UST tops off Henry Sy, Sr. Hall at Manila campus

The topping off ceremony for the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) took place on October 7, 2023, following the builder's tradition that signifies the placement of the final beam atop the structure.

This seven-story building stands as a tribute from the Sy family, the SM Group, and UST to honor the lifelong commitment of the SM founder to education. It also reflects the growing aspirations of 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.

The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will serve as a central hub for medical education simulation, interactive student-centered learning, collaborative multidisciplinary research, and interprofessional education. It will be the home of 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.