SUNBRIGHT+ is a program that integrates trainings on Responsive Caregiving and Early Learning, an approach to childrearing that improves child development and well-being through consistent and nurturing parent-child interaction. Pursuing gender-inclusivity, the program will also encourage greater participation of male partners and caregivers in childcare, as research shows that men's involvement enhances health and development outcomes for children.
Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and its implementing partner, AHA! Behavioral Design® (AHA! BD), were recently recognized at the 60th Anvil Awards after Sun Pera-Aralan, the first behavioral finance program for public school teachers in the Philippines, won both the Grand Anvil Award and the Gold Anvil Award.
Sun Pera-Aralan was launched in 2018 by the Sun Life Foundation in response to the PHP 300 billion debt crisis faced by public school teachers. The program has taken a one-of-a-kind approach by employing behavioral science to promote and develop positive and practical daily money habits that do not disrupt the teacher’s routine.
Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), in coordination with AHA Behavioral Design, continued its commitment to nurturing the learning of Filipino children by donating over 1,700 school kits to six elementary schools.
School kits comprising school bags, hygiene kits, lunch boxes, and tumblers were distributed at Aguho Elementary School in Pateros, Sta. Lucia Elementary School in San Juan City, and Col. Ramon Camus Integrated School in Malabon, giving students the perfect gift for a bright start to the school year.
Mangroves are vital ecosystems that act as carbon sinks, fish nurseries, livelihood sources, and natural breakwaters, yet they are rapidly disappearing. The project, made possible by funding from global financial services company Sun Life Canada, aims to improve mangrove conservation by supporting community-based social enterprises and equipping locals with tools and techniques for enhanced mangrove management.
With brushes in hand and hearts full of hope, the Sun Life Foundation’s 128 employee and advisor volunteers, joined by Sun Life Philippines’ Chief Risk Officer Ria Mercado and Chief Actuary Abi Viaje, transformed the school’s walls, gates, and stage into vibrant and welcoming learning spaces. The initiative aimed to create a more cheerful and inspiring environment for the students and teachers of Lakan Dula Elementary School.
Leading change through collaborative efforts is Sun Life Foundation's ethos under the leadership of Tin Millete
In the world of corporate social responsibility, Sun Life Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, stands as one of the entities rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a chance at a better life. The Foundation is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities across the Philippines through initiatives on education, health, and environmental sustainability.
At its core, Sun Life Foundation embodies the essence of “bayanihan,” rallying communities, organizations, and individuals to join hands in driving positive change where it is needed most.
Leading this endeavor is Kristine Dianne Millete, fondly known as Tin, as the Executive Director of Sun Life Foundation. With a wealth of experience under her belt and a deep-seated passion for creating lasting impact, Tin is the driving force behind the Foundation's mission to create a brighter, more equitable future for all Filipinos.
This brings the community closer to basic primary health services such as consultations, prenatal check-ups, immunizations, health education, and referrals to larger health facilities as necessary. This is complemented by the Community-Based Health and Wellness Program, where a Community Health Nurse trains a Barangay Nutrition Scholar, Barangay Health Workers, and Cluster Leaders to serve the community.
The children marked a milestone in their learning journey with the Recognition Day held the day before at the Sama-Bajau Activity Center in Parañaque. This was followed by a fun and learning-filled celebration at The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, where they were joined by members of Sun Life’s leadership team, including Global President & CEO Kevin Strain, Philippine CEO & Country Head and Sun Life Foundation Chairman Benedict Sison, Sun Life Foundation President Alex Narciso.
Its completion benefits 4,362 households or a population of 18,904 individuals in three different barangays within Palawan, including Brgy. New Busuanga in Busuanga; Brgy. 6 in Coron; and Brgy. Malaking Patag in Culion.
Initiated in January this year, the project was launched to increase the capacity of the Calamianes Watersheds and improve the availability and resilience of clean water in the islands. This was done via a two-pronged approach: by enhancing forest management and protection and by providing rainwater harvesting facilities and supporting the application of the 3R (Recharge, Retention, and Reuse) water technologies.
Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, recently handed over two food sheds to the barangays of Caub and Halian in the fifth-class municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte providing better access to better nutrition and additional income for the locals.
Titled “Food Shed Farming Enterprise,” the project aims to provide the low-income barangays with improved food security and a sustainable agriculture-based livelihood. The turnover ceremony, held on May 10, 2024, was a key milestone in Sun Life Foundation’s ongoing collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.
