SM Group, WVSU Restores Historic Quezon Hall

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Story and photos by Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The iconic Quezon Hall of West Visayas State University (WVSU), a landmark of Western Visayas heritage, has been fully restored, thanks to the collaborative effort of the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation.

The fully renovated structure was officially turned over to the university on Wednesday, November 27. The adaptive restoration project started earlier this July.

Constructed in 1926, Quezon Hall has long stood as a central fixture of the WVSU campus. However, decades of wear and limited infrastructure funding left the building in need of extensive repairs.

“For two decades, the university experienced a period of limited progress receiving minimal infrastructure support […] To ensure the sustainability of our university we recognize the importance of seeking assistance,” said WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz.

Villaruz said the initiative for restoration connects healthy buildings and structures to an enhanced learning and working environment, supporting long-term educational investments.

“The Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation are ideal partners for this restoration project because of their targeted social investments in education and drive for preserving Filipino heritage, including architectural landmarks,” he emphasized.

According to Arch. Gerard Ibañez, officer-in-charhe head of the WVSU Campus Physical Planning Office, the restoration project comprehensively addressed the building’s structural and aesthetic needs.

The work included preserving original wooden moldings, repairing concrete and steel elements, restoring stairs, balusters, arcs, and columns, repainting architectural features, and conducting roof restoration to maintain the hall’s historical character while ensuring its functional integrity.

The project also complied with the guidelines of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to maintain the building’s historical integrity.

Aside from restoring the structure, the SM Group also made improvements to the facilities such as the renovation The renovation included 24 newly refurbished classrooms equipped with updated desks and chairs to accommodate students. Lighting throughout the building was enhanced with strategically placed, energy-efficient bulbs to improve illumination while reducing energy consumption.

To ensure comfort, additional ceiling fans were installed in classrooms and common areas, while the faculty room now features inverter-type air conditioning units, providing a conducive workspace for educators.

Dr. Lydia Echauz, Henry Sy Sr. Foundation Executive Director, said the restoration was not only to preserve the building but also an investment 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,” she emphasized.

Quezon Hall, built during the American period as a central unit of a Normal School, had experienced gradual deterioration over decades, with ongoing maintenance challenges affecting its ceiling, flooring, and windows.

The recent project is the building’s first major renovation since its post-World War II reconstruction in 1946.