Dr. Henry T. Sy Sr., SM Group founder, was recently bestowed a distinction as mayor of Bacolod City for a day by the City Council.
He was also recognized as the city’s adopted son during the 12th Bacolaodiat Festival celebrations.
Mayor Evelio Leonardio requested the council for a special session for Sy’s conferment rites held at the Bacolod Government Center.
Henry’s son, Hans Sy, who is the SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s chairman of the executive committee, received the recognition in behalf of his father.
“As your city’s son now, I hope whatever success he has achieved and whatever he has contributed to our country will serve as an inspiration to many: to dream, to persevere, and to work hard, to stay simple and humble, and to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Hans.
He said that it was the first time his father was made an adopted son and mayor of a city. For him, it was a heartwarming gesture.
The City Government of Bacolod, in cooperation with BacoLaodiat Inc., Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., and the Filipino-Chinese community, chose Henry as the perfect example of humble success and generosity worth emulating by all.