The Henry Sy Foundation Inc. (HSFI) and Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) broke ground Tuesday for the reconstruction of the university’s 85-year-old administration building at the Bagumbayan Campus.

In a statement, officials said that the project marks the start of a major effort expected to benefit future generations of students in the Bicol region.

The historic structure, which has served multiple functions including housing classrooms, a chapel, a library, faculty rooms, and a science laboratory since its construction, will be fully restored. The project includes adding new facilities to expand services for students, alumni, and partner communities.

Once completed, the reconstructed building will be named the Henry Sy Sr. Hall in honor of the late founder of the SM Group.

The HSFI has a history of supporting educational infrastructure across the country. Its past projects include the Henry Sy Sr. Building at the Immaculate Conception Academy in San Juan; the Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center at Miriam College, Quezon City; the Henry Sy Sr. Primary School Building at Xavier School, Laguna; and facilities at National University.

The foundation has also funded Henry Sy Sr. Halls at the University of the Philippines Professional Schools in Bonifacio Global City, De La Salle University Manila, UP Manila and the University of Santo Tomas, among others.