More than 10,000 students at Tarlac National High School (TNHS) will benefit from safer, more conducive learning spaces following the turnover of a newly constructed two‑storey, 10-classroom building by Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), with one classroom sponsored by the Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. (JVRFI).
Security Bank executives and guests at the opening of the Bank’s 368th branch in Davao City (From left): Salvador Castro III, VP and Area Head; Russel Cai, Plant Manager/Quality Management Representative of Davao Mighty Steel Corp; Ricardo Luis Mateo Lagdameo, President and CEO of ANFLO Construction and Corp.; Decy Sarmiento, FVP and Region 7 Head; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Ricardo Floirendo, Vice Chairman of ANFLO Group of Companies; Jezel Aballe, Business Manager of Davao-Damosa Branch; Benjamin Umapas, General Manager of Benbert Co.; Karl Gregor Catadman and Maria Christie Catadman, Owners of KCKS Builders Inc.; Jason Ang, SVP and Visayas and Mindanao Distribution Head
In line with its mission to enrich lives, empower businesses, and build communities sustainably, Security Bank worked tirelessly in 2025 to strengthen institutions, expand opportunities, and deliver programs that create lasting progress across the Philippines.
From providing cacao seedlings to 40 farmers in Aklan and mentoring 980 families to aiding 661 disaster-hit families, Security Bank strengthened livelihoods nationwide. Education remained a priority with a total of 901 classrooms donated to 153 schools and free eye care for 1,170 students. Cultural programs engaged more than 300 artists, while environmental efforts planted 940 mangrove seedlings toward a 10,000-seedling goal.
Paraws, Parols, and a Grand New Year Countdown
Sun Life Philippines has officially ushered in the festive season with its Brighter Holidays campaign, turning Boracay Island into a radiant holiday destination. The celebration began with a tree lighting ceremony that illuminated Laketown with a dazzling Christmas tree.
As part of the activation, Sun Life-branded paraws cruise along the Boracay coastline, while on land, Sun Life’s parols that symbolize hope and togetherness can be found all over the island. These activities showcase Sun Life’s dedication to sparking hope and fresh beginnings, empowering every Filipino to embrace the season as they pursue brighter financial and health goals for the future.
EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) marked its 12th anniversary with an outreach initiative that reached schools located in far-flung communities and areas affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. The program ran from November 5 to 20, 2025, covering selected public schools across Regions 5, 6, 7, and 11.
A total of 590 learners and 49 teachers received Jollibee meals, drawing and coloring materials, rice packs, and EWRB giveaways as part of the Bank’s anniversary activities.
According to Sheila Marasigan-Bajado, President of EastWest Rural Bank, the activity shows the Bank’s intention to stay present in the communities it serves:
The collaboration aims to expand financial protection and provide accessible, comprehensive financial solutions to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agri-entrepreneurs, professionals, and group clients of Top Bank Philippines.
Present at the signing ceremony were (from left to right): Top Bank Philippines Executive Vice President and COO Remo Garrovillo Jr.; Top Bank Philippines President and CEO Mike Sandig; Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim; and Sun Life Grepa Head of Affinity Marketing Joen Songco, Jr.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but also a moment when many Filipinos feel the pressure of balancing festive spending with long-term financial responsibilities. And with year-end bonuses coming, the temptation to splurge can be even harder to resist.
Still, this season offers the perfect opportunity to make thoughtful choices that support one’s financial well-being, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.
In its recent webinar, “From Bonus to Balance: Holiday Budgeting Made Simple,” Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa) encouraged Filipinos to take a more mindful approach to holiday spending and focus on decisions that support their long-term goals.
The webinar shared these holiday budgeting tips people can use all year long:
