Canada's Minister of International Trade lauds Sun Life's success in RP

MANILA, Philippines - Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Stockwell Day, who was in the Philippines recently to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, commended Sun Life Financial-Philippines for continuing to spur business growth and consistently showing great concern for the Filipinos through its various corporate social responsibility efforts.

Day noted Sun Life’s 114 years of operations in the country and its consistent progress despite the global economic downturn. He also lauded the company’s support for the ‘green’ campaign highlighted by the construction of a LEED-compliant building at the Fort. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

To mark an auspicious beginning for the Sun Life building, Day, accompanied by Canadian Ambassador Robert Desjardins, officials from the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, and executives from Sun Life led a ceremonial tree planting activity last November 13 right at the building site. Minister Day proceeded to plant a mahogany tree, a hardwood tree known for its firmness, strength and resilience.

For her part, Sun Life Philippines president & CEO Rizalina Mantaring expressed her gratitude and appreciation to Trade Minister Day for his confidence and trust in Sun Life Philippines.

“It is this support and trust from the government of Canada and our parent company in Toronto that truly inspire us to pursue our mission of providing financial freedom for every Filipino,” Mantaring said.

Mantaring also noted that the Sun Life building which will soon rise at the Fort signifies Sun Life’s commitment to further grow its business in the Philippines.