SM Donates to De La Salle University for Centennial Hall
(12 January 2012. Pasay City, Philippines.) To commemorate and support the 100th founding anniversary of the De La Salle University (DLSU), SM Investments Corporation (SM) is donating Php300.0 million to the leading educational institution for the construction of the Henry Sy, Sr. Centennial Hall, named after SM’s founder and chairman. All of Mr. Sy’s sons were graduates of the University. To be built inside DLSU’s Taft Avenue campus in Manila, the hall will become a hub for regional research, a venue for the university’s various activities and gatherings, and a major crossroad for learning. One of the main features of the hall will be the Learning Commons, which will house one million books, making it the Philippines’ largest collection of educational materials in an academic setting.
During the signing of the memorandum of agreement, DLSU’s Bro. Narciso Erguiza, FSC said, “I would like to acknowledge the Sy family, who has been a constant, staunch supporter of De La Salle University’s mission. Our university is honored to be the alma mater of Henry Sr.’s sons, namely Henry, Jr. and Herbert who both graduated with a degree in Business Management; Hans, who studied Mechanical Engineering, and Harley, who holds a degree in Management of Financial Institutions. Today, the Sy family once again pays it forward, and this great gesture will undoubtedly create the generation of more positive impact to our community of learners and our society in general.”
In response, Hans T. Sy, president of SM’s mall subsidiary, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. said, “I see value in homecomings and in honoring our school. They remind us of where we came from, of how our futures were molded through the tireless effort and dedication of our teachers, guided by the values, principles, and advocacies of the De La Salle University. I am a proud alumnus of this school, one among the thousands of advocates it has likewise produced—advocates of progressive minds, of purposeful determination, and of a deep faith in God.”
Meanwhile, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, SM continues to fully support the education advocacy of SM Foundation, Inc. Under the foundation’s education advocacy are two key initiatives, namely the College Scholarship Program and the Donation of Public School Buildings. To date, SM Foundation has sponsored over 2,000 college scholars in fields of business, information technology, engineering, and education and has donated more than 40 elementary and high school buildings in select public schools.
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For further information, please contact:
Ms. Corazon P. Guidote
Vice President for Investor Relations
SM Investments Corporation
Email: cora.guidote@sminvestments.com
Tel. 857-0117
Hans T. Sy (right) president of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and Bro. Narciso Erguiza, FSC (center) of De La Salle University complete the signing a memorandum of agreement on the Php300 million donation of SM Investments Corporation (SM) to the university for the construction of the Henry Sy, Sr. Centennial Center. At left is Atty. Marianne M. Guerrero, senior vice president of SMIC’s legal department.
Date: Thursday, January 12, 2012