For Ronald Llaneta, security guard assigned at SM Jazz Mall in Makati, trust is more valuable than any amount of money he could ever earn. Llaneta has recently gained praises in the news and on social media for returning a bag he found in a grocery cart containing almost PhP500K worth of cash.
“I just thought that this money might be intended for something really important – tuition, hospital bill payment, or whatever it is for. The owner must have worked hard for it,” Llaneta said in Filipino. With the support of the SM security team, Llaneta was able to locate the owner of the bag who offered monetary reward for his honesty which he politely turned down.
SM Supermalls awarded Llaneta a plaque of recognition for his honest and trustworthy service. He, along with his wife and 1-year old son, was also treated to a dinner buffet to celebrate this remarkable moment.
“Mr. Llaneta is a true model for his fellow employees, demonstrating the kind of values we want our team to imbibe,” said SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations Royce Cabunag. “It is through situations like these that we are able to execute our commitment to make shopping in 61 SM malls nationwide not only fun and extraordinary for our customers, but safe and secure as well.”
Hailing from Atimonan, Quezon, Llaneta has been working as a security guard for SM for almost two years. When asked what he would give as advice to his fellow security guards, Llaneta said in Filipino, “Don’t be distracted by material things. Work hard to earn money, but work harder to earn people’s trust. Rewards will come on their own.”
For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. #EverythingsHereAtSM
