Sun Life Foundation Advances Environmental and Social Causes with Key Initiatives

Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) continues its commitment to environmental sustainability and community health development through a series of impactful initiatives. These include a new mangrove conservation project, a tree planting drive in La Mesa Watershed, and the turnover of Barangay Health Stations in Central Luzon.

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the Foundation continues to focus on initiatives that address health, education, and environmental sustainability. The Foundation’s recent activities further underscore its role in fostering community-driven solutions that promote long-term resilience. “Each step we take contributes to the greater good. If a small step makes a difference, imagine the impact our concerted effort will have not just in the present but for generations to come,” said Sun Life President Alex Narciso, emphasizing the importance of collective action.

Mangrove Conservation Initiative in Eastern Visayas

In a bid to support environmental preservation, Sun Life Foundation has launched the Integrated Mangrove Citizen Science and Sustainable Livelihood Initiative in partnership with the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation. The project, which covers sites in Samar and Biliran, aims to empower local communities with sustainable livelihoods while improving mangrove conservation efforts. According to Kristine Dianne Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation, “Protecting mangroves is more important than ever given their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. We hope that this project will empower communities to actively care for mangroves while sustainably reaping the benefits these ecosystems provide.”

Tree Planting Activities at La Mesa Watershed

Furthering its commitment to environmental sustainability, Sun Life Foundation, with the support of over 200 volunteers, organized tree planting activities at the La Mesa Watershed, one of Metro Manila’s last remaining large forests. A total of 3,000 seedlings were planted in collaboration with Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST). In her remarks, Kristine Dianne Millete emphasized, “It’s crucial to conserve and protect nature, especially here in Metro Manila where pollution, climate change, and monsoon rains greatly impact the quality of life of millions. Through annual tree plantings, we hope to help in building a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and livable city.”

Expansion of Barangay Health Stations in Central Luzon

In an effort to enhance healthcare access in underserved regions, Sun Life Foundation has officially turned over four new Barangay Health Stations (BHS) in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija. This initiative, in partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc., aims to provide primary healthcare services and health education, particularly in remote communities. Sun Life Foundation President Alex Narciso remarked, “The Sun Life Barangay Health Stations program aims to empower residents and aid in building healthy, resilient, and thriving communities. Having a health station helps eliminate distance as a barrier to forging a brighter future.”

Through its multifaceted programs, Sun Life Foundation not only champions environmental sustainability but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves. These initiatives reflect the Foundation’s ongoing dedication to improving public health, protecting natural resources, and supporting local communities in line with its core values of social responsibility and sustainability.

Details provided in recent press release.