Pru Life UK, a leading life insurer, held an employee session on PRUCommunity Day to discuss the link between climate change and health, particularly mental health. The session, led by its Sustainability Changemakers community, highlighted the importance of financial security as a climate adaptation measure. Dr. John Jamir Benzon Aruta, an expert in environmental psychology and mental health, highlighted the significant impact of climate-related events on mental health, particularly among agricultural workers, and the urgent need for accessible mental health support.
Echoing concerns raised by the Philippine Mental Health Association Inc. (PMHA), Dr. Aruta further stressed that mental health care should be accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of their socio-economic status. Recent data reveals a severe shortage of mental health professionals for every 100,000 Filipinos, strengthening Pru Life UK’s commitment to compelling, sustainable solutions.
Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s VP for Government Relations & Sustainability, stated, “As one of the frontrunners in uplifting climate health for Filipinos, Pru Life UK is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that address both financial and health challenges posed by climate change. Our initiatives are designed to support our lasting commitment to making financial and health solutions accessible to all Filipinos, ensuring they are equipped to face the future with resilience and confidence.”
Pru Life UK has long since integrated climate education into its community-based financial programs, prioritizing mental well-being in its initiatives. This introduction of climate-smart insurance products aims to bolster financial resilience during climate-related health crises, bridging crucial gaps in community preparedness.
The company also launched a pioneering study in 2021 entitled “How Climate Change Will Impact Filipino Health in the Next Decade,” led by Dr. Renzo Guinto, a renowned expert on planetary health. The study highlighted proactive measures to mitigate climate change’s looming health effects. His insights also underscored the importance of financial security and mental health interventions as critical adaptations to a changing climate.
Through initiatives like the Climate and Health Session for its employees, Pru Life UK continues demonstrating proactive leadership in climate resilience and community support. By integrating climate education into community-based financial programs and launching climate-smart insurance products, Pru Life UK continues to lead in equipping Filipinos with the tools needed to thrive amidst a changing climate landscape.
Such commitment deeply emphasizes Pru Life UK’s ongoing efforts to ensure that financial security and mental health support are readily available, reinforcing their role as a catalyst for community resilience.
For more information about Pru Life UK, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph
