Sun Life Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities in the Philippines through initiatives on education, health, and environmental sustainability. The foundation embodies the essence of “bayanihan,” rallying communities, organizations, and individuals to drive positive change where it is needed most. Executive Director Kristine Dianne Millete, known as Tin, leads the initiative with a wealth of experience and a passion for creating lasting impact, aiming to create a brighter, more equitable future for all Filipinos.
Since assuming leadership in 2017, Tin has steered Sun Life Foundation through numerous projects, each aimed at creating solutions for pressing social issues. Two notable initiatives are its flagship programs: Sun Pera-Aralan and Sun Life Barangay Health Stations.
Sun Pera-Aralan is a financial management program created in partnership with AHA! Behavioral Design that aims to increase financial self-efficacy among public school teachers. This involves applying positive and practical money behaviors that can be incorporated into their daily lives.
The Sun Life Barangay Health Stations is an initiative in partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. to provide more communities with access to primary healthcare in far-flung areas of the country. Building on a holistic approach, every barangay health station constructed will implement a community-based health and wellness program to equip the local health workers with the proper knowledge and practice to provide care, which will help build health-empowered and self-reliant communities. Last year, seven of the centers were equipped with diabetes corners to kickstart the initiatives on diabetes awareness and prevention to help address the issue of rising cases of the disease in the Philippines.
Through these initiatives and many other programs, the Sun Life Foundation touched 464,000 lives in 2023, giving the partner communities a chance at a better and more sustainable way of living.
Looking ahead, Tin has crafted a strategic roadmap for Sun Life Foundation’s future endeavors that prioritizes long-term sustainability and impactful community engagement. Through partnerships with like-minded institutions and the creation of targeted initiatives, the Foundation aims to utilize its unique position to improve the lives of underserved Filipinos.
“True empowerment comes from equipping individuals with the necessary resources to carve their paths. By employing collaborative efforts, we can build a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive,” said Millete.
Tin’s unwavering commitment to making a remarkable difference underscores Sun Life Foundation’s efforts to uplift communities and inspire hope. With Tin’s leadership, the team can embody the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ as it works towards building a more inclusive society for future generations.
