In the fast-paced world of telecommunications and technology, innovation and speed are often seen as the hallmarks of leadership. But for several executives at PLDT and Smart Communications, the principles that guide their decisions today were shaped long before their careers began—through the values their fathers instilled in them.

This Father’s Day, PLDT and Smart leaders reflected on the lessons that continue to influence how they lead their teams, build trust, and balance the demands of work and family.

Leading with faith and purpose

For PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch Jimenez, leadership starts with living the values you expect from others.

“I make it a point that people see the values I believe in,” he said. “While it is a cliché, I try my best to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.”

Jimenez shared that his family’s Christian faith, passed down through generations, continues to shape both his personal life and leadership philosophy.

“To whom much is given, much is required,” he said. “This is the value I live by from God’s playbook.”

Integrity above all

For PLDT Senior Vice President and Home Business Head John Y. Palanca, his father’s greatest lesson was that integrity is the foundation of lasting success.

“My father taught me that success means little if you lose your integrity along the way,” Palanca said. “He believed that doing what is right, even when it is not easy, builds lasting respect and trust.”

That lesson continues to guide how he leads.

“It has shaped me to lead with empathy and accountability. Difficult decisions are inevitable, but I believe people will follow you if they know your decisions are grounded in fairness, honesty, and genuine concern for others.”

As technology rapidly evolves, Palanca believes the values worth passing on remain unchanged.

“I hope to pass on resilience, street smarts, curiosity, and strong values. Technology will continue to evolve, but character, empathy, and adaptability will always matter.”

Learning by example

For Smart co-Officer-in-Charge and First Vice President Lloyd R. Manaloto, leadership was learned through observation rather than instruction.

“My father was my role model,” he shared. “He’s a self-made man who got to where he is through hard work and by taking a chance on new medical technology in the early ’80s.”

Although Manaloto pursued a different career path, his father’s work ethic stayed with him.

“The roll-up-your-sleeves attitude and inquisitive mind definitely rubbed off on me.”

Those qualities now shape how he manages teams.

“When we’re young, we think leaders are charismatic generals. In real life, people gravitate toward authenticity. Nothing is more honest than working alongside someone who works just as hard—or harder—than you.”

The same principles extend to building brands.

“I’ve always said the success of TNT is a function of staying true to its core values from 1999 until now. By staying true to our values, we continue delivering our promise despite shifts in technology.”

At home, however, Manaloto says being fully present requires conscious effort.

“When I’m with my family, I’m mindful that I’m present and not just physically there. You can’t fake the smile on your children’s faces. The photos of those core memories are priceless.”

Protecting your name

For PLDT Senior Vice President and Enterprise Business Head Blums S. Pineda, leadership begins with safeguarding one’s reputation.

“My father and grandfather both taught me the importance of a man’s name—his reputation, integrity, what he stood for—and that you need to protect it.”

That perspective has shaped how he approaches difficult decisions.

“It’s forced me to think hard about my words and actions and their consequences. Leadership is defined more by how you make the hard decisions than the easy ones.”

Pineda also believes success should be measured by contribution rather than popularity.

“In this day and age, it’s got to be more than your social media followers. It’s about contributing to others, contributing to society, and making a positive impact.”

As a descendant of Filipino hero Marcelo H. del Pilar, he also draws inspiration from a legacy of service.

“Leadership is about sacrifice and dedication.”

Where leadership begins

Despite their different journeys, the executives shared a common belief: leadership starts at home.

“We have to put in the effort to connect, and to connect as deeply as we can, as often as we can,” Pineda said. “Having the right balance has helped me lead better and perform better.”

Manaloto encouraged fellow fathers to remain authentic.

“Fatherhood is not easy, but being real, present, and engaged makes life worth living.”

Palanca echoed the importance of intentional presence.

“Being a father is not about being available every minute. It’s about being available when it matters most. Small, consistent moments often have the biggest impact.”

For Jimenez, priorities may shift depending on life’s demands, but one guiding principle remains.

“There will be times you have to focus more on work and times you have to focus more on home. You need God’s guidance to know when. But when in doubt, the norm for me is family first.”

For these PLDT and Smart executives, the most enduring leadership lessons did not come from boardrooms or business schools. They came from home—through fathers who taught them that trust, integrity, character, and presence remain the strongest foundations of leadership.