THE life of Chinese-Filipino retail magnate and philanthropist Henry Sy Sr. may have passed, but his memories and legacy live on for the people whose lives he touched.
Sy, or “Tatang” to his employees and thousands of Filipinos who benefited from his social programs, was known for his involvement in the Philippines' retail industry, that later expanded to several other investments in the sector of education, banking and tourism.
But aside from his dominance in the business sector, Sy also left another legacy for the people he helped through scholarships, livelihood trainings, construction of classrooms, recreational times for persons with disabilities and other social programs under the SM Foundation.
Henrietta Cunanan, president of Barangay Eden, Mexico, Pampanga’s senior citizen’s organization, remembered Sy for his generosity to senior citizens, and his willingness to help provide inclusive development for Filipino people.
Among his many programs for Filipino elderly, Sy, through the SM Cinema and in partnership with local government units, is known to sponsor free cinema viewing on a particular day for senior citizens across the country.
“It was from that we learned that senior citizens were included in his programs because he wants us to prosper also. And for that, we are very grateful,” Cunanan said.
Mexico Day Care Service Focal Person Pines Laxamana also remembered the contributions of Sy in the development of the early childhood education in their town, which benefitted hundreds of children.
She disclosed that their sector was able to avail of SM Foundation’s Share-a-Book program where several day care centers in this town received story books and learning materials.
“We were given the opportunity to set up a booth at SM City Pampanga where a lot of donors gave many used books which are being used by day care workers and children because they are storybooks,” Laxamana recalled.
Laxamana added that day care centers in the said town benefitted from SM Foundation’s Share-a-Toy program and gift-giving activities, as well as its sponsorship on year-end parties which delighted children and parents.
“SM Foundation had a lot of programs which benefitted Mexicanos. Although Tatang Henry has left us, we will never forget him as he is in the hearts of day care workers,” Laxamana added.
The voices of Cunanan and Laxamana are echoed by several other Kapampangans who, in one way or another, benefited from the generosity of the 95-year old businessman dubbed as “The Father of Modern Filipino Retail.”