Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and Save the Children Philippines have launched SUNBRIGHT+RCEL (“Supporting Nanay in Exclusive Breastfeeding and Infant/Child Feeding for Growing Healthy Tsikiting + Responsive Caregiving and Early Learning”), a comprehensive nutrition initiative set to benefit over 20,000 residents of Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa.
SUNBRIGHT+ enhances its predecessor program by incorporating Responsive Caregiving and Early Learning training—an evidence-based approach that promotes child development through nurturing parent-child interactions. The gender-inclusive program encourages greater participation from male partners and caregivers, reflecting research that shows fathers’ involvement significantly improves children’s health and developmental outcomes.
The initiative will directly impact approximately 600 individuals, including pregnant and lactating women, children, parents, caregivers, community health workers, and support group members. Additionally, 20,000 residents served by the Alabang Health Center will indirectly benefit through strengthened community health, nutrition, and child development services.
A ceremonial launch event featured key leadership from both organizations, including Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head and Sun Life Foundation Chairman Benedict Sison, Sun Life Philippines Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer and Sun Life Foundation Vice President Aleister Cruz, Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete, Save the Children CEO Atty. Alberto Muyot, along with other Save the Children representatives.
“At Sun Life, we aim to help Filipinos live healthier lives,” said Benedict Sison. “SUNBRIGHT+ reflects our strengthened commitment to empowering communities through health initiatives. With every win we score and every life we touch, we help build a brighter world.”
Atty. Alberto Muyot of Save the Children added, “Save the Children believes that responsive caregiving and early learning help young children feel safe and supported, laying the groundwork for successful learning and growth throughout their lives.”
SUNBRIGHT+ builds upon the success of the original SUNBRIGHT program, which significantly increased exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding rates in 2023 through health education, community empowerment, and capacity building initiatives.
Sun Life Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines—the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company—remains dedicated to building a brighter future for Filipinos through sustainable programs in education, health, and environmental protection.
