Manila, Jan. 20 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) on Sunday expressed its deepest gratitude to the founder of SM Group, Henry Sy Sr., who passed away at the age of 94 on Saturday, January 19.

Sy, through the SM Foundation, which he established in 1983, supported and empowered communities through education and other development initiatives.

In a statement released Sunday, the department extended its sincerest condolences to Sy's family and friends.

"Sy will be fondly remembered as a valuable partner who invested in the education of the country's future leaders and nation-builders," the statement read.

DepEd said SM Foundation's School Building Program has provided hundreds of schools all over the country with buildings complete with...