Sun Life Foundation’s Project SUNRISE Continues to Brighten Futures for Cebu Youth

MANILA, PH – (September 2026) – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and Children of Asia recently renewed their collaboration for Project SUNRISE, continuing their shared commitment to helping Cebu youth stay in school, prepare for future careers, and build brighter futures.

 

Through Project SUNRISE, 125 high school and college students in Cebu City as well as the municipalities of Alegria, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Minglanilla receive financial assistance for expenses such as miscellaneous fees, uniforms, and school supplies. The program is renewed annually and will continue until all the scholars graduate from college.

 

Launched in 2020, Project SUNRISE aims to help address a persistent challenge in the Philippines where one in four youth is out of school. 

 

The program also supports the students’ holistic development through additional courses, career development orientation, and soft skills training to help strengthen their future employability. Meanwhile, their families also receive post-disaster support, individualized aid, and parent learning sessions on child development and quality family life.

 

A MOA signing ceremony was held in Cebu City to mark the continuation of the collaboration, graced by Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO JJ Moreno as well as the Sun Life Foundation leadership including President Joy Castillo, Vice President Aleister Cruz, and Executive Director Kristine Millete. Children of Asia was represented by its Country Director, Barbie Romeo-Guardiario, and Deputy Country Director, Andre Frossard.

 

“We believe that education is one of the most powerful foundations for a brighter future,” said Castillo. “With Project SUNRISE, our aim is to empower Filipino youth and enable them to remain in school, feel supported, and build a future filled with possibilities not just for themselves, but also their families and communities.”

 

“Project SUNRISE is about giving students from underprivileged backgrounds the support and confidence to keep moving forward, even when circumstances are difficult. This year, with the earthquake and typhoon affecting Cebu, that support has been especially meaningful,” said Romeo-Guardiario. “By helping our scholars stay in school and develop their potential, we hope they will build a better future for themselves and have the confidence and sense of responsibility to give back to their families and communities.”

 

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to education, promote health and well-being, and promote environmental sustainability in communities across the country.

Sun Life Strengthens Disaster Response to Mindanao Earthquake with CAD 100,000 Donation

MANILA, PH – (September 2026) – Canadian-based financial services company Sun Life recently donated CAD 100,000 (PHP 4.3 million) to support relief efforts following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao in early June.

 

The earthquake caused widespread damage, leaving many families displaced and with limited access to basic needs and services.

 

Of the total donation, CAD 50,000 aided Save the Children Philippines in providing food and essential household items to the most affected and vulnerable families, including women-headed households, Indigenous communities, and families with young children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. 

 

Over 300 families received food packages and essential household supplies sufficient for one month, sleeping bags and cooking supplies, hygiene kits, and portable solar-powered radios and lamps to help address their immediate needs as they recover. Around 1,530 individuals, including an estimated 383 children, were supported.

 

Meanwhile, CAD 50,000 supported the operations of the Philippine Red Cross through a partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. This donation enabled the organization to deliver food, water, medicines, and temporary shelters to heavily impacted areas in Mindanao.

 

In addition to Sun Life’s donation, Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, also mobilized aid for affected communities in Sarangani province and General Santos City. 

 

Through Sun Life Foundation’s partnership with World Vision Philippines, Hope Kits containing essential non-food items, including sleeping mats, blankets, and mosquito nets were distributed to 400 affected families. Food packs were also distributed to 750 families through the partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation.

 

“Our hearts are with the families and communities affected by this devastating earthquake in Mindanao,” said JJ Moreno, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Philippines. “Sun Life has walked alongside the Filipino people for over a century, and we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time and remain committed to supporting their path to recovery.”

 

NOTE: The attached photos were provided by Save the Children Philippines. Please include the credit line "Photo courtesy of Save the Children Philippines" beneath each photo used in this press release.

Vena Energy Honored as Outstanding Stakeholder by DepEd Calbayog City

[Philippines; 23 September 2026] Vena Energy has been recognized as an “Outstanding Stakeholder” by the Department of Education (DepEd), Schools Division of Calbayog City, in recognition of its support for education and community development. The award was presented during the annual Stakeholders Summit.

The recognition was presented at the Calbayog City Convention Center. The annual summit brings together educational leaders, local government officials, and private sector partners to recognize collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of education in the region.

Vena Energy, a leading renewable energy company, was recognized for its “invaluable support, meaningful partnership, and significant contributions to advancing education and strengthening stakeholder engagement in Calbayog City.”

In an invitation sent prior to the event, Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona Jr., Ph.D., Schools Division Superintendent, highlighted Vena Energy’s contributions through its subsidiary, Gemini Wind Energy Corp. (GWEC), and their role in supporting the local education community.

Marivic Acuyong, CSR Manager at Vena Energy, and Falconeri Miranda, Project Manager at GWEC, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Their participation reflected Vena Energy’s continued partnership with DepEd Calbayog City and the local community.

“Receiving this recognition is meaningful to the entire Vena Energy team,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of the Philippines, Vena Energy. “Our commitment to the communities where we operate goes beyond providing clean energy. We believe that supporting education helps create opportunities for young people and contributes to stronger communities. This recognition from DepEd Calbayog strengthens our commitment to supporting students, teachers and schools through sustained and meaningful partnerships.”

Vena Energy’s participation in the Stakeholders Summit reflects its broader commitment to creating long-term positive social impact in the communities where it operates. The recognition also underscores the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors in supporting education and creating opportunities for young people.

DepEd Calbayog expressed its continued gratitude to all stakeholders, emphasizing that strong partnerships and support systems contribute to the successful delivery of educational programs in Samar.

Manila Water Pangasinan Operating Units, Manila Water Foundation Deliver Emergency Water Assistance to Flood-Hit Municipalities

In response to the widespread flooding that prompted the declaration of a State of Calamity in Pangasinan, Manila Water Non-East Zone operating units Calasiao Water and North Luzon Water, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation (MWF), provided safe drinking water to evacuees in the municipalities of Calasiao, Malasiqui, and Sta. Barbara.

Through Manila Water Foundation’s AGAPAY: WASH in Emergencies program, a total of 350 units of five-gallon drinking water containers were distributed to evacuation centers and affected residents, helping ensure access to clean and potable water for families displaced by the severe weather conditions and flooding.

The relief effort benefited three (3) municipalities where Manila Water's Non-East Zone operating units serve local communities: 250 containers were delivered to Calasiao, while 50 containers each were delivered to Sta. Barbara and Malasiqui.

In addition to the potable water assistance, Calasiao Water deployed two one-cubic-meter static water tanks for use at an evacuation center in Calasiao, which was temporarily sheltering around 350 families or 1,750 individuals affected by the flooding. Local government officials expressed their appreciation for the prompt response.

“Thank you, kahit hindi pa kami nagrerequest, nandyan na agad kayo,” [Thank you for your immediate support. Even before we formally requested assistance, your team was already ready to help.] said Melvie Agustin, Municipal Administrator of Calasiao.

The initiative reflects Manila Water's continued commitment to supporting communities during times of crisis through reliable water access and collaborative disaster response efforts. By leveraging local partnerships and innovative logistics solutions, the Company and Manila Water Foundation were able to swiftly deliver essential aid when it was needed most, helping affected families cope with the impacts of the recent flooding.

As communities continue recovery efforts, Manila Water and its operating units remain ready to work alongside local government partners and stakeholders to help ensure that safe water remains accessible during emergencies and other challenging situations.