Suntrust Properties finds its beacon in a strong leader
Nothing tests a captain’s skill more than rough waters.
And by that measure, Atty. Harry M. Paltongan, president of Suntrust Properties Inc., has proven himself many times over.
So it was no surprise to the teams in Suntrust Properties, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Megaworld Corp., when Paltongan was named “Asia’s Esteemed Leader of Integrity and Innovation in Corporate Excellence” at the Golden Icons’ 2025 Asia’s Pinnacle Awards: Summit of Excellence, held last month at Okada Manila.
“His recognition underscores how he successfully blends stringent ethical standards with innovative foresight, establishing that strong values are the foundation of industry leadership,” the award-giving body said in a Facebook post announcing the recognition. “Under his direction, Suntrust continues to set new benchmarks for excellence and trust in real estate.”
Inspiring progress
Paltongan joins a distinguished group of people “whose exceptional achievements continue to inspire progress, shape industries, and elevate standards of excellence in governance, business, law, media, and national service.”
The timing was also serendipitous. He accepted the award just a week after Suntrust celebrated its 28th anniversary.
Paltongan’s journey with the company began under difficult circumstances. His first task was to retrench most employees at a time when the company had only one project to sell and disinterested buyers. They were unsure about homeownership amid the Asian financial crisis.
Established on Nov. 14, 1997 under the vision of chairman Dr. Andrew L. Tan to serve the affordable housing market, the company struggled through lean years from the onset until 2004. Hopeful for better days then, he led the company, introducing major policy reforms, upgrading systems, and strengthening corporate values.
When Paltongan assumed presidency in 2007, the company had already begun seeing an increase in sales, improved collections, and a growing inventory and portfolio.
In 2008, the company was renamed Suntrust Properties Inc. It was a more optimistic identity that signaled the company’s readiness for a brighter future—something that would swiftly take shape.
Today, Paltongan is the captain not only of Suntrust Properties but also of Suntrust Ecotown Developers Inc., Sherwood Hills Golf Club Inc., Sunrays Property Management Inc., and Governor’s Hills Science School.
In his acceptance message, Paltongan said: “I humbly accept this very prestigious award, and I am accepting this for my very huge Suntrust family… employees, Suntrustees, contractors, and joint venture partners.”
Strengthening commitment
Paltongan also reaffirmed Suntrust’s commitment to helping address the country’s housing backlog, estimated at 6.5 million units, by building homes and communities where Filipino families can truly thrive. At the same time, he highlighted in his speech integrity and innovation, which mean doing what is right even when it is difficult, and the company’s drive to continuously seek solutions that deliver meaningful value.
“We are not just creating communities of subdivisions and condominiums… We are also building industrial parks to provide work for the Filipino people. We create what we call township projects with the concept of live-work-play,” he said.
To date, Suntrust has developed more than 50 projects nationwide and has helped more than 20,000 Filipino families achieve not just homeownership but their ideal homes.
And most definitely, these figures will continue to climb.
2025 milestones
For this year alone, the company recorded new milestones.
In Davao City, it held the property blessing and ceremonial turnover of One Lakeshore Drive Towers 1 and 2 within Megaworld’s Davao Park District. It also welcomed new homeowners in Tagum through Palm City, and celebrated the blessing of La Riviera in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. In Baguio City, Suntrust, meanwhile, marked the turnover of The Mist Residences.
With its 28th anniversary theme, “Beacons of Hope,” Suntrust Properties commits to bringing the promise and joy of home ownership to more Filipino families—guided no less by its steadfast captain.
