Village Connect
The iconic Quezon Hall at West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City has been brought back to its former glory, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation. Located on Luna Street in La Paz, this historic landmark, originally built in 1926, has undergone a thorough restoration to meet modern academic and structural standards.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preserving Filipino heritage while enhancing the learning environment for our students and faculty. The revitalized Quezon Hall is a testament to the value of investing in education and cultural landmarks.”
Restoring a Piece of History
Architect Gerard Ibañez, who spearheaded the project as the OIC Head of the WVSU Campus Physical Planning Office, highlighted the extensive work involved in restoring the hall. The project carefully preserved original elements such as wooden moldings, stairs, and balusters, while repairing concrete and steel components. Architectural features, including arcs and columns, were repainted, and the roof underwent significant rehabilitation to ensure durability.
The upgraded Quezon Hall now boasts 24 new classrooms, faculty rooms, administrative offices, and improved facilities for students under the College of Arts and Sciences. Key enhancements include repositioned lighting fixtures for better illumination, additional ceiling fans for comfort, and newly constructed restrooms. Ground-floor faculty rooms were reinforced structurally, and pest control measures were integrated to protect the building.
Arch. Ibañez also noted that the restoration respected the building’s historical character, maintaining compliance with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) guidelines while incorporating modern technological upgrades.
A Vision for Education and Heritage
Dr. Lydia Echauz, Executive Director of the Henry Sy Foundation, shared the motivation behind the project: “Restoring Quezon Hall goes beyond preserving a structure; it’s about creating an inspiring environment for students to excel and dream. This is an investment in their future and in the community.”
Originally constructed in phases from 1919 to 1926, Quezon Hall had suffered from years of wear and tear, with issues like damaged ceilings, flooring, and windows. The comprehensive restoration has now resolved these problems, breathing new life into the building.
The project is part of the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation’s broader initiative to enhance educational infrastructure nationwide. With the completion of Quezon Hall’s renovation, WVSU students and faculty now benefit from a functional, modern space while honoring the university’s rich history. The hall is fully operational and ready to support academic excellence for generations to come.
