Sun Life Foundation Empowers Cebu Students Through Education

Project SUNRISE strengthens its commitment to helping 125 young Filipinos pursue their dreams through educational assistance, career development, and family support.

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, especially among young Filipinos facing financial difficulties. In Cebu, a continuing partnership between Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and Children of Asia is creating opportunities for underprivileged students to pursue their education and prepare for a brighter future.

Through the renewed Project SUNRISE, 125 high school and college students from Cebu City and the municipalities of Alegria, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Minglanilla are receiving much-needed educational assistance.

Launched in 2020, the initiative addresses one of the country’s persistent challenges—helping young people remain in school despite economic hardships and other obstacles that threaten their education.

The program provides financial support for essential school expenses, including uniforms, miscellaneous fees, and learning materials. Renewed annually, the assistance is intended to continue until all participating scholars complete their college education.

Beyond financial assistance, Project SUNRISE recognizes that academic achievement is only one part of preparing young people for success.

Students also benefit from additional learning opportunities, career development orientations, and soft skills training designed to improve their confidence, communication abilities, and future employment prospects.

The initiative extends its support to families through individualized assistance, post-disaster relief, and parenting sessions focused on child development and strengthening family relationships.

This comprehensive approach reflects the understanding that students are more likely to succeed when their families and communities are equally supported.

The partnership’s continuation was formally marked by a memorandum of agreement signing ceremony in Cebu City, attended by Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO JJ Moreno and Sun Life Foundation leaders, including President Joy Castillo, Vice President Aleister Cruz, and Executive Director Kristine Millete.

Representing Children of Asia were Country Director Barbie Romeo-Guardiario and Deputy Country Director Andre Frossard.

According to Castillo, education provides a strong foundation for building better opportunities, not only for individual students but also for the families and communities they represent.

She emphasized that Project SUNRISE aims to help young Filipinos remain in school, develop their potential, and pursue meaningful futures.

Romeo-Guardiario also highlighted the importance of providing encouragement and stability to students facing difficult circumstances.

With Cebu experiencing the effects of an earthquake and typhoon, the program’s continued assistance has become particularly meaningful for participating families.

By helping students overcome educational barriers, the initiative hopes to nurture individuals who will eventually contribute positively to their communities.

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, Sun Life Foundation continues to champion programs focused on education, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Through Project SUNRISE, the foundation demonstrates how sustained partnerships can create lasting opportunities for young Filipinos.

For Cebu’s 125 scholars, the initiative represents more than financial assistance. It offers encouragement, stability, and the possibility of achieving dreams that might otherwise remain beyond reach.

By investing in education today, Sun Life Foundation and Children of Asia are helping build a generation equipped to shape a brighter tomorrow.