Leading with Heart: Suntrust Employees Honor Leadership Through Service

Generosity has always been one of Suntrust's core values, reflected in its leaders and employees alike. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Suntrust goes beyond building homes by creating stronger communities and improving the lives of Filipino families.

On June 26, 2026, Suntrust employees gathered at One World Square, Taguig City, for the company’s Thanksgiving Program, a celebration of gratitude, unity, and the values that continue to shape the Suntrust family. The occasion also coincided with the birthday of Suntrust President Atty. Harrison M. Paltongan, making the celebration even more meaningful. 

Unknown to him, employees from different departments and project sites quietly organized eight community outreach initiatives across the country. Rather than preparing gifts for the occasion, they chose to celebrate his birthday by extending kindness to others—a tribute to the generosity, humility, and malasakit he has consistently demonstrated through the years. 

The initiatives were revealed during the Thanksgiving Program, coming as a heartfelt surprise to Atty. Paltongan. 

"You will only achieve success once your actions have inspired others to follow in your footsteps," shared Atty. Paltongan. "Seeing our employees embrace the spirit of generosity and malasakit is a reminder that our greatest impact comes from the lives we touch together."

Eight Acts of Kindness

Employees were grouped into eight teams, each organizing a community outreach initiative for a chosen beneficiary. Inspired by Atty. Paltongan's values and commitment to service, every initiative reflected Suntrust's shared mission of making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Their collective efforts serve as a meaningful tribute to a leader who continues to inspire a culture of service and malasakit.

Recognizing the Heroes of Sherwood Hills Golf Club

Everyday, the caddies, attendants, and staff of Sherwood Hills Golf Club work tirelessly behind the scenes to create an enjoyable experience for every guest. Though their dedication often goes unnoticed, Suntrust chose to shine a spotlight on their hard work and perseverance. On June 18, 2026, the Legal, HRA, & CARE and Property Registration, Corporate Compliance, & SET team visited the Sherwood Hills Golf Club to offer their services for a day and donated essential supplies to each employee.

The day had been defined with meaningful conversations and lasting impressions that underscore the care and respect Atty. Paltongan has shown toward the caddies and staff of the world-renowned golf course. Through simple tokens of appreciation, the initiative aimed to make these individuals working behind the scenes feel valued and appreciated.

Slipping Into the Shoes of Ordinary Filipinos

As fuel prices continue to affect the daily lives of many Filipinos, the C&C-SPI and OSVP team sought to better understand the realities faced by motorists through a social experiment in Taguig City. With one chosen Suntrustee disguised as a rags vendor in a gas station, the team observed how people would respond to someone simply trying to earn an honest living. Despite their own challenges, many extended kindness and support, reflecting the community spirit of Filipinos.

To express appreciation for their kindness, the Suntrust team surprised participating motorists with free fuel assistance, turning their simple acts of generosity into moments of unexpected joy. Through this initiative, the team aimed to celebrate the compassion and resilience of everyday Filipinos, proving that even amid life's challenges, kindness has the power to bring people together and create lasting impact.

Extending a Helping Hand for the Everyday Workers of Manila

June 19, 2026 marked a meaningful day for the food peddlers around Suntrust Ascentia in Sta. Ana, Manila. Inspired by Sir Harry’s simple way of living, the group of Comptrollership and MIS, Treasury, and C&C devoted their efforts to the simplest people we interact with everyday.

With a “day in a life” style of filming, the team showcased a peek into the lives of ordinary Filipinos whose long hours of selling usually made it hard for them to spend time with their loved ones. The team surprised them with monetary assistance that allowed them to close their stalls early and return home ahead of schedule—making a meaningful difference even for just one day.

Blessings Inside a Box for Suntrust’s Trusted Construction Workers

Suntrust’s trusted construction workers are the backbone of each development we build. When the Sales & Marketing and Operations team received news of an unfortunate incident that had happened within the sleeping quarters of the workers, it had become their goal to ease their burden and shine a beacon of joy in their lives.

On June 19, 2026, the team made their way to the Suntrust Kirana showroom and office and gifted each worker a new smartphone for their use. When presented with the gifts, the workers couldn’t help but shed a few tears of gratitude. The day had transformed into more than just a gift-giving activity, but a day of compassion and care for the people who make our communities a reality.

A Student’s Steps toward a Brighter Future

Education opens doors to opportunity and every child deserves the chance to learn and succeed, no matter their circumstances. For Suntrust’s Negros team, this belief rings true with their CSR drive; and to pay homage to Sir Harry’s experience as an elementary student, the team were introduce to two exceptional students from Don Trino Montinola Elementary School, Talisay, Negros Occidental: Daine and Angel, both who tirelessly walked to and fro their school everyday. These students were praised for their good character, hard work, and awards that resulted in their fellow students to try and follow in their footsteps.

The two students received raincoats, school materials, and essential supplies for their day to day activities. But beyond the items, the team wished to help these students to continue working hard, remain focused on their studies, and believe that with determination and good values, they too can build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Turning Merienda into Hope for a Better Future

Similarly, Suntrust’s Baguio team believes education gives every child the opportunity to pursue their dreams. For their CSR initiative, the Baguio team chose to support Angelo, a student from Rizal Elementary School, Gibraltar, Baguio City and a regular at the Suntrust 88 Gibraltar site office. In order to support his education and make ends meet, Angelo would be seen to sell merienda in the afternoons after his classes.

With the permission of his older sister and guardian, Suntrust’s Baguio team stepped in to lighten that responsibility—even for just one day. While Angelo prepared the snacks as he normally would, the team took over selling them, allowing him to enjoy a rare afternoon away from work. At the end of the day, all the proceeds were given to Angelo, and the team also provided him with school supplies and a sack of rice.

Through this simple act of kindness, the Baguio team hoped to encourage Angelo to continue pursuing his education and inspire hope for a brighter future for him and his loved ones.

Bridging Hope for the Children of Puerto Princesa

Suntrust’s Palawan team has chosen to extend their compassion to the children being taken care of by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Group Homes for Children, Puerto Princesa. The CSWDO protects and supports children from poor and vulnerable communities.

The group donated hygiene kits, food, and other essential items to the children under the CSWDO of Puerto Princesa. Filled with the spirit of generosity and shared moments of joy, the outreach program created a fun and nurturing environment where every child felt seen, valued, and cared for.

Celebrating a One of a Kind Birthday for a Treasured Colleague

At Suntrust, caring for our people means standing by them not only in moments of success, but also during life's unexpected challenges. On June 18, 2026, the Davao team surprised Kuya Efren Plaza, a long-time company driver, with a birthday celebration like no other. After a mild stroke that left him unable to work for the past several months, the temporary loss of income placed a significant burden on him and his family who depended on him.

To show appreciation for his years of loyal service, the team visited his home with a birthday cake and bags of groceries. The Davao team’s initiative reminded Kuya Efren that he remains to be a valued member of the Suntrust family no matter what.