MANILA, PH – May 2025 – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) recently renewed its disaster relief partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya program with a PHP 10 million donation.

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The renewal featured a ceremonial turnover of the donation, which will serve as an emergency fund for swift relief. This fund enables quick delivery of relief packages and support to families and communities affected by natural calamities. Over the next five years, it will provide essential aid during disasters. Moreover, ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya consistently leads relief operations when catastrophes strike. The foundation provides immediate humanitarian assistance on the ground within 72 hours after each disaster. Therefore, it remains a vital force in disaster response and community support.

“We remain committed to continuing this vital work. With the renewed partnership and ongoing support from Sun Life Foundation, we will scale up our operations and extend our reach, helping even more Filipinos in need,” said ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya Program Head Marcel Riñon.

The Philippines ranks as one of the most disaster-prone countries worldwide. Consequently, thousands of Filipinos lose property and livelihoods each year. Various calamities cause these losses and damages across the nation. Therefore, disaster preparedness and response remain critical priorities for the government and communities.

“We have seen the profound impact our work with the ABS-CBN Foundation has had on disaster-stricken communities. With this renewed partnership, we hope to once again help our fellow Filipinos and show them that they are not alone in facing challenges,” said Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and Sun Life Foundation President Joy Castillo. “We are grateful to ABS-CBN Foundation for helping us further our mission to build a brighter future for Filipinos.”

Also present during the turnover were Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head, Benedict Sison, who also chairs Sun Life Foundation. Aleister Cruz, Sun Life Philippines Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer, served as Sun Life Foundation Vice President. Kristine Millete acted as Sun Life Foundation Executive Director, while Leo Carl Chin served as Treasurer. ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Roberta Lopez-Feliciano attended the event as well. Additionally, Sagip Kapamilya Program Officer Anna Kamille Miranda and Senior Resource Mobilization Officer Christine Joy Dabu participated.

The renewal marks the most recent milestone in collaborations between the two foundations, which began in 2009. Initially, they launched an initiative to rehabilitate the Pasig River and build new homes in Calauan, Laguna. These homes supported families living along the Estero de Paco. Furthermore, Sun Life Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation joined forces to develop the 700-meter Tumana Linear Park in Marikina. This project highlighted their shared commitment to environmental welfare. More recently, the two foundations partnered to strengthen mangrove forest conservation in Sorsogon, Samar, and Biliran provinces.

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation uplifts the lives of Filipinos through initiatives that champion education, health, and the environment.

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