Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., in partnership with the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute and the Associated Marine Officers‘ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), brought its continuing advocacy to life by co-presenting a two-leg Overseas Filipinos Health and Financial Wellness Expo.
Held in Cebu and Iloilo, the initiative brought together migrant workers, seafarers, dependents, and stakeholders for a day focused on health, financial literacy, and community support.
On-site services and informational sessions were provided by government agencies, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth. Meanwhile, healthcare services were delivered by Physicians Diagnostic Services Center Inc., which offered physical examinations, blood sugar testing, and a wellness lecture addressing the unique health challenges faced by seafarers.
Empowering OFWs Through Financial Planning
Sun Life Client Segment Marketing Senior Manager Beron Mangosing presented the company’s “Live Bright Now” campaign, which promotes proactive health and financial planning. The initiative encourages Overseas Filipinos to take charge of their present well-being and financial security while preparing for retirement, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to achieve their goal of coming home for good.
To bring the campaign to life, Sun Life immersed participants in two interactive activities. The first was the “Home for Good” simulation, which allowed families to “fly” an airplane through various life obstacles, symbolizing the journey of Overseas Filipinos. The second activity was the “Play for Life” game board, which highlighted the importance of being prepared for life’s risks, reinforced the value of financial security, and emphasized the critical importance of retirement planning, all of which are key elements of Sun Life’s comprehensive approach to supporting OFW well-being.
All these are aligned with Sun Life’s promise to help more OFWs build financial security a brighter future.
Interactive Engagement and Community Celebration
Participants also listened to inspiring messages and presentations from notable guests, such as Dr. Teodosio Alcantara, Dr. Ryan Ed Comuelo, Dr. Douglas Aurelio, and Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute Senior Consultant Luther Calderon; while Dr. Eris John Tibay and Dr. Melanie De Vera-Padura provided practical insights on maintaining physical and mental well-being while working at sea.
An interactive session promoting mental wellness and emotional resilience was also held, facilitated by Vertical Parallel Asia with Anne Margarette Estacio, RPm, MSPsy at the helm.
Various activities at the “OF Play” area allowed participants to win prizes through interactive games and challenges. A pickleball tournament in Iloilo, initiated by AMOSUP, added a recreational and wellness-focused component that encouraged camaraderie and active participation.
Sun Life, together with participating partners and government agencies, distributed prizes, giveaways, and merchandise during raffle draws and booth activities. The major raffle prize for both locations was a travel voucher worth PHP 5,000.00, awarded to two lucky participants as they continued their journey toward coming home for good.
A Continuing Commitment
The expo demonstrated the strength of multi-sector collaboration in addressing the holistic needs of Filipino migrant workers.
By collaborating with groups that share its vision of a brighter future for the OFWs, Sun Life reaffirmed its commitment to providing meaningful support, financial literacy, and health awareness—the essential building blocks for achieving their dream of coming home for good and building a brighter future for themselves and their families.
