Thursday, April 23, 2026
The discussion highlighted the critical need to elevate financial literacy across all sectors of the Philippine society, and recognized education as a key driver of long-term financial resilience. Both leaders emphasized the role of digital platforms in delivering relevant, accessible, and scalable financial education to Filipinos nationwide.
A key part of the conversation centered on broadening the reach of life insurance, particularly for Overseas Filipino Workers and underserved communities through affordable insurance options. By expanding coverage and awareness, both sides underscored the opportunity to bring essential financial protection products to more households.
Moreno and Commissioner Regalado also exchanged insights on the ongoing industry transition to International Financial Reporting Standard 17 (IFRS 17). They noted the standard’s role in ensuring greater transparency, consistency, and Client trust in the insurance industry.
The meeting additionally tackled the importance of updating the Insurance Code of the Philippines to ensure that regulatory frameworks keep pace with emerging risks and digital innovation.
“We share a firm belief that strengthening the insurance sector begins with empowering Filipinos through accessible financial education, relevant products, and a regulatory environment that supports
innovation,” said Moreno. “We look forward to deeper collaboration with Commissioner Regalado and the Insurance Commission as we work towards a more resilient insurance ecosystem in the Philippines.”
The dialogue between Moreno and Commissioner Regalado reflects a unified vision for a more inclusive and modernized insurance industry that equips Filipinos with the tools and knowledge to secure their financial future.
To learn more about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Manila, Philippines(March 2026)– The Philippines’ aging population faces a growing retirement divide, according to Sun Life’s latest regional retirement survey. While many expect to work beyond retirement age by choice, a significant number are doing so out of financial necessity.
The survey, titled Retirement Reimagined: Asia’s Retirement Divide,found that 72% of respondents expect to continue working beyond age 65. Their motivations vary: 53% cite purpose and fulfillment, 41% seek mental stimulation, and 36% value social connections. However, 71%say they need further income to support their daily living and long-term financial security.
"What we're seeing is not a single retirement experience, but two very different realities," said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. "For those who are prepared, working longer can be a choice that offers flexibility and freedom. For others, it reflects financial pressure. Planning early and holistically is what determines which path people are on."
An option for some, an obligation for others
The research identifies two groups: 'Gold Star Planners' who are financially prepared and choose when to retire, and 'Stalled Starters' who delay retirement due to financial constraints.
Among Gold Star Planners, 73% expect to work beyond retirement by choice, motivated by staying active (38%) and social engagement (25%).
In contrast, 20% of Stalled Starters are unsure if they'll work beyond retirement, with half citing the need to save more as their primary reason for delaying it.
GenAI emerges as a risk factor, but human-led advice prevails
As more people turn to generative AI for financial decisions, the research highlights a growing risk of self directed retirement planning without professional guidance. Use of tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini has more than tripled since the last survey, rising from 3% to 11%.
However, Filipino respondents are relying more on professional advice as compared to last year, with the same amount consulting banks (45%) and more people turning to independent financial advisors (44% vs 43%).
Despite the rise in digital curiosity, this shift underscores a growing preference for trusted, human-led guidance in navigating increasingly complex retirement decisions.
Financial Security Drives Retirement Optimism
Financial security is the strongest predictor of retirement optimism. Among non-retirees looking forward to retirement, 67% cite financial security as a key reason, followed by stability (36%) and feeling in control (26%).
Conversely, 47% of those not looking forward to retirement cite financial insecurity, while 44% worry about inability to support family financially.
Despite this, planning horizons remain short: 25% make no pre-retirement plans, 37% plan only within two years of retirement, and just 26% feel very confident about their retirement plans.
The Sandwich Generation Challenge
Many Filipinos support both elderly relatives and young dependents, leading 34% to downsize lifestyle expectations and 14% to postpone retirement.
Increasingly, people want control over retirement timing—86% believe retirement should be a personal choice rather than mandatory at a specific age. This sentiment is strongest among Gen Z (69% agree strongly) compared to Baby Boomers (46%). Overall, 82% favor allowing people to work beyond the Philippines' retirement age.
Health Equals Wealth in Retirement
Current health status strongly influences retirement outlook. Among those whose views on retirement have changed recently, 55% credit better than expected physical health and 44% cite improved mental health. Conversely, poor health drives 26% of early retirements.
"Health is a form of wealth in retirement, influencing both when people retire and the quality of life they enjoy," Sison said. "At Sun Life, we remain committed to understanding the evolving needs of our Clients by offering a comprehensive range of retirement planning solutions."
The findings in the Retirement Reimagined survey were analysed and established through a total of 3,006 interviews conducted online across Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnamin November 2025. The research explores perspectives around what it means to age, confidence in achieving these aspirations, and the steps people are taking to make their vision of retirement a reality.
The full report is available here: www.sunlife.co/RetirementReimaginedPH2026 #
MANILA, PH – February 2026 – Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. once again emerged as the No. 1 life insurance company in the Philippines based on Total Premium Income, according to the official data released by the Insurance Commission (IC).
With Total Premium Income amounting to ₱61.8 billion as of end-2025, Sun Life outperformed the nearest competitor by ₱8.9 billion, further cementing its position as the country’s market leader for 15 consecutive years.
Sun Life also secured the top spot in Net Income, Net Worth, Invested Assets, and Total Assets – dominating five out six metrics monitored by the IC.
"We are deeply grateful to our Clients for placing their trust in Sun Life year after year. This recognition belongs to them and to every member of our Sun Life family – our advisors, employees, and partners – whose dedication makes our purpose possible," said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. "Together, we remain committed to delivering meaningful financial solutions that help Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives."
As Sun Life Philippines accelerates into 2026, the company is expanding its digital capabilities and advisor network while strengthening its commitment to be a true Partner for Life – supporting Filipinos in achieving their financial goals and family aspirations.
To learn more about Sun Life’s products and services, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), delivered standout performance in 2025, emerging as the fastest-growing life insurer in the Philippines in terms of new business, while also ranking among the top 10 across key industry metrics including new business annualized premium equivalent (NBAPE), total premium income, and net income.
Sun Life Grepa recorded PHP3.30 billion in NBAPE, reflecting a remarkable 66% increase from 2024 — the highest growth rate among life insurers during the period. This accelerated expansion was driven by strong performance across both individual and group insurance segments, underscoring the company’s ability to respond to evolving protection and financial planning needs.
Total premium income likewise rose to PHP18.59 billion, marking a solid 28% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, net income reached PHP1.60 billion, representing a growth of 17% from the previous year. These results highlighted the company’s sustained financial strength, disciplined execution, and growing relevance in an increasingly competitive insurance landscape.
The company’s momentum was supported by the introduction and continued strength of solutions that address the diverse and evolving priorities of Filipinos. Products such as Sun Grepa CashBack Protect, Sun Grepa Secure Income, and SLG Global Tech Fund expanded Sun Life Grepa’s portfolio, offering clients more opportunities to combine protection, guaranteed income, savings, and investment to help them build financial security at every stage of life.
Beyond business growth, Sun Life Grepa sustained its commitment to financial inclusion through collaboration with organizations such as Ahon Sa Hirap (ASHI) and ASA Philippines. These partnerships support underserved communities by promoting financial education and expanding access to insurance protection, helping empower more Filipinos to secure their financial future.
Sun Life Grepa’s strong performance in 2025 reflects its continued focus on delivering relevant solutions, strengthening client relationships, and expanding access to life insurance protection. As the company build on its momentum, it remains committed to helping more Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives, while reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic life insurers in the country.
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MANILA, PH – February 2026 Sun Life, the no. 1 life insurance company in the Philippines based on total premium income, continues to strengthen its presence in key growth areas with the opening of three New Business Offices (NBO), increasing its NBO count to 100 for 2026.
The new NBOs, Centurion Tree and Willow Tree, are both located on the 8th Floor of the One Trium Tower along Pacific Rim Drive in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa; both strategically situated within one of Metro Manila’s most dynamic business districts. The offices enhance accessibility for Clients, advisors, and the general public with its proximity to major commercial hubs in the southern part of Metro Manila.
Moreover, Sun Life has also broadened its network in Central Luzon with the inauguration of the Moringa Tree NBO in Pampanga. Located at the BOF Corporate Center building in San Fernando, Pampanga, the office began operations in October 2025 and was formally inaugurated shortly after.
“We open 2026 with this momentum as we stay committed to reaching and serving more Filipinos,” said JJ Moreno, President of Sun Life of Canada, Philippines inc. “With the opening of three new NBOs, we aim to provide our Clients and advisors with more convenient touchpoints to enhance the overall service experience.”
For 131 years, Sun Life committed itself with its promise of being the Filipino’s Partner for Life toward a brighter and healthier future.
To learn more about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
MANILA, PH – March 2026– As the world continues to change rapidly, financial goals are no longer one dimensional. Many Filipinos are balancing protection for their loved ones, preparing for major milestones, and finding ways to grow their money over time. This is where Variable Unit-Linked (VUL) insurance often enters the conversation, but choosing the right VUL starts with understanding what it is meant to do.
Despite its popularity, VUL is often misunderstood as it is sometimes seen as a pure investment vehicle or something too risky to consider. In reality, VUL is first and foremost a life insurance plan, with an added investment component designed to support long-term goals. “VUL is protection-first, always,” said Ivan Corcuera, Head of Insurance Investments at Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation. “The investment component is there to support long-term goals, but the foundation is making sure you and your loved ones are financially protected.”
As it is with any financial product, choosing the right VUL is important to ensure that it will contribute to your financial goals. Here’s how you can choose the right VUL for you.
1. Start with your “why.”
Before looking at numbers, funds, or projections, the most important question to ask yourself is: “What am I getting a VUL for”? A VUL can be a good fit if your goals include protecting your family financially if something happens to you, building discipline in long-term saving, or supporting future needs such as education, retirement, or legacy planning.
Your age, income, family situation, and time horizon all matter. A young professional may prioritize affordability and long-term growth potential, while a parent may focus on higher protection and stability. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why aligning your plan with your lifestyle is essential. “Everyone’s journey is different,” Corcuera explains. “The right VUL is not about following a trend; it’s about matching the plan to your life stage, responsibilities, and goals.”
2. Understand the protection component first.
One of the most common misconceptions about VUL is that the entire premium goes into investments. In truth, part of your premium pays for the life insurance protection, while another portion is allocated to investment funds.
When choosing a VUL, ask yourself two questions: “Is the death benefit sufficient to protect my family’s needs?” and “Will this coverage still make sense if my responsibilities increase?” Corcuera said, “Adequate protection is the foundation of any financial plan. When protection is calculated based on expenses and obligations, the VUL can truly do its job as a safety net.”
3. Match the VUL fund to your risk appetite.
The investment component of a VUL allows policyholders to participate in professionally managed funds – both local and global – which may include equities, bonds, or a mix of both. These funds offer growth potential, but they are also subject to market fluctuations, and returns are not guaranteed.
Choosing the right VUL means being honest about how comfortable you are with market ups and downs, and how long you plan to stay invested. For those with longer time horizons, market volatility can be easier to manage. Many VUL plans also allow fund switching, giving policyholders flexibility as their risk tolerance or life stage changes, without disrupting their insurance coverage. “Markets move and life changes,” Corcuera notes. “What matters is staying invested for the long term and adjusting your strategy thoughtfully, rather than acting emotionally to short-term market movements.”
4. Use flexibility to your advantage.
One often overlooked feature of VULs is their flexibility. As income grows or as goals evolve, the plan can adapt. Top-ups, or additional contributions beyond regular premiums, can be made when extra funds come in, such as bonuses or a 13th month pay. These top-ups go into the investment component and can potentially enhance long-term growth.
“Top‑ups are one of the most underutilized features of a VUL,” Corcuera shared. “They allow policyholders to take advantage of opportunities when extra funds are available, without changing the core structure of their plan.”
5. Expert guidance makes the difference.
Since VUL combines insurance and investment elements, guidance matters. Working with a trusted financial advisor helps ensure that expectations are realistic, features are clearly explained, and the plan stays aligned with long-term goals, especially during volatile market conditions.
“A VUL works best when it’s reviewed regularly with an advisor,” says Corcuera. “With the right guidance and discipline, it remains a reliable partner in achieving financial security over time.”
Choosing the right VUL is not about chasing quick returns. It is about building protection first, supporting future goals, and committing to a long‑term plan. When understood and used properly, a VUL can be a powerful financial tool – one that evolves with you through different stages of life.
To learn more about VUL, talk to a Sun Life advisor or visit www.sunlife.co/VUL101. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
MANILA, PH – March 2026 – Thousands of residents in Central Luzon have gained access to basic healthcare services following the recent turnover of three new health stations by Sun Life Financial Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) to communities in the region.
Implemented in partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI), the Sun Life Barangay Health Stations program expands healthcare access by constructing equipped and fully functional health stations in remote, low-income, and underserved communities. Here, residents can receive health services, including vaccinations, prenatal checkups, and health education.
The stations are complemented by the Community-Based Health and Wellness Program, which trains volunteer residents to serve as community health workers, enabling them to be active partners in managing community health. Having these stations nearby also reduces residents’ travel time and helps lower the cost of seeking healthcare.
Ceremonial turnovers were held to mark the completion of the stations in three barangays: Brgy. Masalasa in Victoria and Brgy. San Agustin in Gerona, Tarlac, and Brgy. Tandoc in Talugtug, Nueva Ecija. This brings the total number of operational stations to 16 across the provinces of Batangas, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija, with each station providing access to an estimated 5,000 residents.
“These health stations represent our commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach of all Filipinos, regardless of their location or economic circumstances,” said Joy Castillo, Sun Life Foundation President. “By bringing essential health services directly to these communities, we’re empowering them towards a healthier and brighter future.”
“This is a proof that all of us support the realization of the Universal Health Care (UHC),” said Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, Health Futures Foundation, Inc. Chairman.
Sun Life Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest standing life insurance company. Its mission is to uplift the lives of Filipinos through sustainable initiatives that foster education, health, and environmental sustainability.
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