I FIRST heard the name Jerry Sy (JSY) as a mega contractor in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental back in 2015, when I was still working in Mindanao.
I met him in person only in 2023, during a media Christmas party at one of the Chinese restaurants in Bacolod. As far as my general knowledge was concerned, the name JSY had long been synonymous with “wealth and power” in the city — intriguing, indeed.
That curiosity led me to look deeper into the man behind the name. And as it turned out, beyond the praises, JSY — like any of us — has his own story of faith, challenges, miracles, and survival.
For me, his untold story is deeply moving, one that can stir emotional warmth in many. More than that, his real-life, unwritten narrative offers a perfect moment for reflection, especially this Holy Week.
MARIAN DEVOTEE
Beyond business, JSY is a devoted Marian — or Immaculate Conception — follower. From early on, he has held a deep and unwavering belief in the Blessed Mother, Mary. His faith in her is non-negotiable.
This devotion is evident in his active involvement in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of various churches across Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
Among the churches he helped renovate are:
* In Bacolod City – San Sebastian Cathedral, Lupit’s Sacred Heart Seminary & Shrine, Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Barangay Mansilingan) , and San Antonio Abad Parish Church (Barangay Taculing)
* In Silay City – Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church (Barangay E. Lopez)
For the past 20 years, JSY has also kept 11 pasos (giant saint statues), which he lends to the San Sebastian Cathedral for the solemn Good Friday procession.
Keeping these pasos is his panata or panaad (vow) — a commitment he has never abandoned. As he puts it, it has become part of his life, strengthening his faith in God.
NOT EXEMPTED FROM CHALLENGES
But like everyone else, JSY — despite his unwavering faith and economic stature—is not exempt from life’s trials and hardships. He has faced numerous challenges, including the ups and downs of his construction business. Yet, even during its “sunless” days, he managed to keep it afloat.
One of the most defining trials of his life came between 2020 and 2021. During this period, he underwent dialysis, later had a kidney transplant, and was eventually struck by COVID-19.
In an interview, JSY described that time as one of the “gloomiest moments” of his life.
At a loss for what to do, he turned himself into what he called a “prayer warrior,” clinging entirely to God for strength and guidance.
His survival, however, was nothing short of remarkable — marked by what can only be described as resilient grace. Even he finds it hard to believe how he overcame such overwhelming trials. Through what he calls “sublime endurance,” he emerged stronger — now healthy and active once more.
RADIANT RESILIENCE
Looking back, JSY considers everything that happened to him in recent years as a “miracle” allowed by God. He believes his radiant resilience played a crucial role in his “miraculous survival,” reinforcing his conviction that he still has a “noble mission” to fulfill on earth.
As the head of Silver Dragon, Inc., JSY employs over a thousand workers. Ensuring their salaries and benefits remain consistent is, for him, one of the greatest responsibilities he must continuously uphold.
“These people rely on me, and they each have families to support. Helping them live better lives is more than a consolation—it is a legacy worth being proud of,” JSY confided.
To further strengthen his faith amid life’s challenges, he built an Immaculate Conception Chapel within his office.
It serves as his “Sanctuary of Faith”—a place where he meditates and prays whenever he seeks divine guidance. The chapel also hosts a Mass every first Friday for his family and employees.
ZEALOUS
Indeed, in his zeal, JSY is more than just “a gift” to the communities he serves. His life story — anchored in deep faith yet tested by pain and struggle — is truly one for the books.
At times, he admits, he is misunderstood, particularly by competitors.
Yet JSY remains firm, grounding his decisions — both in life and in business — on God’s will. He refuses to let misconceptions or criticism deter him from doing good with sincerity and passion.
For him, what matters most is uplifting the lives of others, helping the oppressed, and showing kindness to all.
That is JSY—“heaven-sent” to many./PN
