Over 20,000 residents of Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa are set to receive a boost in their nutrition, as Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and Save the Children Philippines launch SUNBRIGHT+RCEL (“Supporting Nanay in Exclusive Breastfeeding and Infant/Child Feeding for Growing Healthy Tsikiting + Responsive Caregiving and Early Learning”).

SUNBRIGHT+ is a program that integrates trainings on Responsive Caregiving and Early Learning, an approach to childrearing that improves child development and well-being through consistent and nurturing parent-child interaction. Pursuing gender-inclusivity, the program will also encourage greater participation of male partners and caregivers in childcare, as research shows that men’s involvement enhances health and development outcomes for children.

The program is expected to directly benefit around 600 individuals including pregnant and lactating women, children, parents and caregivers, community health workers, and support group members. A further 20,000 residents serviced by the Alabang Health Center will also indirectly benefit from the initiative through the strengthened capacity of the community’s health, nutrition, and child development service providers.

A ceremonial turnover was recently held as part of the launch, attended by 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, and Save the Children officers and representatives.

SUNBRIGHT+ builds on the achievements of its predecessor, SUNBRIGHT, which raised the rates of exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding in 2023 through health education, community empowerment, and capacity building.

“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.”

“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,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot.

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation dedicates itself to building a brighter future for Filipinos through sustainable education, health, and environment programs.