professionals.

In the larger framework of the SM Green Movement, these environmentally friendly developments represent the SM group’s dedication to the environment and public health. Due to the two rainwater collection systems’ positive social impact, SMFI hopes to expand this project to more health centers in the near future, thereby enhancing water security despite obstacles.