Education that transcends campuses
Henry Sy Foundation realizes vision of strengthening healthcare education
The Henry Sy Sr. Halls at the University of the Philippines (UP) (left) and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) (right) strengthen medical education through expanded learning spaces and advanced simulation facilities.
Quality tertiary education is defined by the culture that shapes it—one that enables young people to turn learning into service. This is the ethos the Henry Sy Foundation (HSFI) advances, fostering achievement and excellence that, in turn, ripple down to communities.
HSFI advances this mission by collaborating with educational institutions to support initiatives that drive social development in the Philippines. Most recently, the foundation extended its support to two of leading medical schools in the country—the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS) and the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM).
UPCM Medical students at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall of UPCM, where expanded facilities and advanced learning spaces support their training in community-oriented, service-driven medical education.
“Our mandate is to be leaders and excellent physicians in community-oriented medical education. The support by the HSFI eventually trickles down to our poor and underserved countrymen who probably have never seen a doctor before they die,” Dr. Jose Joven Cruz, Associate Dean for Planning and Development of the UPCM, said in an interview.
UPCM has produced public health experts since its establishment in 1905 by sending its scholars to barrios and serving at the Philippine General Hospital, with some continuing their careers at the Department of Health.
“We need to have good infrastructure for us to develop the healthy human resources that the country needs. Our doctors are distributed all over the country, and they can help all our countrymen,” Dr. Cruz said.
Equipped for modern medical education. The Henry Sy Sr. Hall at the UPCM houses technology-enabled classrooms, supporting hands-on training for future physicians.
With 10,000 square meters of usable space, the UPCM’s Henry Sy Sr. Hall doubles the campus area, accommodates 400 additional students, and houses advanced simulation laboratories that enhance learning in a safe, comfortable environment.
Similarly, the Henry Sy Foundation and other social good partners, supported the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS) in advancing its mission to pioneer a Southeast Asian center for integrated ultrasound, equipping graduates to serve communities.
Students of UST-FMS train using high-fidelity mannequins at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, where advanced simulation and research facilities enhance clinical skills development and prepare future physicians for real-world patient care.
"We stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation where the timeless values of healing, compassion, and service to others meet the cutting-edge advancements of modern medicine. The Center for Simulation and Research is the beating heart of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall,” UST-FMS Dean Assoc. Prof. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao said.
Dr. Maglinao said the new facility strengthens medical training through improved resources and technology, while emphasizing that access to such facilities comes with a responsibility to practice medicine with excellence, humility, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of others.
Through the collaboration of UST-FMS, HSFI, and other social good partners, the hall includes simulation-based facilities that enable hands-on learning and strengthen the clinical skills of future physicians.
Through each initiative, HSFI helps advance quality medical education with a clear focus on turning learning into meaningful service for Filipinos.
The HSFI has supported several educational infrastructures over the years, including Immaculate Conception Academy, San Juan; Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center, Miriam College, Quezon City; Henry Sy Sr. Primary School Building, Xavier School, Laguna; National University (NU) Nazareth School, Manila; NU Sports Academy, Calamba; Henry Sy Sr. Hall, University of the Philippines (UP) Professional Schools, Bonifacio Global City; Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University Manila; Henry Sy Sr. Hall, UP Manila; Henry Sy Sr. Hall, University of Santo Tomas; Quezon Hall, West Visayas State University; and the Philippine School for the Deaf, Pasay City.
