SM Prime Backs PMA Growth Plan with Henry Sy Sr. Hall Groundbreaking
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) recently broke ground on the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, a new cadet facility, marking a milestone in its leadership development efforts. The project is supported by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) as part of its long-standing commitment to nation-building.
Under its Growth Plan, the PMA targets an expansion of the Cadet Corps to 2,000 by 2040, to be bolstered by major infrastructure projects, including a new mess hall. The plan is intended to reinforce the PMA’s position as a leading defense education institution and a future hub for disaster response in Northern Luzon.
Held at the PMA grounds in Baguio City, the groundbreaking ceremony highlighted the role of private-sector participation in strengthening institutions that shape the country’s future leaders.
The new facility is intended to help address the Academy’s evolving requirements as it prepares cadets for the demands of modern leadership and national service.
“The future of the Philippines depends on strong leadership, and strong leadership is shaped by strong institutions. We believe the PMA is central to that effort,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman.
“By building the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, we hope to provide a facility that supports the Academy’s continued evolution. Because leadership is shaped not by ideals and tradition alone, but by its environment,” he added.
The Henry Sy Sr. Hall will be a two-story structure anchored by a large multipurpose hall that can accommodate up to 2,500 individuals for training activities, official functions, and indoor sports.
Designed by JSLA Architects, Henry Sy Sr. Hall is scheduled for completion by 2028, with features tailored to Baguio’s climate and the PMA’s long-term infrastructure needs.
For more than a century, the PMA has produced leaders who serve in the armed forces, government, and communities across the country. As its responsibilities grow more complex, continued investment in training environments and shared spaces has become essential to sustaining the Academy’s legacy.
Mr. Hans T. Sy, Non-Executive Director of SM Prime Holdings Incorporated, expressed his message
“We are gathered here today to break ground for a building. But more importantly, we are here to affirm our commitment to the country and its future.
The Philippine Military Academy holds a special place in our society. For more than a
century, it has formed leaders who embody honor, service, and patriotism.
Its graduates have gone on to defend our democracy, serve in government, and work in remote communities across the Philippines.
Many of them have done so without seeking recognition, and often at great personal cost.
Because of this, the Academy has earned a level of respect that few institutions achieve. That legacy is rare. But it cannot be sustained by tradition alone.
The PMA must continue to evolve to protect that legacy. It must prepare its cadets to serve in conditions none of us can fully predict. That reality places even more pressure on the Academy and its leadership.
It also calls for shared resolve. Because work of this magnitude cannot be done alone. Beyond foresight and commitment, training cadets for the challenges of modern leadership requires investment.
We cannot ask the Academy and its cadets to shoulder the demands of the future without giving them the means to prepare today. You sent. This moment is an investment in the future of the PMA. It is also a commitment grounded in the legacy of my father, Henry Sy Sr.
He believed that businesses succeed because communities support them, and that success carries a responsibility to give back. Not only through words, but through action.
Because of that belief, our family has maintained a long-term commitment to institutions that strengthen the country, such as schools. Hospitals. Local governments. Community organizations.
When Vice Admiral Valencia approached us about this project, we saw an opportunity to support a different kind of institution—one dedicated to leadership formation.
To us, the future of the Philippines depends on strong leadership, and strong leadership is shaped by strong institutions. We believe the PMA is central to that effort.
By building the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, we hope to provide a facility that supports the Academy’s continued evolution and the future of the country. Because leadership is shaped not by ideals and tradition alone, but by its environment.
Spaces have the power to influence habits, reinforce values, and create a sense of community. This cadet mess hall is an extension of that belief and our modest contribution to the Academy.
We hope this building and the partnership behind it encourage others in the private sector to support the institutions that protect and advance our country.
May the Henry Sy Sr. Hall be a place where bonds are formed, discipline is reinforced, and cadets are shaped into leaders who will always do what is right for the country. Thank you.”
In a message from VADM CAESAR BERNARD N. VALENCIA (PN) – Superintendent, PMA
“I am honored to stand before you during this very special occasion – the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Henry Sy Senior Hall in the hallowed grounds of this Nation’s Premier Academy. Today’s ceremony goes beyond the tradition of breaking ground. It symbolizes the start of a New Era of Collaboration between the SMDC and PMA; A partnership built on our shared vision – to serve our country and its people.
The SM SM Group of Companies was founded by Henry Sy Sr. Who is regarded as the father of Modern Philippine Retail. But the company symbolizes more than just the retail industry – rather, it represents a culture, a lifestyle, the Filipino spirit of optimism and determination amid challenges.
Likewise, the Philippine Military Academy stands as the crucible by which the next generation of military leaders is forged. Together, our institutions represent optimism, excellence, and service. It is in this spirit that we recognize and thank SMDC for its partnership and generosity.
This groundbreaking is a testament to SM’s support and commitment to the power of collaboration between the private sector and our national institutions – working together to create a lasting positive impact for our nation’s security and progress.
From this ground, the Henry Sy Senior Hall will rise. This facility will stand as a symbol of our partnership. It will serve the needs of the academy, enhance the environment for learning and training, and support the development of future officers who will one day lead, protect, and serve our republic.
Part of today’s ceremony is placing in the Time Capsule Memorabilia of Today’s Cadet Corps. The latest issue of the Corps Magazine, even the Menu for today, and I wonder if in 50 years, when in 2076, when we break open this Time Capsule, what PMA would like by then.
By that time, CDT DE CHAVES would also be retired, and she could have been the Chief of Staff, and it would be her children who would break open this capsule. Who knows what the future really holds, but one thing I am certain, this Hall will continue to stand firm, an Immovable Sentinel and enduring forge where the defenders of this Republic are molded.
To the CADETS, MEN, and WOMEN of PMA: This project is for you and for those who will follow in your footsteps. May this building remind you that our nation believes in you, supports you, and entrusts you with its future.
May it inspire you to continue striving for excellence, guided by Honor, Loyalty, and Duty.
To our Partners from the SMDC, on behalf of the entire PMA Community, Maraming Salamat.”
Attendees of the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall are from the PMA Supt. VADM CAESAR BERNARD N. VALENCIA (PN), Assistant Superintendent BGEN ONORLIE B. BRILLANTES (PAF), Dean of Academics BGEN STEPHEN V. AGTOTO (COP), Commandants of Cadets BGEN NELSON C. ALUAD (PA), Chief of Academy Staff COL KIM ERIC ALEXANDER D. AGATEP (PAF GSC), Commanding Officer, HSG CDR JAMES E. MARIANO PN(GSC), Commanding Officer, FDPSH COL NEALON EUGENE P. BATTALA MC(GSC), Commanding Officer, 1302nd DD COL. JULIO M. CIMATU DS(GSC), Command Chaplain COL LEO C. BALANLAY CHS(GSC), Commanding Officer, AICTC MAJ. ANN JAY LEI MERZO PA, Superintendent’s Executive Assistant LT. JULIUS D. GIRON PN, Coordinating Staff – MA1, MA2, MA3, MA5, MA6, MA7, MA8, MA10, Chief Civilian Human Resource Ms. Honeylet L. Manalang, RPsy, RPm, Command Sergeant Major SMS Charles Bumanglag PA, Chief SAO Ms. Cristina G. Apran CivHR, Chief, FAU Atty. Roxan S. Tabug, CPA, Chief Auditor, Mr. Jonef D. Dulawan, CivHR, and OMA4 Support Personnel
Guest lists from SMDC are: Mr. Hans T. Sy – Chairman, Executive Committee, SM; Engr. Manuel B. Sy – President, New Golden City Builders and Development Corp.; Sergio Yu – President, HYCO Sales; Mr. Willy Ocier – Chairman, Belle Corporation; Mr. Wang Jiangxin – Personal Visitor of Mr. Hans Sy; Engr. Arthur Carlos – Construction Manager of CONSTEK Management Group Inc.; Architect Jose Siaoling – Principal Architect of JSLA and Associates; Janssen Pe – SAVP Division Head – North; Rona Correa – ROM-N1; Jill Galario – PR Manager-SMBG; Von Rosario – Marketing Manager-SMBG; Warren Lumidao – CRS Manager, SMBG; Jefferson Suarez – SAVP, Marketing, North; Rain Cervantes – Regional PR Head, North; Lainey Del Rosario – Section Head, Crisis Management; Anne Lida – Section Head, Media HO; and AC Castro – Team Manager, PR HO.
Mr. Hans T. Sy expounds his answer to the question of a journalist
“Baguio has been part of my life for a long time. My first visit was during a Boy Scout jamboree. In my college days, I often came back with friends, and years later, I was fortunate to celebrate my wedding here. Over time, my father also chose to invest in the city because we believed in its promise and its character.
When I offered ideas to help with the market, it was never from a place of entitlement. It came from affection and concern for a city that has given me many meaningful memories.
I also understand that not everyone sees these efforts the same way. Baguio is deeply personal to many people, and strong reactions often come from a desire to protect what is familiar and cherished. I respect that.
Rather than allow my participation to become a source of division, I believe the right thing to do is to step back. My intention was never personal gain, and certainly never to cause harm or discord.
Preserving mutual respect and goodwill matters more to me than any single project.
I remain hopeful for Baguio and sincerely wish success to those who will continue caring for its future. The city will always have my respect and my affection.” # Mario D. Oclaman //Filipino News Sentinel
