Among the major lessons that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown families around the world is that long-term financial security is an absolute necessity.

This reality dawned with great impact on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), especially when over 1.7 million of them have been repatriated since the start of the pandemic, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).   

In a bid to help OFWs achieve financial wellness and come home to the Philippines for good, Sun Life Philippines (Sun Life), a leading international financial services organization, and TFC, ABS-CBN‘s flagship international multiplatform media brand, recently launched Shine On, Overseas Pinoy, a talk show that provides relevant financial education to OFWs and their families towards achieving a stable financial future.

Hosted by award-winning actress and TV host, Charo Santos, who is also a Sun Life brand ambassador, Shine On, Overseas Pinoy debuted on May 14, 2022, on TFC in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. TFC will broadcast a new episode every Saturday and Sunday.

Each episode will feature Santos with a guest OFW and an expert financial advisor discussing real-life financial concerns and possible solutions.  The episodes will cover relevant topics like alternative sources of income, health protection for OFWs and their families, life insurance, education and retirement planning, estate planning, building an emergency fund, and starting a business, among others.

“With over 10 million overseas Filipinos across the globe that contribute up to 10 percent of the country’s GDP, OFWs are undoubtedly one of the most important sectors in our nation,” said Alex Narciso, president of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc.  “Sun Life is committed to helping them plot a path towards their eventual homecoming where they can look forward to a comfortable retirement.  Shine On, Overseas Pinoy is a solid step towards that direction.”

Santos, for her part, explained why she said yes to hosting Shine On, Overseas Pinoy: “I saw the value in imparting knowledge to our kababayan about financial management. Many of them are scared about what to do with their salaries and savings and this is because of lack of relevant knowledge and information. That is the need that this show addresses and we promise that they will learn a lot from useful and practical expert financial advice. We at ABS-CBN are so delighted to have partnered with Sun Life for this.”