Sun Life and Blas F. Ople Center Empower OFWs, Shine Light on Filipino Mariners on National Migrant Workers’ Day
In celebration of National Migrant Workers’ Day, Sun Life Philippines, in collaboration with the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, held the Global Pinoy Health and Financial Wellness Day—a full-day event dedicated to honoring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), particularly highlighting the resilience of Filipino mariners who sail across the globe in service of their families and the nation.
Held in partnership with the non-profit Blas F. Ople Policy Center—an organization devoted to upholding the rights and welfare of OFWs—the event showcased Sun Life’s commitment to the long-term health and financial well-being of Filipino workers abroad.
One of the major milestones of the day was the launch of Sun Life OFW Health Protect, the first health insurance plan specially crafted for OFWs and their families. For the thousands of Filipino mariners working at sea, this product ensures that they and their loved ones have accessible health coverage—no matter where they are in the world.
“This is more than just a product launch; it’s a promise,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “We recognize the extraordinary efforts of our OFWs, especially our seafarers, and this is our way of walking with them on their journey to a brighter, more secure future.”
Following the product launch, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between Sun Life and the Blas F. Ople Policy Center. This formalized their joint mission to provide support to OFWs—on land and at sea—through holistic financial education and reintegration initiatives.
To further bring this mission to life, Sun Life presented the Center with a customized edition of its original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices, now designed specifically for OFWs. Through this interactive format, the game offers a fun, relatable way to learn money management—a resource Filipino mariners can even bring on board during voyages.
“The partnership with Sun Life allows us to equip more OFWs with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive—whether they choose to stay abroad or return home for good,” shared Estelle Ople Osorio, President of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center.
The celebration wrapped up with the Global Pinoy Health and Financial Wellness Expo, where OFWs and their families gained access to programs and tools focused on health protection, financial planning, and reintegration. The expo highlighted both the dreams and the challenges of OFWs, while recognizing their critical role in sustaining the Philippine economy.
Also present at the event were Daureen Andal, Chief Product Solutions Officer of Sun Life Philippines; Cary Casipit, Head of Client Segment Marketing; Luther Calderon, Senior Consultant of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center; and Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers.
These initiatives are part of Shine Pinoy, Sun Life’s advocacy program built to help OFWs achieve their goals, come home for good, and enjoy the brighter life they’ve worked so hard for.