Suntrust@22: Radiating care and kindness

MANILA, Philippines — Suntrust Properties Inc. (SPI) continuously intensifies its efforts in turning dreams into reality not only by providing a home for every Filipino but also by being at the helm of corporate social responsibility programs, which also aim to improve one's quality of life.

For the past years, SPI has been active in conducting a series of activities to recognize the unwavering contributions of the company’s unsung heroes—its hardworking workers. On its 22nd year, SPI ensured that the company's internal battle cry, which is "Inspire to Aspire" lives on among its employees and business partners.

The company's top management has always been the ones to initiate in Suntrust's role when it comes to giving back to its communities, encouraging employees and business partners' involvement from planning to actual implementation of activities.

This year, Suntrust employees, contractors, sales people and business partners were grouped into eight, each team completing the rays of the sun to carry out various activities for their chosen beneficiaries. Team names were after existing and upcoming projects of the developer with the teams' chosen mythical creatures that represent them.

By remaining true to its mission of building what the buyers need, Suntrust lives by its name not only as a trusted real estate developer but as a sun that shines brightly to illuminate hope for the needy.

Eight teams shine to illuminate hope

A Day with the Elders by San Francisco Lycans

The San Francisco Lycans visited Bahay Ni Maria in Brgy. Sampiruhan in Calamba, Laguna which is maintained and operated by the Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima. Over 30 lolas received basic necessities such as bedding, toiletries, medicines, food, and kitchen supplies to help in their day-to-day living. It was a fun-filled day for the elderly watching the Lycans present a dance number, role play, and a birthday bash for a celebrator. The smiles on the faces of the elderly were priceless which made it so hard for the Lycans to leave after the program.

A Magical Affair by the Arcadia Pixies

The Arcadia Pixies chose to visit cancer patients in the National Children’s Hospital in Quezon City last October 19. The team hosted a storytelling and brought in clowns to cheer up the children. They even had a special guest, PBB Otso housemate Yen Quirante, who is also a Suntrust condo unit owner herself. A gift-giving was done where children received toys and grocery packages while the hospital received electric fans.

Ray of Hope by Suntrust Ecotown Phoenix

The team partnered with Lakbay Sining Kabataang Pintor, Navotas LGU, and Barangay Council for a sustainable reformation program in coastal communities. Their program opened with a painting workshop for kids and teens ages five to 15 followed by a regular class to be conducted every weekend starting October 19. This will tackle strategies on keeping the coastal areas clean, waste management, project making which uses waste gathered from the coastline, and basic entrepreneurship. A culminating activity will be held in the City Hall of Navotas which will showcase the participants’ artworks by 2020.

Team Ecotown Phoenix has also secured a signed MOA with the barangay which will allow learning to be facilitated in vacant barangay facilities on weekends. Lakbay Sining Kabataan Pintor also pledged to support through free workshops. Modules, art materials, school supplies, and a mobile classroom were already provided by the team. Other resources include snacks and transportation allowances for volunteers.

The team also visited the Bahay Pag-asa in Dasmariñas, Cavite where they rehabilitated an old basketball court and set up a room that will be utilized for sports and recreation. This center houses children in conflict with the law.

SPI president Paltongan also graced the activity where he encouraged the young boys to be better and responsible members of society, stating that they are welcome to apply in the company to further inspire them.

Alon ng Pag-asa by The Eliana Adarna

The Alon ng Pag-asa has four programs: environment, livelihood, basic needs, and education. They have gathered 250 volunteers from private organizations, LGUs, communities, and student groups who helped in the cleanup drive along Tanza, Cavite coastline. They have also turned over cleaning supplies to the community.

Groceries and gift bags were distributed to 150 households in the community while the children were treated to an arts tutorial and feeding program. School and art supplies were also provided to aid in their education. SPI is the first private organization to hold an outreach program in the area.

To help the income generation of the local community, a fiber glass Bangka and cash donation for purchase of fishing gears were donated to the fishermen of Samahang Mangingisdang Capipisa.

Mystique Blowout by Le Dominique Dragons

This team has chosen to bring 25 kids and adolescents of Children of Joy to Cyberville, a Suntrust community in Cavite, for a fun-filled pool party. These kids were neglected and exposed to violence in their early years and a fun day like this helps carve good and happy memories that they will cherish for the days to come. By donating musical instruments, Suntrust redirects their attention and energy to meaningful and recreational hobbies.

Among the gifts for the beneficiaries were a 5 kilo rice, rice cooker and oven to help in their food preparation, two Bachendorff violins, ukulele, nine mattresses, four wall fans, kitchen and dining wares, toiletries, groceries, and P50,000.

Malasakit Center by La Riviera Chimera

The Chimeras have chosen to mount a Malasakit Center on the grounds of Suntrust’s future development project in Pasig City in order to reach out to the future neighbors of the soon-to-rise condominium residence. Participants of the activity were the residents of Brgy. Pinagbuhatan in Pasig, and through the assistance of Kapitana Vivero, members of the barangay availed of free medical and dental checkups, free legal counseling or consultation, a livelihood seminar, and an arts and crafts workshop for the children of the barangay. A tribute to Mother Nature is Bigas sa Basura where every kilo of recyclable item was exchanged for a kilo of rice.

This productive day of the La Riviera team was made possible through the volunteers of Victory Christian Fellowship, volunteer unit owners of Suntrust Shanata, volunteer nurses and doctors, volunteer lawyers, Suntrust contractors, and members of the barangay council. It truly was a day of malasakit.

Rhythm of Love by Siena Hills Griffins

Siena Hills Griffins has chosen to mount a benefit concert to raise funds for several capsule CSR activities. Raised funds were used for sponsoring four adults and four young scholars in TESDA, a Bible study group for the team and the company contractors, financial help in transportation expense of a cancer patient’s parent, feeding program for 300 kids in Escolta, Manila, and a livelihood program for the residents of San Nicolas.

The team partnered with Gospel Church of Manila (GCM) who is more familiar with the area and helped in identifying the beneficiaries, as well as providing the venue and additional manpower. The first day was the feeding program and distribution of grocery bags with rice to the families in Escolta. On the same day, Suntrust contractors held a mini job fair. Successful candidates were hired as construction workers.

 The second day was the culminating activity, a Contractors’ Appreciation Day and awarding of the chosen beneficiaries for the TESDA program and financial aid for the cancer patient. Attendees were given loot bags. Through this, Siena Hills Griffins hopes to have nurtured the underprivileged in their adopted community, San Nicolas. Ms. Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco graced the event and shared with the cancer patients her mother’s inspiring story of being a cancer survivor. She was a volunteer in GCM in her younger days and is continuing her charity works up to this date.

Gift of Smile by Seascape Hydra

The team has chosen to gather the company’s business partners, sales managers, and contractors and partner with Operation Smile in changing lives. The team and Operation Smile have entered into an agreement which solidifies its partnership in shaping a child’s future.

Through this program, SPI becomes a permanent part of a child’s future. By sponsoring their surgery, SPI helps fight bullying and discrimination, improve a child’s physical features, food intake, and speech thus making them better performing members of society now and in the future.

A fun day was held as a send off party for the children who will undergo surgery. The children were first treated to a museum tour in Museo Pambata. Business partners, contractors, Operation Smile and Suntrust officers and employees were present to participate in the games and share lunch with the children and their parents. Loot bags were also given. Team members also prepared an original composition which will be Operation Smile’s official jingle. Beneficiaries will undergo surgery by batch which started last November 8.

All these are testaments to SPI's willingness to give back and contribute to uplifting communities and the lives of Filipinos.