Press release

February 17, 2020

Sun Life marks 125th anniversary in the Philippines

Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., the first and longest-standing life insurer in the Philippines, is marking its 125th anniversary in the Philippines with the theme “Beyond Lifetimes,” as a testament to its longevity in the country and to reiterate Sun Life’s commitment to its purpose of helping Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

As part of its celebration, Sun Life will be showcasing stories of Sun Life clients that highlight the authenticity of its purpose. One such story is that of the Sy Family of Cagayan de Oro, which has been a Sun Life client for six generations now. Having trusted the company to help secure their future and fulfill their dreams since 1907, the Sy Family perfectly exemplifies the company’s promise to be a lifetime partner to its clients. Their inspiring story will be among those featured in digital short films in Sun Life’s social media assets.

As Sun Life looks back on its rich heritage in the country, it also sets its sights towards the future. The company is transforming with the times by offering products and services that are relevant today, so more generations of Filipinos may be enjoined to pursue financial freedom. Among its latest initiatives is Sun Cancer Care, a specialized health insurance plan that provides cash benefits upon diagnosis of a covered early and late stage cancer, as well as for treatment and recovery. Meanwhile, the Sun Life Prosperity Funds are now available online, so those who wish to invest in mutual funds may do so conveniently. Paperless application and straight through processing may also be enjoyed by clients who will avail of select Sun Life products.

Sun Life also continues to champion financial literacy through Sun Pera-Aralan, a financial management program spearheaded by its philanthropic arm, Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. Launched in partnership with the Department of Education and mounted with the help of Sun Life advisors, Sun Pera-Aralan endeavors to help 125,000 Filipino public school teachers lessen their debt and properly budget their salary.

Meanwhile, to inspire more Filipinos to commit to their financial goals, Sun Life will also hold “Celebrating Brighter Life,” a year-long promo where winners will be treated to birthday and anniversary celebration packages.

“All of these offerings aim to strengthen our relationship with the Filipino people and reiterate our commitment to helping them achieve a brighter future,” Sun Life CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison said. “We shall always strive to elevate the quality of the advice we give, offer more holistic and relevant solutions, serve our clients anytime and anywhere, and engage them through more meaningful interactions.”

Sun Life Asia President Léo Grépin highlighted the importance of the Philippines to Sun Life’s success in the region today. “Sun Life Philippines is a crown jewel in our business.  To be the first life insurer 125 years ago and the leading insurer today is testament to our commitment to Filipinos through thick and thin, to a company culture focused on delivering for our Clients over their lifetime, and to generations of employees and advisors who have led the evolution of the industry in the Philippines,” Grepin said. “We are very proud of the impact we have made on the lives of our Clients and look forward to helping them shine even brighter in the years to come.”

Sun Life Global President and CEO Dean Connor echoed this sentiment, praising the company’s successful evolution through the years. “Sun Life Philippines has done an excellent job in championing financial security and healthier lives across generations of Filipinos,” he said. “How they continually evolve and keep up with the times, while remaining true to the company’s purpose, has been a source of inspiration for all of us at Sun Life.”

Sun Life’s 125th anniversary comes on the heels of another milestone: building a community of 5 million Sun Life clients. And with its financial advisors now over 20,000 strong nationwide, Sison is confident that the company will be able to touch even more lives.

“The past 125 years have been made meaningful by the many promises we’ve kept, dreams we’ve fulfilled, and lives we’ve made brighter. We celebrate all these, and look forward to doing it for another 125 years and more,” Sison said. “For us at Sun Life, it is and always will be an honor to be the Filipinos’ partner in their pursuit of a brighter future today, tomorrow, and beyond lifetimes.”