Insider Spotlight
Sy received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award, which was decreed by Pope Leo XIV and conferred by Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula during an investiture ceremony at Layforce Chapel in Makati City.
Anita Co Ng also received the papal distinction.
This was announced by the The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila on its Facebook page.
Faith and service
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award, Latin for “For Church and Pope,” is among the Vatican’s highest honors for laypeople.
Established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, it recognizes individuals for exceptional service and contributions to the mission of the Catholic Church.
Beyond leading SM Prime, Sy has championed sustainable development, helping steer the company toward greener buildings, renewable energy and climate-resilient urban projects.
He also serves as chair of National University, where he has supported the expansion of affordable education under the SM group’s stewardship.
Distinguished company
Seen among pictures of the event were Sy’s siblings Teresita Sy-Coson, Elizabeth Sy and Herbert Sy.
Hans Sy, the chair of the SM Prime’s executive committee, joins a distinguished list of Filipino recipients that included Metro Pacific chair and CEO Manuel Pangilinan, Ayala chair Fernando Zobel de Ayala and PHINMA chair emeritus Ramon del Rosario Jr., who received the same papal award in 2024.
They were recognized alongside several long-time church and charitable workers for their contributions to the Catholic Church and its social mission.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
