Suntrust breaks ground on La Sonrisa in Talisay

By Glazyl M. Jopson

TALISAY CITY, Negros Occidental — Suntrust Properties Inc., a Megaworld subsidiary, has broken ground on La Sonrisa, a 15-hectare modern-inspired residential development in Barangay Efigenio Lizares, as it expands its presence in Negros Occidental.

Paltongan and Rubis joined Councilor Martin Gerard Lizares, barangay officials and landowners during the groundbreaking on Saturday, marking another milestone for the property developer in the province.

The project will offer four house models designed to meet varying lifestyle needs: Enya, a bungalow duplex; Kyra, a two-story duplex; Gaia, a bungalow single-attached; and Ana, a two-story single-attached.

La Sonrisa is located within Megaworld’s 97-hectare The Sugartown township, which the company launched in January 2026 as its 37th township nationwide and third in Negros Occidental. d the area once had only sugarcane fields before plans for a larger township began to take shape.

“When you see the people taking pictures inside a gated community, you see the reality that there are a lot of homeowners coming in. And that is what will happen here in this bigger community,” he said during the event.

“This is a master plan, master plan township that is not messy where its components are placed, but it is arranged and organized,” Paltongan said, referring to the plan to link all residential developments within the 97-hectare township.

In a statement, Paltongan said La Sonrisa reflects Suntrust’s commitment to providing quality homes within reach of hardworking Filipino families and to creating communities where residents can build their futures in a safe, vibrant and well-connected environment.

Paltongan said Negros continues to show strong potential as a residential and investment destination amid infrastructure improvements, a strengthening regional economy, and the rise of master-planned communities.

“Through this project, we hope to contribute to the province’s progress while giving families the opportunity to own homes in a thriving and future ready community.”

Spanning three phases, La Sonrisa carries total contract prices ranging from PHP 2.8 million to PHP 5.1 million, as of July 2025.

The development will feature amenities such as a multipurpose hall, basketball court, swimming pool, parks and playground, guardhouse, and perimeter fence.

It also offers access to key locations, including the Bacolod-Silay Airport, Talisay City Hall, and The Ruins.

With accessible pricing, La Sonrisa aims to bridge the gap between homeownership and affordability, giving Filipino buyers an opportunity to begin a new chapter in a lasting and secure home.

Rubis said La Sonrisa will have at least 733 houses across 15 hectares, with main access to the airport road and a wide spine road that will connect all subdivision developments within the 97-hectare township.

“But so far, this is even bigger than Iloilo. Our third township is the biggest so far, more than Iloilo. Because this is 97 hectares,” he added.

Rubis said Bacolod’s image has changed, with residents embracing condominium living and increased commercial activity.

He also highlighted Suntrust’s commitment to delivering more affordable houses in Negros, citing The Fountain Grove with 762 houses and La Riviera in Cadiz City with 908 houses.

“All in all, imagine we will be offering Negros with a total of 5,288 houses,” Rubis said, adding that more developments are planned along the airport road and within Talisay City.

“This is something good for the city, as this will provide good jobs. It will give a ripple effect towards the local economy of Talisay and Negros in general,” he said.

Rubis also thanked the landowners for their trust and partnership.

“Their trust will become the greatest legacy of the family. That soon, we will see this property filled with homes, filled with loving houses. A home to so many families in Negros,” he said.

Meanwhile, the city government expressed full support for the project.

Councilor Lizares, representing Mayor Rowena “Weng” Lizares, said the city is willing to assist the developer if needed.

“I’m really happy that Megaworld and Suntrust, and the Ledesma family gave a bigger opportunity for us here in Talisay City so that more jobs can be offered to our constituents,” he said.

The barangay council also welcomed the project, saying it would provide livelihood opportunities for residents and help boost the local economy.

The project follows Suntrust’s earlier developments in Negros Occidental, including the 24.52-hectare The Fountain Grove within Megaworld’s Northill Gateway township and the 23.55-hectare La Riviera in Barangay Tinampa-an, Cadiz City, about four kilometers from the coastline.