SM Prime Holdings Inc. Executive Chairman Hans T. Sy and PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia led the groundbreaking ceremony for the P450-million Henry Sy Sr. Hall in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City, on Monday, Feb. 9. (Photo via Zaldy Comanda)
BAGUIO CITY – Hans T. Sy, executive chairman of SM Prime Holdings Inc., and Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the P450-million Henry Sy Sr. Hall in Fort del Pilar here on Monday, Feb. 9.
The project scheduled for completion in 18 months will have a two-story building with a multipurpose hall that can accommodate 2,500 individuals.
It can be used for training, official gatherings, and indoor sports.
The project also has office spaces and a 1.6-kilometer running track to support cadet activities.
The PMA, under their growth plan, targets the expansion of the Cadet Corps to 2,000 by 2040, bolstered by major infrastructure projects, including a new mess hall.
The plan aims to strengthen PMA’s position as a leading defense education institution and a future disaster response center in Northern Luzon.
“The future of the Philippines depends on strong leadership, and strong leadership is shaped by strong institutions. We believe that PMA is the centerpiece of that effort,” said Sy.
“Through the construction of Henry Sy Sr. Hall, we hope to provide a facility that supports the academy’s continued evolution. Because leadership is shaped not only by ideals and traditions, but also by its environment,” he added.
SM Prime Holdings and PMA had earlier signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of Henry Sy Sr. Hall.
Valencia said that the partnership is in line with PMA’s role in creating officers who are built on character and service.
"PMA creates leaders anchored in honor, integrity, and selfless service—leaders of character," Valencia said. "This is PMA's contribution to the country, and this is what SM Prime's generosity strengthens."