Stronger, safer communities: Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation champion climate-health solutions

Pru Life UK, through the strategic support of Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, has launched a community-based intervention program to build resilience against dengue and leptospirosis, two known climate-sensitive diseases, in the cities of Malabon and Caloocan. NGO CARE Philippines was tapped as the implementing partner for the year-long program named SHIELD Project (Sustainable Health Interventions for Eradicating Leptospirosis and Dengue). 

The project is backed by Prudence Foundation’s PHP10 million Climate and Health Resilience Fund (CHRF), a fund that supports local projects that build community resilience against health impacts of climate change. This year, as the recipient of CHRF in the Philippines, the SHIELD project seeks to enhance community-level preparedness and protection against dengue and leptospirosis health systems in the cities of Malabon and Caloocan.

This year, the SHIELD Project aims to reach 6,700 beneficiaries, including 200 barangay healthcare workers, 2,000 residents trained on disease prevention, 4,000 reached through health campaigns, and 500 community leaders trained to champion WASH practices.

Capacity-building training sessions were conducted for LGU (local government unit) personnel, including Barangay Health Workers and Barangay-level Health Education and Promotion Officers, as part of SHIELD’s key program activities. These sessions aimed to enhance their skills in effective disease prevention and control within their communities.

In 2024, dengue and leptospirosis cases in the Philippines increased by 33% and 16% respectively, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable and community-based responses.

The SHIELD Project covers targeted health interventions, including:

• Education campaigns on disease prevention and the climate-health link

• Training for local health workers and government partners to improve detection and response

• Clean-up drives and distribution of mosquito nets and WASH kits

• Development of early warning systems and community-led surveillance 

• Inclusive health education to empower women and vulnerable groups

“As the impacts of climate change become more visible in our communities, we believe that building health resilience is not just necessary—it’s urgent,” said Maricel Estavillo, VP for Sustainability and Takaful Head at Pru Life UK. “Through the SHIELD Project, we aim to empower local communities with knowledge, tools, and systems that can save lives and protect livelihoods, especially in the most at-risk areas.”

The initiative supports the Department of Health’s climate and health adaptation strategy and reinforces Pru Life UK’s and Prudence Foundation’s commitment to building safer, more resilient communities. Designed for long-term impact, SHIELD will serve as a model for replication in other high-risk areas in the country.

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About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of close to 38,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of Q2 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with over 175 years of legacy of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information.