WVSU landmark revived through collaborative restoration effort

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) Quezon Hall has been fully restored and reopened.

The Henry Sy Foundation, in collaboration with the SM Foundation, completed the restoration of the Quezon Hall, located on Luna Street in La Paz, Iloilo City. The historic building, first completed in 1926, underwent a comprehensive renovation to address structural concerns and modernize its facilities.

“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. Most important in the Quezon Hall project is the value of connecting healthy buildings and structures to an enhanced learning and working environment that goes a long way in making strides towards long-term educational investments,” said Dr. Joselito Villaruz, WVSU President.

Breathing new life into an architectural landmark in Western Visayas

According to Arch. Gerard Ibañez, OIC 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 restored Quezon Hall now has 24 new classrooms with chairs and tables, faculty rooms, and administrative offices. The College of Arts and Sciences will manage the facility, serving students from all WVSU colleges.

Arch. Ibañez and WVSU Administrator Julius Undar explained that the detailed comprehensive renovation efforts  included strategic lighting improvements with repositioned light fixtures to enhance illumination throughout the hall. The renovation also addressed comfort and functionality by installing additional ceiling fans and constructing new restroom facilities. 

Faculty rooms on the ground floor underwent significant rehabilitation, receiving enhanced structural reinforcement to ensure long-term stability. Pest control measures were integrated into the construction works as part of the restoration process. The team carefully incorporated modern technological upgrades that complemented the building’s historical architectural character, maintaining approval from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

“Working together with the WVSU, local stakeholders, and our dedicated team, we are not only restoring a building but also investing 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,” said Dr. Lydia Echauz, Executive Director of the Henry Sy Sr. Foundation. 

Quezon Hall, constructed on August 19, 1919, and completed in 1925 and 1926 in three separate contracts, had experienced gradual deterioration over decades, with previous maintenance challenges affecting its ceiling, flooring, and windows. The restoration project addressed these long-standing structural issues.

The restoration is part of the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation’s continuous educational infrastructure initiatives.

The renovated building is now open and operational, serving the academic needs of WVSU students.