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

　　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. 

　　MANILA, PH – (September 2026) – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation)  and Children of Asia recently renewed their collaboration for Project SUNRISE, continuing their shared  commitment to helping Cebu youth stay in school, prepare for future careers, and build brighter futures. 

　　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. 

　　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.