BIZ BUZZ: SM Prime builds new hall for PMA
As institutions plan for the long haul, some private-sector players are quietly helping lay the groundwork—quite literally. SM Prime Holdings Inc. recently backed a key milestone at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), throwing its support behind the latter’s expansion plans with the groundbreaking of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall in Baguio City.
Designed by JSLA Architects, the two-story Henry Sy Sr. Hall will feature a large multipurpose space that can accommodate up to 2,500 individuals for training activities, official functions and indoor sports. The structure is also tailored to Baguio’s climate and aligned with PMA’s long-term infrastructure needs.
Scheduled for completion by 2028, the new hall adds to ongoing efforts to modernize the academy’s shared spaces. It also forms part of the PMA’s Growth Plan, which aims to expand the Cadet Corps to 2,000 by 2040.
Alongside other major infrastructure projects, including a new mess hall, the initiative is designed to strengthen PMA’s role as a leading defense education institution and a future hub for disaster response in Northern Luzon.
The groundbreaking ceremony underscored the growing role of private-sector participation in bolstering institutions that shape the country’s future leaders. Years ago, SM also built a Henry Sy Sr. Hall for the University of the Philippines, which became the BGC campus of the premium state university.
Going back to PMA, this additional infrastructure is expected to help address evolving requirements as cadets prepare for the demands of modern leadership and national service.
SM Prime executive committee chair Hans Sy said strong leadership depends on strong institutions, underscoring the company’s belief that PMA remains central to that effort. By supporting the construction of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, he said, SM Prime hopes to provide a facility that supports the academy’s continued evolution.
The tycoon noted that leadership is shaped not only by ideals and tradition but also by environment.
As PMA’s responsibilities grow more complex, sustained investment in training environments may prove key to preserving its more than century-old legacy of producing leaders for the armed forces, government and communities nationwide.
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