SM Group and WVSU restore Quezon Hall to enhance academic excellence

The iconic Quezon Hall of West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City has been fully restored and reopened, marking a significant milestone in preserving both the history and future of education in Western Visayas.

This project was made possible through the collaboration of the Henry Sy Sr. Foundation and the SM Foundation, who worked together to restore the hall, which stands as a cornerstone of WVSU’s rich legacy. Originally completed in 1926, Quezon Hall’s restoration was driven by a deep commitment to preserving Filipino heritage and improving educational infrastructure.

The restoration of Quezon Hall is a comprehensive effort that not only addressed structural issues but also modernized the building to meet the needs of today’s students. According to Dr. Joselito Villaruz, President of WVSU, the collaboration with the Henry Sy Sr. Foundation and SM Foundation was a natural fit, given their shared dedication to education and heritage preservation. "The value of connecting healthy buildings to an enhanced learning environment goes a long way in making strides towards long-term educational investments," Villaruz noted.

Breathing New Life into a Historical Landmark

Under the careful guidance of Arch. Gerard Ibañez, the WVSU Campus Physical Planning Office Head, the restoration project was designed to retain the hall's historical essence while integrating modern updates. The building’s original wooden moldings were preserved, while concrete and steel elements were repaired. Efforts also included the restoration of stairs, columns, and arches, repainting architectural features, and restoring the roof, all while maintaining its historical significance.

The newly renovated Quezon Hall now boasts 24 modern classrooms, faculty rooms, and administrative offices, offering a fresh environment for students and faculty. The College of Arts and Sciences will oversee the management of the facility, serving students from all WVSU colleges.

In addition to improving the aesthetics, the renovation focused on functionality and comfort. The hall now includes new lighting fixtures to improve illumination and added ceiling fans for comfort. Upgraded restroom facilities and structural reinforcements in faculty rooms ensure that the building is equipped for long-term use. Pest control measures were integrated into the construction works as well, addressing previous maintenance challenges.

A Legacy of Education Infrastructure

Dr. Lydia Echauz, Executive Director of the Henry Sy Sr. Foundation, shared her vision for the project: "We are not only restoring a building but also investing in the potential of every student who will step into its doors. Together, we are creating an environment that inspires academic excellence and fosters dreams that can reshape communities and uplift lives."

Quezon Hall, which had suffered gradual deterioration over the years due to previous maintenance challenges, now stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the private sector and educational institutions. The restoration was done in consultation with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to ensure the preservation of its historical integrity.

The restoration of Quezon Hall is part of the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation's broader efforts to enhance educational infrastructure across the country. Their commitment to improving learning spaces continues to shape the future of Philippine education.

With its newly restored classrooms and modern facilities, Quezon Hall is once again poised to serve the academic needs of WVSU students, offering them an inspiring space to learn, grow, and achieve academic success.

The building, now open and operational, not only stands as a symbol of historical preservation but as a beacon of progress for future generations of students. Through this restoration, WVSU continues to invest in the potential of its students, offering them a place where their academic dreams can take flight.