Togetherness in working towards a common goal. That was the value that Suntrust Properties Inc. (SPI) highlighted as it marked its 24th anniversary this year. With the theme “2gether, 4ward we go,” SPI recognizes the importance of unity and synergy among its workforce. Amidst the challenges, SPI continues to thrive and extend its reach nationwide. From being a rookie to being one of the most trusted developers in the country, SPI has been building affordable and quality homes one city at a time.
“The theme serves as a reminder for the whole group to recognize the importance of our actions being correlated and coordinated with each other. Because the strength of the company relies not on our hard work alone but on our ability to work together and ensure that others are doing the same. 2gether, 4ward we go is a call for employees and salespersons to work together towards a common goal and that is to turn more dreams into reality,” said Atty. Harry Paltongan, SPI president, during the virtual anniversary program last November 15.
SPI has faced many challenges in the past. The company, which is a 100 percent wholly owned subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation, a company under the umbrella of the Alliance Global Group Inc., was formed in the middle of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. In spite of this, it has thrived to become one of the biggest real estate developers in the country today.
Two new projects
With over 30 projects nationwide, SPI is going strong. In fact, Suntrust managed to introduce and launch two new residential properties this year – Suntrust Ascentia, a new condominium project to rise in Sta. Ana, Manila, and the new inventories for the Cyberville project in Cavite.
Additionally, Suntrust was able to celebrate milestones for some of their projects. The company was able to bless the model houses at The Arcadia, a 22.6-hectare residential community in Porac, Pampanga. They even had a topping off ceremony for The Mist Residences, a condominium project in Baguio City.
“All these milestones signify that the company is threading in the right direction amidst the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Atty. Paltongan said.
He added that Suntrust is committed to serving more people which will increase the company’s market share.
“We are committed to help solve the housing backlog by providing affordably-priced homes for all market segments. We can guarantee our homebuyers that we are listening to their needs and we will work harder to fulfill those needs,” he added.
Tree planting
Prior to the anniversary proper, the company conducted a tree planting activity tagged “Trees of Hope” in Porac, Pampanga. A total of 100 fruit-bearing seedlings were planted inside The Arcadia.
The anniversary celebration kicked off with a virtual thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Paraan, Director of Cardinal Sin Welcome Home Archdiocese of Manila. This was followed by the E-Sports Virtual Awarding Ceremony and SPI Online Bingo.
As a tradition, SPI usually holds a sportsfest or TAGISUNTRUST every year but this had to be postponed due to quarantine restrictions. This year, through the help of technology, the company came up with its virtual version of TAGISUNTRUST, the E-Sports Edition.
Employees took part in everyone’s favorite games like Pictionary, chess, scrabble, Games of the General and Riversi, all played virtually during lunch breaks in October. The winners of each game were announced during the E-Sports Awarding Ceremony, and they received medals, trophies and cash prizes.
Talent contest
The day-long celebration ended with “SPI Got Talent,” a virtual talent video contest that showcased the talents and creativity of SPI personnel.
The company also launched its corporate wall, which is a modern-day version of the freedom wall. The wall encourages employees to be open about their dreams and hopes for the future by writing a love note addressed to their future self.
A tapestry wall was also put on display to allow employees to express their source of strength during the pandemic through words that resonate with them the most. The tapestry wall answers the questions “What keeps it together during the pandemic?” and “What do you look forward to next year?”
“Presently, we have about 500 employees and close to 500 salespeople, so in 24 years, we have immensely progressed. That is the fruit of our working together. Other than working together, we have an embodiment of the values and principles which we call our creed which we keep reciting, which I hope we will learn to embrace because those are the embodiment of what makes the company progress,” Atty. Paltongan said.