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UST inaugurates Henry Sy Sr. Hall housing medical research, simulation center

The Ƶapp inaugurated the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, the latest edifice to stand in the Sampaloc campus, on September 28, 2024. University officials and representatives of Henry Sy Foundation, Inc., SM Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi UST-FMS Foundation, Inc., Starkey Hearing Foundation, Inc., the Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., attended the solemn rites and formal inauguration.

A space for seeking, learning, and teaching

Through its various simulation rooms, learning spaces, and support facilities, the seven-storey Henry Sy Sr. Hall was built to bolster the formation of future Thomasian doctors’ clinical and research skills.   Adhering to the best ethical standards, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Dean Ma. Lourdes Domingo-Maglinao, MD stated that the simulation laboratories will bring students close to actual practice without compromising patient safety.

Maglinao noted that the edifice heralded an adaptive transformation that added a milestone to the Faculty’s 153-year legacy. “This edifice stands as a testament to the vision, perseverance, and the boundless possibilities that arise when knowledge is fused with empathy and when technology serves the purpose of healing,” Dean Maglinao said.

The edifice is home to Saints Cosmas and Damian Center for Simulation and Research. FMS Regent Rev. fr. Angel A. Aparicio O.P. highlighted that the Center will serve as a library of vital knowledge to help batches of Thomasian Doctors. “The Center dedicated to […] the Holy Martyrs Sts. Cosmas and Damian, otherwise called Anargyroi or penniless, is consecrated for the sacred profession of the physician, as we hope it will become a sanctuary of knowledge for future doctors,” fr. Aparicio said. He also shared that it took nine years from its conception to its “birth of baptism.”

The University officials expressed their gratitude to the Sy family, represented by Ms. Deborah Pe-Sy, because the edifice embodied their shared vision to educate batches of future Thomasian Doctors who will also give back and aid the nation for generations to come.

Rector Rev fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, said that the edifice was borne out of the power of collaboration. “It reminded me of the power of shared vision, collaboration, and commitment. I look forward to seeing the many ways this building will enrich UST, and not just UST, but our Filipino community,” he said.

UST Vice-Grand Chancellor and Prior Provincial of Dominican Province of the Philippines Very Rev. fr. Filemon I. Dela Cruz, Jr., O.P. said the edifice was one of the blessings that came from God’s unending grace. The Provincial mentioned that this latest feat also opened an opportunity for the 413-year-old University to revamp its commitment to the mission of providing quality education in the field of science. “Development and technology [may have] brought new challenges, but [it came with] opportunities too. This is a big upgrade for the university. The University hopes to accomplish more and carry on Her mission better. Indeed, God’s grace is unending,” fr. Dela Cruz said.

On behalf of the six Sy-blings, Dr. Lydia Balatbat-Echauz, Executive Director of Henry Sy  Foundation, Inc., recalled the dutiful life of the late businessman who valued the importance of learning despite not having enough education. “His dream was for everyone to get educated. And that is the reason he gave a grant and formed this foundation, where he donated his shares in the company to support all his projects in education,” Echauz said.

The Henry Sy Foundation, Inc., the Anargyroi FMS Foundation, Inc., the Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., and the Thomasian alumni made the construction and fit-out of the various rooms of this latest edifice possible.

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