Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation Inc., (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropy arm of Sun Life Philippines, in cooperation with Hybrid Social Solutions, Inc. (HSSi) successfully fulfilled its solarization program in Quarantine Control Points (QCP) for the benefit of the frontline teams in various locations.
The program relieved teams manning checkpoints through the deployment of various solar-powered equipment, such as solar radio/lights, solar light/chargers, and solar fans. These benefitted a total of 1,522 frontline staff manning 90 QCPs in 25 municipalities across seven provinces including Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, Palawan, Albay, Iloilo, and Antique.
Volunteers who manned the Dulumbayan Checkpoint 4 and San Rafael Checkpoint commended the program, saying the solar equipment provided allowed them to conveniently perform their tasks such as inspecting vehicles and preparing reports, gave them access to timely news and updates, protected them from insect-borne diseases, and gave them visibility as well as overall safety. Moreover, it also allowed them to keep in touch with loved ones as they were able to keep their mobile phones charged.
Sun Life CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison, who also chairs the Sun Life Foundation, stated, “It is our honor to provide the needs of frontline teams striving to keep communities safe. We earnestly hope that our humble contribution becomes instrumental in helping our country win the fight against COVID-19.” Sun Life Foundation President, Alex Narciso added, “Sun Life remains committed to be the Filipino people’s partner especially during the most trying times like this pandemic. This effort to alleviate our frontliners’ situation is our way of showing that we are one with the nation in winning against COVID-19.”
Meanwhile, HSSi CEO Jim Ayala said, “Thousands of barangay health workers and other frontliners in rural villages nationwide man QCPs with no electricity. With the help of Sun Life Foundation, HSSi was able to equip over 1,500 frontliners stationed at these checkpoints with solar equipment.”
With the modification of quarantine measures in various locations, the solar equipment are now being retrieved from the checkpoints for possible redeployment in other areas where it may be useful, thus allowing the program to impact other communities in need.
The solarization program is one of Sun Life Foundation’s many initiatives aimed at providing assistance amid the pandemic. It has donated personal protective equipment, masks, and others supplies to various hospitals nationwide, provided Life Armor insurance coverage for health workers, and participated in the Project Ugnayan consortium which aims to feed 1.5 million vulnerable families.
“Sun Life Foundation will continue exploring ways to help in the country’s fight against COVID-19,” Sison said. “There is still so much to do, but we are confident that if we continue working together, our nation can overcome this challenge and brighter days will be in the horizon.”
