Sun Life Foundation’s Project SUNRISE continues to brighten futures for Cebu youth

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.

Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO JJ Moreno and Sun Life Foundation President Joy Castillo, Vice President Aleister Cruz, Executive Director Kristine Millete, and Program Lead Reiza Bañega join the Children of Asia team and community scholars at the Project SUNRISE launch in Cebu City.

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.

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