SM is making inroads in the restoration of cultural landmarks that underscores its commitment beyond financial growth to create lasting social impact.
SM, through the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation, said it recently completed the restoration of the West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) Quezon Hall in Iloilo City, a bona fide educational and architectural landmark protected under the 2009 National Heritage Act, as identified by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
SM said it has long been complementing its business expansion across the country with initiatives that foster growth and well-being in the communities they are in, with the restoration of architectural icons among its recent social investments.
“These cultural landmarks are irreplaceable—once lost, we cannot bring them back,” said SM Foundation executive director Deborah Sy.
“Preservation is a collective responsibility. It goes beyond installing commemorative plaques; it means breathing new life into these spaces so they continue to serve, inspire, and remain accessible to future generations,” said Sy.
The restoration project strictly adhered to the guidelines set by the NHCP to ensure its structural and cultural integrity. While keeping the building’s original character intact, modern sustainable features were mindfully integrated, including energy-efficient lighting, inverter air conditioning units, and the use of paint with light reflective finishes to optimize energy consumption.
