From world wars to building a nation, Sun Life in the Philippines led an illustrious history that bore witness to the struggles and triumphs of Filipinos.
It was in 1895, three years before the Philippines declared independence, when Sun Life first set foot in the country with the mission of giving Filipinos the opportunity to enjoy the humanitarian benefits of insurance. When it established its roots in colonial Manila, Sun Life made a commitment to help Filipinos achieve a sustainable future. Through world wars and economic downturns, Sun Life bore witness to a country’s journey towards financial prosperity and security. And for a nation that has nurtured the company for more than a century, it was finally time to give back.
In 1992, Sun Life started Sharing Hope and Resources for Education and Social Services or S.H.A.R.E.S., bringing together Sun Life volunteers who wanted to make a difference. Incorporated in 2007, the Sun Life Foundation became the culmination of our deep and collective desire to help alleviate the plight of those most in need. Here, our mission to create a Brighter World takes flight through different meaningful initiatives aimed towards nation-building – one individual, one family, one community at a time.
For Sun Life, a brighter world ensures the future of generations while creating a prosperous present. Through the Sun Life Foundation, Sun Life helps make sure that no Filipino gets left behind.
We are a committed corporate foundation successful in sustaining community transformation initiatives.
To uplift the lives of Filipinos by providing financial resources, time and talents in support of education, good health, and a whole environment.
What we do
For over a century, Sun Life has walked alongside the Filipino people through history's challenges and triumphs. Today, we give back through Sun Life Foundation's commitment to building a brighter future for our country.
Sun Life Foundation provides grants to academic institutions and registered non-profit organizations to support their programs and enable them to serve more Filipinos in need.
Through our partnerships, we reach vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, especially but not limited to children and the youth, who lack access to basic education and health care; low-income and vulnerable families that need support in securing basic needs, especially in times of distress and emergencies; and economically depressed, underserved, and/or geographically isolated communities that will benefit from sustainable humanitarian and development projects.
We work with registered organizations that implement or have the capacity to implement programs and services aligned with our philanthropic priorities. Sun Life Foundation only supports organizations that provide services without regard to race, religion, creed, sex, or sexual orientation.
Our philanthropic priorities
Sun Life Foundation’s philanthropic priorities comprise our pillars of advocacy consisting of education, health, and environment along with disaster relief and community goodwill.
Education
With the future in mind, Sun Life Foundation continues to shape the lives of hundreds of Filipinos by expanding access to learning opportunities, learning tools, and enriching activities, enhancing learning capabilities, and supporting educators and school communities, making sure they get a head start to a brighter tomorrow.
Health
Health and wellness enable Filipinos to live brighter lives. Sun Life Foundation sets out to help the low-income and disadvantaged get access to the health care services they need. From enhancing basic nutrition support to providing access to major surgeries, the Foundation makes sure Filipinos get the chance they deserve to live healthier, better, and brighter.
Environment
Our projects and programs raise awareness for and directly combat environmental degradation. Clean-up drives and sustainability campaigns help future generations make informed decisions, build climate-resilient and conscious communities, and enjoy a sustainable future.
Collaborating with our partner organizations is a vital part of our work, allowing us to expand access to education and health care, promote environmental sustainability, and provide essential support for Filipino communities in need.
As much as we want to work with everyone, our philanthropic guidelines do not allow us to consider funding applications from the following:
Our volunteers
Over the years, we have grown from a small number of volunteers in our early days to hundreds of Sun Lifers today who champion our initiatives and bring our mission to life.
Generations of Sun Lifers have shaped the history and identity of Sun Life Foundation. Fondly called Brighter World Builders, our volunteer force embodies the true heart of service: sincere, unwavering, and committed to making a difference. With their dedicated support and generous spirit, they help build a brighter world for the communities we serve.
Our team
We're a diverse group with a shared dream: to help build a brighter world for as many Filipinos as we can. With our collective experience and unwavering commitment, we are able to touch and change hundreds of thousands of lives every year.
Kristine Dianne C. Millete, Executive Director
Reiza Ayla M. Bañega, Lead for Programs, Partnerships, & Governance
Jefferson N. Hilario, Programs & Volunteer Management Specialist
Czarina Zenneth F. Bucas, Finance & Administration Specialist
Josephine R. Querubin, Administrative Assistant
Tristan G. Lugod, Communications Specialist
Benedicto C. Sison, Chairman
Maria Josefina A. Castillo, Trustee
Aleister A. Cruz, Trustee
Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, Independent Trustee
Kara Patria C. David-Cancio, Independent Trustee
Benedicto C. Sison, Chairman
Maria Josefina A. Castillo, President
Aleister A. Cruz, Vice-President
Leo Carl T. Chin, Treasurer
Roselle L. Lustre, Internal Auditor
Maria Teresa A. Co, Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer
Kristine Dianne C. Millete, Executive Director
Ria V. Mercado, Risk Officer
Anna Katrina C. Kabigting-Ibero, Corporate Secretary
Frances Ianna S. Canto, Assistant Corporate Secretary
Make the world a better place for those in need today.
We are looking for more partners in building a brighter world! We work with registered partner organizations whose advocacies align with ours. Download our Partner Application Form and tell us your bold and beautiful advocacies for EDUCATION, HEALTH, and ENVIRONMENT. Send it to SunLife.Foundation@sunlife.com
If you are a Sun Life employee or advisor, join us in making a difference. Watch out for announcements and volunteer invitations sent via email and posted on Workplace or on your Sun Life Facebook group. You can also invite your team, department, branch, or unit to host your own giving-back activity. Email us at SunLife.Foundation@sunlife.com to express your intent and we can help you get started.
