Sun Life Philippines and its philanthropic arm Sun Life Philippines Foundation have inaugurated a revamped basketball court in the Legacy of Light Village in Calauan, Laguna.
The inauguration event held on February 28 gathered Sun Life executives, residents of the resettlement village, brand ambassador Donny Pangilinan, select media (including Tech and Lifestyle Journal), and representatives from Beyond Sport, a global sport-for-social-change organization and partner to Sun Life for ‘Hoops + Health’ program, a ₱40 million partnership aimed at promoting healthier lives among marginalized youth not just in the country but also across East Asia. 
Legacy of Light Village is a 110-hectare resettlement site in Calauan, Laguna that was set up in 2010 by Sun Life Foundation and the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation. The village has been home to families uprooted from the banks of Estero de Paco and Pandacan in Manila. Aside from providing affordable housing and livelihood, the resettlement program has also provided villagers with basic amenities like kids and youth site, learning center, and recreation facilities (including the basketball court that has just been revamped).
The basketball court has transformed through fresh coats of paint, upgraded facilities, and new and state-of-the-art basketball hoops. The physical renovation also represents Sun Life’s commitment to fostering healthier communities by improving access to physical activities. The refurbished basketball facilitates safe and accessible space for individuals of all ages to engage in the sports and other physical activities, promoting health and well-being.
Through the expertise of Beyond Sport, the Hoops + Health program will facilitate educational sessions for local coaches to learn about nutrition, physical activities, and protection of mental health. The coaches are expected to then develop a basketball program to engage the community’s youth.
This is in line with the #MovementMatters campaign launched in the Philippines in August 2023 through the Sun Life 3×3 Charity Challenge that raised funds for capacity-building support, program development grants, and infrastructure revitalization efforts, including the basketball court renovation in the Legacy of Light Village.
“At Sun Life, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to achieve holistic health and wellness,” said Sun Life Philippines Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer Carla Gonzalez-Chong. “By partnering with Beyond Sport, we are harnessing the unique power of basketball to not only encourage physical activity but also to foster community spirit and contribute to a healthier future for Filipinos.”
During the inauguration program, Legacy of Light Village Homeowners Association President Wilma Vibar expressed appreciation for the redesign of the multi-purpose covered court. “Ang hiling namin ay magkaroon lamang ng bakod ang aming court, ngunit higit pa ang aming natanggap. Napakalaking bagay ito para sa amin.”
Beyond Sport Executive Director Fred Turner said, “Sports serves as a powerful instrument for positive social change. We are proud to partner with Sun Life on this impactful project, as we transformed this basketball court into a vibrant space where the youth can develop their skills and lead healthier lives.”
Sun Life has also reiterated its commitment to encourage more Filipinos to make physical activity a part of their healthy lifestyle.
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