Chinabank Chairman Hans T. Sy has been awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, one of the highest honors that can be conferred on laypeople for exceptional service to the Catholic Church.

The papal decoration, decreed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, was formally conferred by Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula during an investiture ceremony on July 13, 2026. The solemn event took place at the Layforce Chapel in Makati City, attended by prominent members of the clergy, lay leaders, and members of the Sy family.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award—Latin for “For Church and Pope”—is a rare and significant distinction bestowed by the Vatican upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding fidelity to the Holy Father and exemplary devotion to ecclesial and social development.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Sy credited his philanthropic commitment to his mother, Felicidad T. Sy, stating, "Whatever good I have done began with my mother. She taught me to love without recognition, give without expecting, and serve with all my heart.”

He has transformed that spiritual inspiration into physical and social infrastructure, funding landmark projects like the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod in Cebu and consistently supporting initiatives through the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation. These corporate and personal efforts have driven church restorations, ministry grants, social missions, and community development programs across underserved regions in the Philippines.

With this conferral, the CBC Chairman joins an exclusive circle of prominent Filipinos recognized by the Holy See for their active alignment with the Church's charitable and humanitarian causes.

 

 

 

 

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