SM Group preserves snapshots of Philippine history by restoring heritage sites

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SM, through the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation, completed the restoration of West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) Quezon Hall in Iloilo City.

The SM Group, through the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation, is making inroads in the restoration of cultural landmarks that underscores its commitment beyond financial growth to create lasting social impact.

SM recently completed the restoration of 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 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 P. Sy.

She noted that, “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.”

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.

WVSU Chief Administration Officer Julius Undar said, “I believe it is captured already in this slogan: People Helping People. The two foundations and WVSU have a common understanding on the pursuit of changing people’s lives for the better.”

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), heritage sites are crucial for societies, as the preservation of these sites not only establishes an inherent cultural value for future generations, but also has the potential to contribute to social, economic, and environmental goals.

A group of students and faculty hand sign a thankful message following the rehabilitation of their facilities at the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD).

The improvement of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD)’s senior high school building laboratory facilities was likewise completed last year. Established in 1907, PSD’s mandate is to provide educational opportunities for the differently abled.

The SM Group undertook the project in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) in Pasay City and the city’s local government unit (LGU).

Modern learning spaces were constructed to complement the century-old institution and transform it into an inclusive learning hub with spaces for practical learning in the areas of electronics, information technology (IT), and the performing arts.

“In restoring these heritage educational institutions, we honor the generations of learning they have nurtured. Our hope is that through preservation, we help spark more opportunities for education and personal growth—not just today, but for many years to come,” Sy added.

Taal Vista Hotel

SM’s commitment to preserving heritage is evident in Taal Vista Hotel, a pre-World War II gem opened in 1939. It was Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon’s vision in 1936 to build a hotel along Tagaytay ridge with the best view of Taal Lake.

The hotel held a special place for SM Founder Henry Sy Sr., as he frequented the place back in the day. In 1988, the SM Group acquired it and transformed the 25-cabin lodge into a 262-room hotel, with modern upgrades that include a new wing to accommodate more conference facilities, events, and top-notch amenities.

China Banking Corp. (Chinabank) undertook the Binondo Heritage Restoration Project in 2016, which aims to restore the bank’s original headquarters, built in 1924. The rehabilitation was completed in 2020, in time for its centennial celebration.

Another example is the restoration of the original headquarters of China Banking Corp. (Chinabank) in Binondo, Manila. Dubbed the Binondo Heritage Restoration Project, the bank’s century-old building was rehabilitated to its former neo-classic beaux arts luster. The restoration became the centerpiece of Chinabank’s centennial celebration in 2020.

In 2021, Chinabank received a historical marker from the NHCP and an important cultural property marker from the National Museum, which recognized the bank’s unwavering commitment to protecting not only its corporate history but also the national heritage.