Sun Life launches financial literacy campus tour

MANILA, Philippines -  Financial planning knows no age, and it pays to start young. As the first sustainable and multimedia financial literacy campaign, It’s Time! kicks off its campus tour during the first Finance Expo by the De La Salle University (DLSU).

 Sun Life Financial-Philippines (SLFP) partnered with DLSU’s Management of Financial Institutions Association (MaFIA) for free financial consultations and financial planning seminars dubbed “Personal Financial Planning: Secrets to Greatness”. Volunteer Sun Life financial advisors discussed the benefits of insurance and investment to visitors of the expo. “I was quite surprised that a lot of the students expressed interest in learning more about mutual funds and variable life insurance policies. I am really amazed that they have this consciousness about investing and saving for the future at such a young age,” shared Kendrick Chua, a volunteer financial advisor.

 More than a hundred college students attended the courses offered by Sun Life. And the results are encouraging. In a survey of participants, 88 percent said they would prioritize their savings and investment, 75 percent found the sessions educational, while 54 percent would get a life insurance policy once they are able. Sherry Lynn Uy, a student who attended the seminar said that it was a very enlightening experience for her because it gave her a chance to learn how these financial vehicles work in real-life situations. More importantly, she was motivated to start investing early for future needs. Michelle May Ong, outgoing President of MaFIA echoed a similar sentiment, “My key learning from the seminar was to grab the opportunity to start investing while we are still young. It really is time.”

“It’s Time! is focusing on the youth, particularly students, so that the value of insurance and investment will be nurtured early on. Being the pioneer of financial literacy in the country, we want to train a new generation of responsible and financial savvy Filipinos,”said Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Mari-an Albert.

 Launched by Sun Life Financial in 2009, It’s Time! is the first multi-media financial literacy advocacy in the Philippines. The advocacy aims to inform and empower Filipinos to achieve financial security and is now fully supported by the Sun Life Foundation. Encompassing different media, the campaign continues to inspire Filipinos to know their financial needs and take action to address them. The advocacy has also reaped awards and recognition from numerous organizations for its groundbreaking success.