Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) has expanded its reach in Central Luzon with the recent inauguration of four new Barangay Health Stations (BHS), furthering its commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for underserved communities.

In partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI), the Sun Life Barangay Health Stations program aims to provide essential primary health services such as regular health checkups, prenatal care, and health education, particularly in remote areas.

The program also empowers residents through the Community-Based Health and Wellness Program (CBHWP), where trained Community Health Nurses guide local members to become Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Cluster Leaders, fostering a sustainable approach to community health management.

The newly opened stations are located in Barangay San Vicente in San Manuel, Barangay Moriones in San Jose, and Barangay Bigbiga in Mayantoc, all in Tarlac, with a fourth station in Barangay Recuerdo in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija. With these additions, the program now operates 13 health stations, with three more under construction and scheduled for turnover in 2025, in celebration of Sun Life’s 130th anniversary in the Philippines.

“The Sun Life Barangay Health Stations program aims to empower local residents and support the creation of healthy, resilient, and vibrant communities,” said Alex Narciso, President of the Sun Life Foundation. “By establishing these stations, we eliminate distance as a barrier to healthcare, bringing people closer to the resources they need for a brighter, healthier future.”

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, the Sun Life Foundation is dedicated to promoting the well-being of Filipinos through holistic programs that improve health outcomes.

“One of the most significant impacts of having a Barangay Health Station is the heightened awareness of health issues within the community,” shared Dominique Dayag, Community Health Nurse at the San Vicente BHS in San Manuel, Tarlac. “The residents recently attended a seminar on lifestyle diseases, and they are grateful for the knowledge they’ve gained. It has truly increased their understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”