George S.K. Ty Learning Innovation Wing bared

THE GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI) and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) held the inaugural blessing of the ‘George S.K. Ty Learning Innovation Wing’ last Sept. 12 in Quezon City. One of the two major buildings in Ateneo’s iconic hub — The Areté, the ‘George S.K. Ty Learning Innovation Wing’ was made possible through a donation from GTFI — the Ty family foundation.

The inaugural blessing was graced by GTFI President Alfred Ty, treasurer Anjanette T. Dy Buncio, and executive director Aniceto Sobrepeña. They were welcomed by ADMU president Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin, ADMU chairman of the board Ernesto Tanmantiong, and other officials and faculty members of the university.

Consistent with the passion of Metrobank Group chairman and founder Dr. George S.K. Ty to champion quality education, the 3- floor academic wing houses non-traditional classrooms and laboratories, creative spaces, performing arts studios, as well as the Ateneo-Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute. It will be a multidisciplinary learning environment that will serve as a venue to address the needs and concerns of the 21st century such as poverty, disaster risk reduction, peace, urban congestion among others.

“Sharing the same passion for the arts and the pursuit of excellence, GTFI easily found a home in Ateneo for one of its legacy projects. Through this lens, it is easier to see GTFI’s vision for this facility: to serve as a hub that breeds creativity and innovation, allowing Ateneo students to tap into their multi-dimensional thinking and unlock their full potential,” said GTFI executive director Aniceto Sobrepeña.

The Areté — Greek for excellence, goodness, virtue — is Ateneo’s iconic creativity complex designed by Arch. William Coscolluela and Associates, envisioned to be a center that will cultivate the spirit of creativity and innovation among students.