Sun Life Foundation holds fun-filled graduation celebration for Sama-Bajau kids

The children of the Sama-Bajau indigenous group based in Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City closed the  school year on a bright note, with two back-to-back events hosted by Sun Life Financial-Philippines  Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) in coordination with Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. 

The children marked a milestone in their learning journey with the Recognition Day held the day before at  the Sama-Bajau Activity Center in Parañaque. This was followed by a fun and learning-filled celebration at  The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, where they were joined by members of Sun Life’s  leadership team, including Global President & CEO Kevin Strain, Philippine CEO & Country Head and Sun Life  Foundation Chairman Benedict Sison, Sun Life Foundation President Alex Narciso. 

Sun Life Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the first and longest standing life  insurance company in the country. 

“Education can empower us to achieve incredible things,” said Sun Life Global President, Kevin Strain.  “That’s why Sun Life is so proud to support this learning initiative which will help children in Mindanao and  Metro Manila unlock a bright future.” 

Since 2021, the Foundation and Cartwheel have championed quality education in Sama-Bajau  communities in Mindanao and Metro Manila by creating safe learning spaces, aiding community teachers,  and supporting the provision of culturally relevant education. 

“What we’re establishing here is a safe learning space for them, where their cultural identity is respected  and recognized. We also are intentional in helping them deepen that appreciation for their cultural  identity,” says Cartwheel Foundation Director of Programs and Partnerships Rainey Dolatre, referring to the  program’s goals. 

Committed to securing a brighter future for the youth, Sun Life Foundation supports the expansion of  access to sustainable and culturally sensitive education. 

“Every Filipino child deserves access to education, no matter where they come from, no matter where they  are, and no matter the circumstances they are in,” says Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine  Millete. “Our aim is to be as inclusive as possible and reach vulnerable children so that they can also benefit  from learning.” 

About Sun Life 

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and  health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide,  including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India,  China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under  management of $1.47 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.  

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the  ticker symbol SLF. 

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars