Sun Life Foundation – Jellybeans in the City

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

Sun Life Foundation enhances mangrove conservation in Samar and Biliran

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

PRESS RELEASE [FINAL] - Sun Life Foundation champions environmental sustainability, plants 3,000 trees 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

Sun Life Foundation Turns Over Four New 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.

Sun Life’s Multifaceted Initiatives: Enhancing Education, Health, and Community Well-Being

Sun Life Financial-Philippines is actively improving communities through a series of impactful initiatives focused on education, health, and overall well-being. These efforts highlight the company’s commitment to supporting Filipinos in various aspects of their lives.

Educational Milestone for Sama-Bajau Children

Sun Life Foundation recently celebrated a significant achievement with the Sama-Bajau children in Parañaque City. The children’s graduation was marked by a Recognition Day at the Sama-Bajau Activity Center, followed by a fun-filled event at The Mind Museum. This celebration was made possible through a partnership with Cartwheel Foundation, aiming to create safe and culturally relevant learning spaces.

PRESS RELEASE [FINAL] - Sun Life Foundation holds fun-filled graduation celebration for Sama-Bajau kids

Kevin Strain, Sun Life’s Global President & CEO, emphasized the importance of education: “Education can empower us to achieve incredible things. That’s why Sun Life is so proud to support this learning initiative which will help children in Mindanao and Metro Manila unlock a bright future.”

Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete added, “Every Filipino child deserves access to education, no matter where they come from, no matter where they are, and no matter the circumstances they are in.” This initiative underscores the foundation’s dedication to ensuring that marginalized communities receive quality education.

Strategic Healthcare Partnership with The Medical City Clinic

In a move to enhance health care access, Sun Life has partnered with The Medical City Clinic. This collaboration merges Sun Life’s expertise in financial planning with The Medical City Clinic’s healthcare services. The goal is to empower Filipinos to prioritize their health with confidence, knowing they have financial support for unexpected health issues.

Press Release - Sun Life x Medical City Collaboration

Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines, stated, “By collaborating with The Medical City Clinic, we are driving towards building a stronger, healthier, and brighter future for Filipinos.” Roberto Muñoz, President and CEO of The Medical City Clinic, echoed this sentiment: “Together, we can empower more Filipinos to take control of their health and well-being.”

This partnership aims to improve health outcomes by integrating financial security with preventive care and accessible healthcare services.

New Barangay Health Station in Tarlac

Sun Life Foundation recently handed over a new Barangay Health Station to Brgy. Maasin in Pura, Tarlac. This facility will provide essential primary health services, including consultations, prenatal check-ups, and immunizations. It is also part of a broader initiative to improve health services in remote areas.

PRESS RELEASE [FINAL] - Sun Life Foundation turns over Barangay Health Station to Brgy, Maasin in Tarlac

Kristine Millete commented on the project, saying, “This program is not just about improving the health of communities, but also about strengthening the foundations upon which Filipinos can build brighter futures.” Pedrito de la Cruz, Executive Director of Health Futures Foundation, Inc., added, “HFI and Sun Life Foundation are planting the seeds for a thriving community.”

The Maasin Barangay Health Station is one of nine such facilities being established, reflecting Sun Life’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community health and well-being.

Sun Life Financial-Philippines continues to make a meaningful impact through its comprehensive initiatives that support education, healthcare, and community development. These efforts illustrate the company’s dedication to creating brighter futures for Filipinos, one community at a time.

For more information about Sun Life, visit www.sunlife.com.ph.

Details provided in recent press releases.

Sun Life Philippines shines with top industry honors and community impact

Sun Life Philippines has recently achieved remarkable recognition across various fronts, underscoring its commitment to excellence and positive impact within the industry and the community. From topping industry rankings to receiving accolades for its HR practices and philanthropic efforts, Sun Life continues to set a high standard.

Sun Life Tops MDRT Rankings

In a notable achievement, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. has secured the number one spot in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for having the highest number of financial advisors among its peers in the Philippines. With 540 MDRT members in 2023, Sun Life surpassed its nearest competitor by 172 advisors, solidifying its leadership position. Globally, Sun Life ranks 41st among the top 50 MDRT companies.

Alfonso Quitangon, Chief Distribution Officer of Sun Life, commented, “Excellence is a cornerstone of Sun Life’s commitment to its clients and the Filipino nation as a whole.”

Benedict Sison, CEO & Country Head of Sun Life Philippines, added, “They not only bring to life our purpose but do so with such passion and dedication. They make us proud and remind us that going the extra mile to help Clients secure their future will always be a rewarding pursuit.”

Benedict Sison, CEO & Country Head, Sun Life Philippines

HR Excellence Awards Finalist

Sun Life Philippines has also been recognized as a finalist in the HR Excellence Awards 2024 in two key categories: Excellence in Employee Engagement and Excellence in CSR Strategy. This acknowledgment highlights the company’s dedication to fostering an engaging workplace and its impactful community initiatives.

Michelle Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sun Life Philippines, expressed, “We strive to create a positive impact both internally and externally, and this will inspire us to continue building a sustainable future for our employees and the communities we serve.”

Press Release - Michelle Garcia, Sun Life Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer

Legal Team’s Prestigious Recognition

Adding to its accolades, Sun Life’s legal team has been honored in the inaugural Legal 500 GC Powerlist, a prestigious roster of influential in-house legal teams in the Philippines. Sun Life is notably the only insurance company included in this elite list.

Atty. Ed Tordesillas, General Counsel of Sun Life Philippines, remarked, “My team and I are honored to be included in this prestigious list. We continuously strive for excellence, and this recognition will inspire us to further contribute to Sun Life’s mission.”

Sun Life’s Legal Team earns a spot in prestigious Legal 500 GC Powerlist

Benedict Sison further acknowledged, “We are truly grateful for their contributions as we continuously help clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.”

Philanthropic Efforts: Clean Water Project in Palawan

In its philanthropic endeavors, the Sun Life Foundation has completed a significant project to improve access to clean water in remote areas of Palawan. Partnering with the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, Inc. and the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, the initiative benefits 4,362 households and over 18,000 individuals across three barangays.

Kristine Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation, stated, “We are delighted to see the completion of this project, knowing the benefits it will bring our community beneficiaries. This not only brings to life our health advocacy but likewise our sustainability priorities, as it supports biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.”

Sun Life Foundation Director, Dianne Kristine Millete

Sun Life Philippines continues to set benchmarks for excellence in the financial services industry while making a meaningful impact on the communities it serves. Through its achievements in MDRT rankings, HR practices, legal prowess, and philanthropic efforts, Sun Life exemplifies a commitment to both professional excellence and social responsibility.

For more information about Sun Life, visit www.sunlife.com.ph.

Details provided in recent press releases.

Sun Life Philippines shines in communication excellence and community sustainability

Sun Life Philippines celebrates dual achievements in marketing excellence and community development.

Sun Life Philippines, the leading life insurance provider in the country, has garnered significant recognition at the prestigious Gold Quill Awards for its exemplary marketing campaigns. Simultaneously, its philanthropic arm, Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), continues to make strides in promoting food security and livelihood sustainability in remote areas.

Excellence in Communication: Gold Quill Awards Triumph

Sun Life Philippines was honored at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards, securing three distinguished awards for its innovative marketing initiatives. The company received an Award of Excellence for its Brand Health Journey and an Award of Merit for its Freedom to Live Brighter campaign. Additionally, Sun Life’s Client Experience & Marketing Departments were bestowed with the Team of the Year Special Award.

The Brand Health Journey aimed to maintain Sun Life’s status as a top-of-mind brand in the Philippines by deploying comprehensive digital and traditional advertising campaigns. These efforts ensured a wider reach, encouraging more Filipinos to secure their health and wealth.

The Freedom to Live Brighter campaign, a refreshed financial literacy advocacy, targeted younger audiences through engaging digital films created by Sun Life’s Gen Z multimedia artists. This campaign successfully boosted financial literacy awareness among the younger demographic, significantly enhancing the company’s appeal to this age group.

Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience & Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We share this achievement with our clients, who inspire us to be innovative. We will continue striving for excellence in communication to help Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and healthier lives.”

Promoting Food Security and Sustainability in Surigao del Norte

Parallel to its marketing success, Sun Life Foundation has made significant contributions to community development through its Food Shed Farming Enterprise project in Surigao del Norte. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, aims to enhance food security and provide sustainable agriculture-based livelihoods to the barangays of Caub and Halian in Del Carmen.

The remote locations of these barangays have historically faced challenges in food supply due to their reliance on the main Siargao island and Surigao City. The new food sheds, equipped with sustainable technologies, are designed to mitigate these challenges. They ensure access to safe and quality food, reduce dependency on external supplies, and boost local income by facilitating market linkages.

Furthermore, the project incorporates climate-adaptive farming techniques and financial education to ensure long-term sustainability. The food sheds directly benefit 250 individuals and indirectly improve the lives of 2,943 barangay residents by providing fresh, locally-produced, nutrient-rich food.

Sun Life Foundation’s commitment to health, education, and environmental sustainability underscores its mission to uplift the lives of marginalized Filipinos. Through initiatives like the Food Shed Farming Enterprise, the Foundation aims to build a brighter future for all.

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2023, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.37 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Details provided in recent press releases.

Sun Life: Empowering Advisors, Promoting Sustainability, and Making a Difference in Communities

Sun Life, a leading financial services company, has been making significant strides in various areas, from empowering its advisors to promoting sustainability and making a positive impact in communities. Through a series of recent accomplishments, Sun Life has showcased its commitment to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility.

Empowering Advisors for Success

Over 200 Sun Life Advisors Conferred with Wealth Planner Designations by Wealth Management Center

Sun Life’s dedication to empowering its advisors and providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge is exemplified by the recent conferment of Associate Wealth Planner and Certified Wealth Planner designations to over 200 advisors. Through a comprehensive learning program in partnership with the Wealth Management Center (WMC), Sun Life advisors received extensive training in life insurance planning, investment planning, risk management, healthcare, and estate planning. The program emphasized the practical application of knowledge through discussions centered around real-life cases and examinations after each module. By upskilling its advisors, especially those specializing in high-net-worth business, Sun Life ensures that its clients receive expert guidance and exceptional service.

Promoting Financial Security and Sustainability

RCBC Diskartech relaunches voucher promo for availing Sun Life Grepa insurance

In collaboration with RCBC Diskartech, Sun Life is driving accessibility and affordability in life insurance by offering shopping vouchers to new and existing Diskartech users who avail of Sun Life Grepa insurance products. This promo encourages more Filipinos to protect their financial future while providing them with convenient rewards. By combining the power of technology and insurance, Sun Life aims to make life protection packages easily attainable and manageable for individuals and their families. Through this initiative, Sun Life promotes financial security while fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation.

Investing in a Sustainable Future

Build a sustainable future with Sun Life Grepa’s newest fund

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. takes a significant step towards sustainable investing by launching the SLG Peso Global Sustainability Growth Fund. This sustainability-driven VUL equity fund focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and aims to generate long-term capital appreciation. By investing in global funds that integrate ESG principles, Sun Life Grepa offers investors an opportunity to align their investments with their values. The fund not only delivers financial returns but also contributes to the building of a more sustainable future. Sun Life Grepa’s commitment to sustainable investing reflects its dedication to helping clients achieve lifetime financial security while making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Those interested to avail of the SLG Peso Global Sustainability Growth Fund can contact their Sun Life Grepa Advisor, visit any Sun Life Grepa or RCBC branch, or email wecare@sunlifegrepa.com.

Enriching Lives through Corporate Social Responsibility

Rides for School: Sun Life Foundation donates bikes to school kids

The Sun Life Foundation, in collaboration with Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP), demonstrates its commitment to improving communities by donating bicycles to school children in remote areas. These bicycles benefit students who face long and challenging journeys to school. By providing the means of transportation, Sun Life Foundation enables these students to reach school faster, saving time and energy for studying and personal growth. Additionally, the Foundation organized a Sun Life Cycle PH Kids’ Bike Camp, where the recipients learned bike skills, received safety tips, and had the opportunity to ride their new bikes. Sun Life Foundation’s dedication to creating a brighter future extends beyond financial services and contributes to the holistic development of individuals and communities.

Recognitions and Leadership

Sun Life Bags Employer Brand Award and Two HR Chief Accolades

Sun Life’s commitment to its employees and fostering a positive work environment has been recognized with the company being named one of the Philippines’ Best Employer Brands of 2023-2024 at the Employer Branding Awards. Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Sun Life’s Chief Human Resources Officer, also received accolades as one of the Top Most HR Leaders of 2023 and as one of the Philippines’ Woman Leaders. These acknowledgments affirm Sun Life’s dedication to creating a caring and inclusive company culture, attracting top talent, and fostering an environment where employees can thrive. The company’s commitment to its workforce is evident in its mission of helping clients achieve financial security and live healthier lives, making Sun Life a true leader in the industry.

Sun Life’s recent achievements in empowering advisors, promoting sustainability, making a difference in communities, and being recognized for its outstanding employer brand and HR leadership underscore the company’s commitment to excellence and social responsibility. With a focus on employee well-being, sustainable investing, community development, and exceptional leadership, Sun Life is shaping a brighter future for its stakeholders. Through its continued dedication and innovation, Sun Life is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of Filipinos and beyond.

Details provided in recent press releases from Sun Life.

Sun Life Foundation and Save the Children Philippines collaborate for “Project SUNBRIGHT”

Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, and Save the Children Philippines have joined forces to launch “Project SUNBRIGHT.” This initiative aims to reduce and prevent malnutrition among children and pregnant or lactating mothers by promoting exclusive and appropriate complementary feeding.

Project SUNBRIGHT is set to benefit 600 individuals in Muntinlupa City, including parents with infants or children under two years old, teenage mothers, caregivers, health service providers, and pregnant and lactating women. The project’s objective is to determine the causes of undernutrition among these groups and prevent them by promoting optimal “Infant & Young Child Feeding” (IYCF) practices, capacity-building of health service providers, and using Socio-Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) strategies.

Empowering the Community through Advocacy

Through Project SUNBRIGHT, community groups among pregnant/lactating women and other stakeholders will be strengthened to promote IYCF. The project aims to enhance existing efforts to promote breastfeeding among beneficiaries who have children of breastfeeding age to minimize or eliminate malnutrition among Filipino children.

Lourdes Pambid, Program Manager for Urban Health and Nutrition of Save the Children Philippines, expressed her gratitude for the partnership. “Working with the Sun Life Foundation for this project has been truly fruitful and productive. They are very receptive of the project’s goals and have strong support for civil societies. Through this collaboration, we are able to provide a wide array of interventions that promote breastfeeding as well as enhance existing efforts through strong advocacy of the practice,” Pambid concluded.

Education and Awareness

Project SUNBRIGHT aims to bolster existing efforts in publicizing nutrition concepts and programs that prevent or reduce undernutrition through an education drive that will train participants on Republic Act No. 11148 or the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act,” maternal, newborn, infant, and young child nutrition, Kangaroo Mother Care, essential intrapartum and newborn care, and management of moderate to severe acute malnutrition.

Sun Life Foundation’s Efforts to Promote Health and Well-being

Kristine Dianne Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation, emphasized that the initiative is anchored on “Health,” one of the organization’s pillars. She added, “The Sun Life Foundation is proud to have Save the Children as our implementing partner in this important endeavor to promote health and nutrition for mothers rearing up their babies. With this collaboration, we look forward to enhancing existing efforts to promote breastfeeding among the beneficiaries who have children of breastfeeding age in an effort to minimize or altogether eliminate malnutrition among Filipino children.”

Aside from Project SUNBRIGHT, the Sun Life Foundation continues to work with various organizations to promote health among its beneficiaries. One notable initiative is the Sun Life Barangay Health Stations, which provide basic healthcare in remote areas.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2022, Sun Life had total assets under management of CAD1.33 trillion. For more information, please visit http://www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Header image by jcomp on Freepik

Sun Life Foundation and WWF collaborate for sustainable Food Shed Farming

Sun Life Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, has partnered with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines to establish two Food Shed Farming Enterprise projects in the province of Surigao del Norte. The collaboration aims to provide a sustainable source of food and economic resilience for low-income urban communities through food security and sustainable livelihoods.

The Food Shed Farming Enterprise projects will help secure food and livelihoods while mitigating food shortages in the community. Sustainable agriculture interventions will be used, along with the promotion of climate-resilient and sustainable production systems that minimize the impact of stresses contributing to limited food accessibility. By utilizing technology and sustainable agriculture practices, the initiative seeks to improve the resilience of the food supply chain in communities.

“With this collaboration, we hope to further improve the resiliency of the food supply of communities, especially with the threats that climate change poses to our food resources,” says Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of WWF.

Located in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, the Food Shed Farming Enterprise projects will be established in Brgy. Caub and Halian Island, benefiting 250 individuals through sustainable livelihoods and providing access to hyperlocal nutritious food for almost 2,000 locals. The projects will create economic opportunities for the locals through the promotion of sustainable farming practices, increasing their capacity to utilize technology, and providing training in climate-resilient and sustainable production systems.

“Through this collaboration with WWF, the Sun Life Foundation aims to provide food security, sustainable livelihoods, and climate-adaptive technologies for the locals of the island in an environmentally sustainable manner,” says Kristine Dianne Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation. “It is our earnest hope that through this project, we can alleviate the effects of food shortages and help our farmers with alternative farming technologies that support food security even during times of pandemic,” Millete concluded.

The Sun Life Foundation is committed to uplifting communities, as evidenced by its other notable projects, such as the Sun Life Barangay Health Stations, which provide basic healthcare in remote areas. The partnership with WWF Philippines aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability, creating economic opportunities while also promoting environmentally sustainable practices.