Sun Life Philippines Named Most Recommended Brand in Insurance Sector at the 2026 Synergy-YouGov Awards

MANILA, PH – May 2026 – Sun Life Philippines has been recognized as the Most Recommended Brand in the Insurance Sector at the second Synergy-YouGov Awards, marking the second consecutive year the company has received this distinction.

 

The recognition reflects the strong and enduring connection Sun Life has built with its Clients over the years, underscored by the continued trust and confidence they place in the brand. Being named the most recommended insurer is a meaningful affirmation of Sun Life’s commitment to putting Clients at the heart of everything it does.

 

“Being recommended by the people we serve is truly an honor for us,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “It is a reflection of the trust our Clients continue to give us, and an encouragement to keep delivering solutions and experiences that truly make a difference in their lives.”

 

The 2026 Synergy-YouGov Awards celebrate brands that made a significant impact in the Philippines throughout 2025, based on insights drawn from YouGov BrandIndex – a robust brand health and performance tracking tool powered by the voice of real-world consumers. Through continuous daily tracking, YouGov BrandIndex captures how consumers perceive and recommend brands across industries.

 

Winning for the second straight year reinforces Sun Life’s position as a brand that resonates strongly with Filipinos, driven not just by products and services but by meaningful relationships built on trust and long-term partnership.

 

As Sun Life continues its mission to help Clients live brighter lives, this recognition further strengthens its commitment to delivering experiences that inspire confidence today and help build a more secure tomorrow.

 

Learn more about Sun Life Philippines by visiting www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

2GO Partners with Ceres Liner to Enhance Intermodal Passenger Connectivity

PASAY CITY, Philippines, 11 May 2026 — 2GO, one of the Philippines’ leading sea travel providers, has entered a strategic partnership with Vallacar Transit, Inc., more commonly known for its Ceres Liner buses, to provide seamless shuttle services connecting sea and land transportation across key Philippine gateways.

 

Through the agreement, Ceres Liner will deploy dedicated shuttle buses to transport 2GO vessel passengers from their point of disembarkation at port terminals. Its first leg was launched from Nasipit Port to a Ceres Terminal in Butuan City, with Cebu and Cagayan de Oro to follow soon, improving end-to-end travel convenience and accessibility for local travelers.

 

2GO Travel passengers can easily reserve their seats onboard before disembarking, creating a seamless movement from pier to terminal while synchronizing Ceres shuttle operations. This integrated approach enables more efficient passenger movement, reduces waiting time, and ensures better alignment between vessel arrivals and land transfers.

 

“This partnership strengthens access for passengers traveling to and from nearby provinces, making it easier for more Filipinos to connect to key ports and continue their journeys across islands,” said Atty. Collin Derk Isidto, Vice President for Legal, Vallacar Transit Inc. “By improving connectivity between land and sea transport, we help enable more convenient and reliable inter-island travel.”

 

“We hope that through this collaboration, we enable not only regular travelers and groups, but also entrepreneurs and communities to access more destinations across the Philippines,” said Francis O. Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel. “This added convenience opens more opportunities for Filipinos to explore and connect across islands.”

 

This partnership reflects 2GO’s continued push to strengthen its logistics and travel ecosystem by connecting sea and land transport services. By integrating mobility solutions, the company aims to deliver a more seamless travel experience while expanding its role as a comprehensive transport and logistics provider.

 

The parties are also exploring additional ports and terminals as they look to further enhance connectivity nationwide.

 

Travelers bound for Butuan may visit the Front Office onboard for assistance with shuttle arrangements.

 

To learn more about this partnership, visit travel.2go.com.ph.

BizKarte Moves for Pinoys: Skyro Spotlights Real Negosyo Wins

Dreams grow when someone believes in you. Behind every successful business is a story of support, hard work, and the courage to start.

 

From inspiring life stories and finding one’s passion to real conversations on entrepreneurship and business growth, the newly launched BizKarte Moves by Skyro, an SEC-registered fintech company in the Philippines, offers a wealth of practical wisdom for Filipinos, especially aspiring entrepreneurs.

 

With episodes now available for viewing on Skyro’s social media platforms, BizKarte Moves is a podcast-style series that follows a simple format: the host visits Skyro’s partner merchant stores and interviews business owners.  They share how they started, the challenges they faced, and how Skyro’s flexible loans and Buy Now, Pay Later options supported their growth.

 

“Our goal in launching Skyro BizKarte Moves is to help entrepreneurs navigate the dynamic world of business. Through the stories of our partner merchants, we hope to inspire others to start, or keep going, with their own ventures,” shared Iya Lelyanova, Skyro Head of Marketing.

 

One of the featured guests is Joseph Luigi Torres, who started a buy-and-sell business offering mobile phones while still in college. He has been in the industry for over 16 years and now owns six branches under the name Legitech across multiple locations, selling a wide range of mobile phones, gadgets, and wearables. His first official store was established in Angat, Bulacan, in 2017.

For Mr. Torres, offering flexible payment terms has been key to staying competitive. “Ang pinakahinahanap na kasi ng mga tao ngayon ay laging installment,” he shared. Around 80-90% of their customers who message online ask about installment options. With Skyro’s light and easy terms, Legitech has been able to attract more customers and boost sales.

He first discovered Skyro at their Starmall branch, where neighboring stalls were already offering installments for brand-new cellphones. “We made sure to talk to the area manager to learn more about Skyro. We submitted a proposal, and fortunately, we were accepted. Now, all our branches offer Skyro installment plans,” he added.

 

Legitech officially became a registered Skyro partner merchant in 2024, recognizing that Skyro was a strong fit for their secondhand phones, as it made them more affordable compared to brand-new units.

 

Known for providing fast and flexible installment financing through its digital lending platform, Skyro has also been actively supporting its partner merchants by helping boost their visibility. It provides marketing materials like flyers, banners, and tent cards to help stores attract more customers.

 

Since its introduction in the Philippines in 2022, Skyro has quickly built a reputation for its simple and accessible digital financial services. Today, it is present in over 8,900 partner merchant stores nationwide and serves more than 600,000 active product loan customers.

 

To learn more about Skyro and its latest updates, visit skyro.ph and follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok. Catch the full testimonial video on YouTube to see how Skyro supports partners like Legitech in growing their business.

BPI Capital Wins Big at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards 2026

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its investment banking arm, BPI Capital Corporation (BPI Capital), continues to solidify its leadership in investment banking and sustainable finance after earning multiple recognitions at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards 2026.

The Asset Triple A Awards is a prestigious annual program recognizing excellence in banking, finance, and capital markets across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, highlighting institutions and deals that lead in sustainability, innovation, and digital experience.

Among its key wins, BPI Capital was named “Best Equity Adviser” in the Philippines and was recognized for several landmark transactions that are shaping the country’s capital markets.

BPI Capital, as Joint Global Coordinator and Joint Bookrunner, played a key role in Maynilad Water Services, Inc.’s Php 34.3 billion initial public offering (IPO), which was named “Best IPO”. It was the only Philippine bank in this role for what became the country’s second-largest IPO and the first with a Green Equity Label, drawing strong institutional and retail demand despite challenging market conditions.

The firm also led Cebu Landmasters, Inc.’s sustainability-linked issuances as Sole Issue Manager, and Sole Arranger and Bookrunner for the follow-on notes. Recognized as “Best ASEAN Sustainability-Linked Bond”, this marked the Philippines’ first sustainability-linked instruments tied to a social goal. The program aims to deliver 16,000 new homes by 2029, helping address the country’s housing backlog and promote inclusive growth.

For Ayala Land, Inc., BPI Capital acted as Lead Underwriter and Bookrunner for its Php 15 billion Sustainability-Linked Bond, which was awarded “Best Sustainability-Linked Bond”. The transaction links financing to environmental targets such as emissions reduction and green building standards.

BPI Capital also served as Issue Manager, Lead Underwriter, and Bookrunner for Filinvest Development Corporation’s Php 8 billion perpetual preferred shares, which was recognized as “Best Preferred Shares”, highlighting its strength in structuring innovative capital instruments.

“BPI Capital remains committed to enabling our clients to achieve their growth ambitions while contributing to nation-building,” said Lester Ong, President of BPI Capital. “We remain optimistic about the Philippines’ growth trajectory and are proud to support our clients as they take part in this journey. As markets continue to evolve, we will keep strengthening our capabilities and delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that create long-term value for our clients and the communities we serve.”

With a forward-looking strategy and deep market expertise, BPI Capital continues to play a role in shaping the future of investment banking in the Philippines, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in capital raising and sustainable finance.

Closing the Credit Gap: How GCash, Fuse are Helping Women MSMEs Access Fair and Credible Financing

With the celebration of Women’s Month, Fuse Financing, Inc.—the lending arm of GCash— reaffirms its commitment to championing women by making credit more accessible and dignified.  Through a landmark Php 1.75 billion credit facility from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fuse’s digital lending product GLoan,  Fuse is breaking long-standing barriers in traditional banking, providing Filipinos with a vital gateway to financing that helps keep their stores stocked, grow businesses, and bridge critical funding gaps for their families.

 

One of the borrowers is Juvy Camante, a 55-year-old store owner from Pateros. In the past, she avoided applying for loans because of complicated paperwork and strict requirements from traditional lenders. The simple application process of GLoan helped Camante overcome this barrier, providing her with confidence to use credit to support her business.

 

“Dati natatakot ako mangutang dahil sa dami ng requirements at baka hindi makabayad, pero sa GLoan, ID lang ang kailangan. Dahil dito, lumago ang inventory ng tindahan ko at talagang nakakatulong ito sa pamilya namin,” Camante shared. ("I used to be afraid to borrow because of the many requirements and the risk of not being able to pay, but with GLoan, all I need is an ID. Because of this, my store’s inventory has grown, and it has really helped my family.)

 

For Angelyn Avila, a store owner from Mandaluyong, managing repayments while running both a household and a small business was a major concern. Informal lending often meant dealing with collectors and rigid repayment schedules that added pressure to her daily routine. Digital repayments through GCash offered Avila a dignified solution, allowing her to pay at her own pace or through automatic deductions from her digital wallet.

 

“Mas gusto ko ang GLoan dahil walang kolektor na kumakatok at pwedeng mag-bayad anytime sa app. Malaking tulong ito para tuloy-tuloy ang ikot ng puhunan sa aking sari-sari store kahit mahirap ang buhay ngayon,” Avila said. (I prefer GLoan because there are no collectors knocking on my door, and I can make payments anytime through the app. This is a big help in keeping the capital turnover going in my sari-sari store, even though life is tough right now).

 

Beyond supporting businesses, access to digital credit is helping families meet important needs. Parañaque resident Fevelyn Bellen shared how the platform helped her support her child’s studies, “Ginamit ko ang GLoan para sa allowance at school needs ng anak ko sa probinsya. Dahil mabilis ang approval, agad kong naipapadala ang pera sa kanya para hindi siya magkulang sa pag-aaral.” (I used GLoan for my child’s allowance and school needs in the province. Because the approval is fast, I can send the money to them immediately so they won’t fall short in their studies.)

 

Bridging the credit gap

 

Women continue to play a major role in the local economy. Data shows they accounted for 62% of new business registrations in 2020, yet around 72% still faced challenges in securing formal credit due to strict requirements and collateral demands. Many small entrepreneurs, especially those running sari-sari stores or home-based businesses, often turn to informal lenders with high interest rates.

 

To address this gap, Fuse is extending credit access directly to communities through GScore, its tech-enabled underwriting which analyzes users’ financial behavior within the GCash app to determine eligibility. At a broader level, this shift is transforming how credit is extended to underserved sectors by replacing traditional bank requirements and physical collateral with  digital records and responsible usage within the platform.

 

“By removing the barrier of physical collateral and replacing it with digital trust, we are ensuring that every Filipina entrepreneur has the capital she needs to thrive in a digital economy,” said Baby Aquino, chief product officer and strategy head at Fuse Financing Inc.

 

As of the end of 2025, Fuse has disbursed P362 billion in loans, with three in five borrowers being women—a clear indicator of how digital finance is opening new opportunities for Filipinas to participate in the formal economy.

 

Fuse continues to champion women by making credit more accessible, helping them grow their businesses or bridge funding gaps so that a better life becomes truly achievable for every Filipina.

 

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

BPI Supports Motorists with Fuel Rebates through Petron BPI Mastercard

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) helps motorists save on fuel costs with the Petron BPI Mastercard, which offers fuel rebates every time cardholders gas up at participating Petron stations—delivering instant value and smarter everyday spending.

With the Petron BPI Mastercard, cardholders can enjoy 3% fuel rebates at Petron stations nationwide, allowing drivers to get more value from their regular fuel purchases. Cardholders can earn up to ₱15,000 in fuel rebates annually, helping reduce the impact of rising fuel expenses over time.

New cardholders can also receive a ₱200 Petron fuel voucher upon approval, giving them an immediate boost toward their next fuel stop. On top of rebates, the Petron BPI Mastercard also offers flexible payment features that allow customers to better manage their finances. Cardholders can convert purchases into installments, access cash when needed, and enjoy the reliability and security of using a BPI credit card for their everyday transactions.

“Fuel remains an essential expense for many Filipinos, especially for those who rely on their vehicles for work, business, and family needs,” said Alma Aldip, Head of Unsecured Lending and Cards Sales at BPI. “Through the Petron BPI Mastercard, we want to help our clients get more value from their everyday fuel purchases while giving them the flexibility and convenience they need to better manage their finances.”

As mobility continues to play an important role in everyday life, practical financial tools such as the Petron BPI Mastercard can help motorists stay on the road while keeping fuel costs more manageable. On the road to its 175th year of serving Filipinos, BPI continues to provide financial solutions that help customers better manage everyday expenses.

Customers interested in applying for the Petron BPI Mastercard may visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/cards/credit-cards/petron-bpi-mastercard or inquire at any BPI branch nationwide.

GCash Pera Outlet: The New 'Dagdag Negosyo' Success for Women-led Neighborhood Stores

Across the Philippines, women play a critical role in the Philippines’ grassroots economy, with around 66% of nano, micro, and small enterprises (NMSMEs) owned by women who juggle both household responsibilities and the daily demands of running a business. Yet despite their critical role in local economies, many of these entrepreneurs continue to operate with limited access to digital financial tools and sustainable income opportunities.

 

This Women’s Month, GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, is spotlighting how GCash Pera Outlet is helping women-led microbusinesses strengthen their earnings and expand their participation in the digital economy. Within the GCash Pera Outlet network, more than 73% of partners are women nano and micro business owners who have transformed their neighborhood stores into hubs for digital financial services, earning additional income while expanding access to financial tools in their communities. Store owners can offer services such as cash-in, cash-out, bills payment, and buying load, while earning commissions or “dagdag kita” for every transaction they facilitate.

 

According to Barbara Dawn “Barbie” Rodriguez-Dapul, chief operations officer and general manager for Consumer Business of G-Xchange, Inc. (the mobile wallet operator of GCash), the program is helping empower women entrepreneurs while supporting the country’s broader push toward financial inclusion.

 

Women at the center of the micro-economy

 

“Nano and micro businesses in the Philippines are often neighborhood stores, and the face of these community-based businesses is generally female,” Dapul explained. “If you go to a sari-sari store, more often than not, you would see a woman handling or managing the store.”

 

By bridging the deep-rooted trust of neighborhood 'sari-sari' stores with digital innovation, GCash Pera Outlet empowers women to transform their community presence into an engine for business growth and 'dagdag kita. For many of these entrepreneurs, GCash Pera Outlet offers an accessible way to supplement their income while continuing to serve their communities. “When we looked at the skew of female owners among GCash Pera Outlet operators, it really over-indexes versus the national average,” she said. “This means we’re empowering more women to have additional income.”

 

Turning neighborhood stores into digital hubs for financial transactions

 

Nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises remain the backbone of the Philippine economy, accounting for 99.5% of all business establishments and contributing over 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, much of the activity within this sector still happens informally. GCash Pera Outlet helps bridge this gap by turning neighborhood stores into local hubs for digital financial transactions that help establish and formalize their financial footprint.

 

“When women have additional income, they reinvest it toward the health and education of their children,” Dapul said. “This is good for the economy because we have a chance to break cycles of poverty.”

 

By digitizing everyday transactions that were previously informal, the program also helps entrepreneurs build verifiable digital transaction histories that may open doors to additional services such as access to government programs, micro-loans or insurance in the future.

 

Helping microbusiness owners run more organized businesses

 

Beyond generating additional income, GCash Pera Outlet also addresses operational challenges of many nano and micro entrepreneurs where personal and business funds overlap, often referred to as “halo-halo funds.”

 

The GCash Pera Outlet Plus Android merchant app helps address this challenge by providing a dedicated platform for business transactions. With a basic wallet limit of up to ₱500,000 and a detailed transaction history, store owners can monitor earnings and expenses without mixing them with personal funds. The platform also includes features designed to make everyday transactions easier and more secure, including the “My Suki” feature that lets them save the details of regular customers for faster repeat transactions and less risk of sending funds to the wrong number.

 

Building trust in communities

 

For neighborhood stores, trust plays an important role in attracting customers. To support partners in building credibility, GCash provides GCash Pera Outlet signage and merchandising materials that clearly identify their stores as trusted financial service providers, reinforcing confidence in the transactions they conduct there.

 

Advancing the vision of finance for all

 

Accessibility remains central to the program. Entrepreneurs who want to become GCash Pera Outlet partners can apply with an Android Smart Phone, a valid ID, a fully verified GCash account or a business document, and a photo of their storefront, allowing even small community stores to participate.

 

As Dapul concluded, “Our mission is financial inclusion—finance for all. We want to reach beyond the cities and bring digital services to more communities. Our vision is that when you leave your home and walk a few steps to the nearest sari-sari store, you already have digital financial services available there. Convenience encourages more participation in the digital economy.”

 

By empowering women-led microbusinesses and transforming neighborhood stores into digital financial hubs, GCash Pera Outlet is helping strengthen household livelihoods while supporting the broader goal of inclusive economic growth across the Philippines.

 

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Security Bank Expands Provincial Presence with New Branches in Iba and Tanauan

Makati, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation has opened new branches in Iba, Zambales and Tanauan, Batangas, strengthening its presence in two growing provincial centers and expanding access to banking services for local communities and businesses.

The expansion reflects the Bank’s continuing focus on supporting households, entrepreneurs, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in key regional markets where local commerce and economic activity are expanding. 

“We've reimagined the traditional branch experience to provide a seamless blend of personal and digital interactions,” said Leslie Cham, Executive Vice President and Branch Banking Group Head at Security Bank. “From sleek, low counters that promote transparency and accessibility to integrated digital platforms that enable fast, secure, and convenient transactions, every detail is crafted with our clients in mind,” he added. 

The Tanauan branch serves one of Batangas’ growing commercial hubs, while the Iba branch strengthens Security Bank’s presence in Zambales, a province with active trade and business communities.

Now with 384 branches across the country, Security Bank Corporation continues to expand access to BetterBanking by combining a growing branch network with digital banking capabilities, making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible for individuals and businesses nationwide.

For more information on Security Bank’s products, services, and branch locations, visit www.securitybank.com or follow Security Bank on social media.

Vinta Market Sets Sail at Newly Opened SM City Zamboanga, Championing Local MSMEs

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — As SM City Zamboanga opened its doors on March 20, the vibrant spirit of local entrepreneurship and culture took center stage with the unveiling of Vinta Market, a colorful marketplace dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Launched in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9 and the SM for MSMEs program, the Vinta Market brings together 20 local MSMEs, showcasing proudly regional products ranging from handcrafted items and artisanal goods to local delicacies, fashion pieces, and unique souvenirs.

SM Supermalls executives  and DTI Region 9 officials lead the ceremonial opening of the Vinta Market at SM City Zamboanga, celebrating a new platform for local MSMEs. (L-R: DTI Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Director, Ma. Rovie Manzanares; DTI Zamboanga City Office Provincial Director, Grace Aduca; SM Supermalls AVP for SM Communities Program, Royston Cabunag; DTI Regional Director Al-Zamir Lipae; SM Supermalls SAVP for SM Communities Marketing, Pats Dy;  DTI Assistant Regional Director, Maridel Dengal;  and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin)

Inspired by the iconic vinta, the traditional sailboat known for its vibrant sails and deep cultural roots in Mindanao, the Vinta Market reflects the same spirit of color, movement, and community. The marketplace brings together passionate entrepreneurs and skilled artisans, offering mallgoers a lively and meaningful shopping experience rooted in local culture.

More than just a retail destination, the Vinta Market serves as a growth platform for MSMEs—and for many entrepreneurs, this opportunity translates into real business expansion and sustained livelihood.

“We are very happy for the opportunity given to us by SM City Zamboanga… because of that, I have a growing market and a lot of suki na at SM,” shared Maria Donna of Marya Soaps and Scents from Pagadian, highlighting how increased visibility at SM has helped strengthen her customer base.

For heritage artisans, the impact goes beyond business—it’s about preserving culture and passing traditions to future generations. “Maraming salamat sa mga opportunity na mga ganito na pwede kaming magbenta para makahanap lalo ng market… kayo na ‘yung kasangga namin sa pag-promote ng aming weave,” said Evelinda Otong, a 4th generation Yakan weaver, underscoring the importance of platforms like SM in sustaining local craftsmanship.

Through capacity-building programs and expanded market access, MSMEs are also able to scale their operations and reach wider audiences.

“With their trainings and seminars, we’ve learned a lot… we’re proud to say that we supply all over the Philippines—and with SM Supermalls, our products can reach around the country and are now in the mainstream market,” shared Shaun Alavar of Alavar Food Products, reflecting the broader growth opportunities enabled through the partnership.

Featured MSMEs proudly showcase their locally made products at the Vinta Market, highlighting the passion and dedication behind every creation.

During the launch event, SM Supermalls executives, DTI officials, and partner stakeholders joined entrepreneurs and guests in celebrating the opening of the marketplace—highlighting a shared commitment to empower local businesses and provide them with greater market opportunities.

Visitors explored booths filled with proudly local products—each representing stories of craftsmanship, passion, and perseverance. The marketplace quickly became a vibrant hub where mallgoers discovered unique regional goods while supporting local livelihoods.

Intricately crafted local products showcase the artistry and cultural heritage of Mindanao’s talented artisans.

The launch of Vinta Market stands as one of the highlights of the opening of SM City Zamboanga, the city’s newest lifestyle destination bringing together shopping, dining, entertainment, and community experiences closer to Zamboangueños.

Locally made delicacies from MSMEs offer shoppers a taste of Zamboanga’s rich culinary heritage at the Vinta Market.

Through initiatives like the Vinta Market, SM Supermalls continues to champion Filipino entrepreneurship, providing MSMEs with accessible platforms to grow their businesses while celebrating the rich culture and creativity of local communities.

As shoppers explore the colorful stalls and meet the passionate makers behind the products, the Vinta Market stands as a vibrant symbol of Zamboanga’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit—where tradition, creativity, and opportunity sail forward together.

About SM Supermalls – MSMEs

SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 89 malls nationwide—continues to maximize the MSME experience by creating opportunities designed around what Filipino entrepreneurs need most. As the country’s most preferred and loved retail destination, SM champions entrepreneurship by supporting MSMEs across different stages and sectors—serving diverse business tribes through market access, visibility, mentorship, and platforms that help enterprises grow and thrive. From emerging startups to growing homegrown brands, SM provides a marketplace where Filipino innovation can flourish, connecting entrepreneurs to communities and customers in meaningful ways. Because when MSMEs succeed, communities grow stronger—and every opportunity created is part of SM’s commitment to building a future designed All For You. To learn more, visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email customercare@smsupermalls.com.

TP in the Philippines Advances Clean Energy Transition, Renewable Energy Share Reaches 63%

METRO MANILA, Philippines - TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance), a leader in digital business services, has raised its renewable energy source consumption to 63% of its total nationwide electricity consumption in 2025, up 3% from last year. The accomplishment affirms its decisive acceleration in its clean energy transition and reinforces its leadership in sustainable operations within the country’s IT-BPM sector. 

Based on the 2025 TP Impact Report, the company recently announced how its nationwide renewable energy consumption steadily grew last year, sustaining momentum in its transition to cleaner power across its 26 sites nationwide. 

“Our transition to renewable energy is no small feat, but it reflects our commitment to acting as a responsible and sustainable organization,” said Rahul Jolly, Chief Executive Officer, TP in the Philippines. 

“The three percent increase in our renewable energy consumption within a year showcases how our deep commitment to sustainability translates into real and measurable results. As one of the largest employers in the country, with widespread operations, we highly recognize our actions and how they can impact the industry standards,” Jolly emphasized. 

Alongside its increased use of renewable energy, TP also reported a 52% reduction in total carbon dioxide emissions. The company’s emissions intensity now stands at 0.25 tCO₂e per full-time employee (FTE). Overall, this represents a 77% improvement from its 2019 baseline, showing steady progress in reducing its environmental impact while continuing to grow its operations.

Infrastructure has been central to TP's sustainable practices. Several TP sites operate within LEED-certified buildings, including facilities in McKinley, Aura, and Vertis North, among others, while sites in both Alabang Plaza E and Alabang Vector 3 are both LEED and EDGE-certified buildings. These green-certified facilities reduce energy demand through optimized design, efficient cooling systems, and responsible water usage. 

Sustainability, Culture, and Community

The company’s global climate roadmap aligns with the Science Based Targets initiative, ensuring its emissions reduction goals support the targets set under the Paris Agreement. TP has committed to sourcing 50% renewable energy globally by 2026 and 80% by 2030. It also aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 56.7% and Scope 3 emissions by 27.5% by 2030, using 2019 as its base year. 

Further reinforcing its leadership in driving sustainability in its operations, TP was among the first 100 companies to sign the Climate Pledge, committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, which is ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement’s 2050 goal. 

In addition to expanding renewable sourcing, TP optimized its IT infrastructure, advanced circularity initiatives, and donated IT equipment. TP also implemented sustainable work models such as the Cloud Campus, which continues to reduce commute-related emissions while enhancing operational resilience.

TP in the Philippines continues to partner with various governmental and non-governmental organizations to fortify its sustainability goals and create meaningful and impactful changes to the environment. TP actively collaborates with Aboitiz Power in providing renewable energy for its Sucat and Bacolod sites under the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP). TP also continues to participate in the global energy savings campaign Earth Hour for all its sites.

Ed Punzalan, Facilities and Administration Vice President, underscored that sustainability at TP goes beyond infrastructure and metrics.

“For us, sustainability is about people as much as it is about power sources,” Punzalan said. “Every percentage increase in renewable energy reflects thousands of daily decisions made by our teams, showcasing how we manage our facilities and how we volunteer in our communities. Through the Citizen of the World (COTW) foundation and the Citizen of the Planet (COTP) program, we aim to cultivate a culture where environmental responsibility becomes second nature, empowering our employees to see themselves not just as workers in the BPO industry, but as stewards of the planet.”

As sustainability becomes an operational expectation across the IT-BPM sector, TP in the Philippines aims to show that decarbonization and business resilience can move together, setting a practical benchmark for how large-scale employers can reduce impact while maintaining service excellence.

Sun Life Philippines Hosts Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s Women’s Business Mission

MANILA, PH – March 2026 – Sun Life Philippines, the country’s No. 1 life insurance company in terms of total premium income, recently hosted the Women’s Business Mission of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada at the company’s head office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

 

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region through research, dialogue, and strategic business engagement. Its Women’s Business Mission brings together women-led and women-owned Canadian companies to explore opportunities for collaboration, trade, and investment in key markets across Asia, while advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth. 

 

The Women’s Business Mission event underscored Sun Life’s commitment to empowering women in the insurance and financial services industries by championing innovation, collaboration, and technology-driven solutions that strengthen connections between the company and its Clients.

 

As part of the experience, delegates were given a firsthand look at Sun Life’s digital transformation initiatives through interactive technology booths showcasing tools developed in-house to enhance both advisor and Client experience. These included Advisor Social, a digital content management platform for advisors; Advisor Buddy, a digital onboarding and navigation tool for new advisors; and Medical Document Translation, a cost-efficient, low-risk solution that helps accelerate underwriting decisions. 

 

"We are incredibly proud of the tools we build in-house, but true innovation requires knowing what you can't build alone," said Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines. "At Sun Life, we actively look for opportunities to partner with startups because they bring the agility and niche expertise we need to solve complex problems fast. We treat our partners as co-creators, and looking at the brilliant women founders in this room, my genuine hope is that some of your companies will soon join our ecosystem."

 

Meanwhile, Sun Life Philippines CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison, highlighted Sun Life’s Canadian roots. “What began as a Canadian company's commitment to the Philippine market has grown into a long-standing partnership with Filipino families, businesses, and communities, and we’re excited to do more,” he said.

 

Present during the event were Sun Life’s women leaders, including Joy Castillo, Chief Operations Officer of Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc.; Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines; Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer of Sun Life Philippines; and Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines.

 

Sun Life Philippines continues to champion women leadership across its organization. Women make up 73% of the company’s more than 22,000-strong advisor force, while 51% of its senior leadership roles are held by women. This reinforces Sun Life’s belief that inclusive leadership drives stronger outcomes for Clients, communities, and the business.