Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) scored a win for environmental sustainability with back-to-back coastal cleanups, organized in coordination with Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST).
Over 170 Sun Life volunteers joined the activities at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) and Barangay San Rafael in Noveleta, Cavite, collecting over 400 sacks of waste with a total weight of 2.264 metric tons.
Marine coastal ecosystems are essential resources for both humans and wildlife. Some of these such as the LPPWP, which is one of the few remaining mangrove forests in Metro Manila, serve as habitats to a wide range of endemic and migratory bird species. However, pollution and waste buildup are persistent problems in these areas, posing threats to wildlife, local livelihoods, and public health. Regular coastal cleanups such as this activity help mitigate these threats.
As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the oldest and longest-standing standing life insurance company in the country, the Sun Life Foundation conducts many volunteer drives that hundreds of Sun Life leaders, employees, and advisors join each year.
“Volunteerism is a key aspect of Sun Life’s culture,” said Valerie Pama, Sun Life Philippines Chief Asset Management Officer, who was among the volunteers who participated in the cleanup. “It is always an uplifting experience to be part of volunteer drives that help build a brighter future for our fellow Filipinos.”