With an aim to contribute in rebuilding livelihoods, infrastructure and assistance through education in communities hit by the two major disasters in 2013, Sun Life Foundation in partnership with various groups launched Project 120.
Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation and Sun Life Financial Asia earmarked a combined pledge of over P80-million for the roll out of immediate response and long-term project in the Visayas.
"We have developed sustainable projects as part of the effort and in order to attain our aim of helping Filipinos lead a brighter life", said Riza Mantaring, president and chief executive officer of Sun Life Financial-Philippines.
Livelihood and education
Aside from the company’s immediate response efforts in the search and rescue, providing relief packs and extending donation, Project 120 will address livelihood and education needs of those affected by the disasters through Project 120 Boats, Project 120 Scholars and Project 120 Classrooms.
The project is set out to give back to the country which has served as the home of the company since 1895.
The organization established partnership with Tabang Visayas by donating 120 boats to fisherfolks in Iloilo who lost their livelihood after Typhoon Yolanda. The initiative was also supported by the foundation's employees.
Project 120 Scholars, on the other hand, provides financial support to 120 college students enrolled in the University of the Philippines in Tacloban who were displaced by Typhoon Yolanda. This initiative supported students and enabled them to cross-enroll from Tacloban campus to U.P. Cebu campus in order to continue their education activities while their parents continue the recovery work.
The first phase of the Project 120 Classrooms was funded through a P33.7-million grant given to Children’s Hour Philippines in order construct 50 classroom in select sites in Bohol, Cebu and Iloilo. The Project 120 was developed in partnership with the Children’s Hour Philippines and with the guidance by the Department of Education (DepEd).
"We are happy to see the good Filipino values at work as evidenced by partnership and collaboration that we have established with local government units, government agencies, and well-meaning individuals who work as contractors, engineers, project managers and supervisors, and workers that made our effort possible for the beneficiaries", explained Mantaring.
Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation expect to complete the construction and turnover of more classrooms by the end of 2015.
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