Sun Life Foundation to illuminate Last Mile Schools for Sun Life Philippines’ 130th year

MANILA, PH – JULY 2025 – The future is looking brighter for off-grid schools as Sun Life Financial Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) teams up with Solar Village Foundation to bring solar power to Last Mile Schools in celebration of Sun Life Philippines’ 130th anniversary.

Last Mile Schools are small schools located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. They often face resource challenges, from lack of access to electricity and the internet to inadequate learning materials and limited teaching staff. Many of these schools serve indigenous people (IP) learners in multigrade classrooms.

Dubbed “Project 130 Brighter Schools,” the program’s goal is to reach up to 130 schools by 2030. It aims to improve these learning environments by installing 2KWH solar energy systems that can power lights, laptops, printers, and basic electronics. This will extend learning hours, improve safety, comfort, and efficiency, and enhance teaching resources.

The first phase of the project will cover 20 schools in Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, directly benefiting around 180 teachers and 2,600 students.

“We are grateful to mark our 130th year in the Philippines, and this milestone inspires us to reach more Filipinos,” said Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head and Sun Life Foundation Chairman Benedict Sison. “With this project, we hope to not only brighten schools in the far reaches of our country but also transform lives and empower communities.”

“Empowering isolated schools and communities isn’t just something we do – it’s who we are. It’s our passion and purpose. And today, doing this work in partnership with Sun Life, as you celebrate 130 years of transformational service to Filipinos, is an incredible honor and a true privilege,” said Solar Village Foundation Trustee and ED Jaime Gabriel Ayala.

A ceremonial launch was held to kick off the partnership, which was graced by Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and Sun Life Foundation President Joy Castillo, Sun Life Philippines Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer and Sun Life Foundation Vice President Aleister Cruz, Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete, and Sun Life Foundation Treasurer Leo Carl Chin. Also present from Solar Village Foundation were Trustee and Interim Executive Director Jaime Gabriel Ayala, Deputy Executive Director Ronel Menor, Finance and Admin Director Marilou Muega, and Creative Specialist Salve Dagnalan.

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation’s mission is to uplift Filipino lives through sustainable initiatives.

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