Seven Years of Sheroes: How InLife Is Rewriting the Story of Filipino Women

The Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. (InLife), the country’s first and largest Filipino life insurer, celebrated the seventh anniversary of its InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement last March 12 at The Gallery, Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City. 

Under the theme “HERizon: Seven Years Forward,” the milestone gathering brought champions of women’s empowerment who continue to shape a brighter future for Filipino communities. 

Since its founding in 2019, the InLife Sheroes movement has grown into a powerful ecosystem that has reached 16.3 million lives across the Philippines. 

Anchored on four pillars such as financial literacy, health and wellness, women-specific solutions, and connection to social and business networks, the movement has championed the belief that empowered women create lasting change in their families, communities, and beyond.

“InLife Sheroes has never been just about numbers. It has always been about purpose. We only need women to reclaim their voices and ensure those voices are heard,” InLife Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas said in her opening remarks at the event.

Central to the celebration was the #StartWithin campaign, grounded in the conviction that meaningful progress begins with inner strength. 

The campaign is brought to life through mentorship programs, financial literacy initiatives, and TBR coaching conversations that equip women from diverse and underserved sectors to translate intention into action and lead boldly toward their own horizons.

Celebrating the 2026 InLife Sheroes Awardees

The notable part of the program was the presentation of the 2026 InLife Sheroes Awards, which recognized three outstanding women and organizations whose journeys embody the spirit of #StartWithin

Foundation for Professional Training, Inc. (FPTI)

FPTI, represented by President Imelda Nibungco and center heads Filipinas de Guzman, Elizabeth Lopez, and Aileen Clutario, earned recognition for its transformative work in technical-vocational education for women. 

Through its network of professional training centers, FPTI lifts marginalized women, including Badjao mothers and first-generation scholars, into meaningful employment and community leadership. 

“Our students’ parents told us how the school transformed their children. Truly, the greater work lies in character building. We saw that growth of family farm schools like us can contribute to sustainable rural development,” said Nibungco, adding that FPTI is now advocating for the inclusion of farm school subsidies in national legislation.

Lopez, who heads the FPTI Banilad Center in Cebu, described a particularly moving breakthrough: “Our first batch of Badjao mothers used to beg on the streets. They underwent livelihood skills training in breadmaking and baking, and are now selling these to their community and the public school. From 25, we now have about 100 Badjao women helping us.”

“There is always fear and fatigue because we don’t have much resources but we believe in our mission of helping young women achieve their dreams. I want to tell them: dream big, lead with courage and integrity, and when they get the opportunity to rise, keep lifting others and giving back,” Clutario said.

Cherilyn Secillano, Founder of Dwellbeing

Former corporate executive Cherilyn Secillano earned the award for building Dwellbeing, a social enterprise that champions inclusivity through natural home products crafted in partnership with marginalized community suppliers and a 100% deaf workforce. 

A portion of every Dwellbeing purchase goes toward providing meals for families in poverty-stricken communities. 

Guided by values of integrity, compassion, and purpose, Secillano described her enterprise’s core philosophy: “Purpose fuels the business, but profitability sustains that purpose.”

Her path to social entrepreneurship began during the pandemic, when she developed natural home products for her son, who suffered from a skin condition and allergy, a personal act of care that evolved into a mission-driven enterprise. She credits her family’s values for guiding every business decision she has made:

“My grandfather used to tell us, keep planting until you get a good harvest, and live simply so others can simply live. These are the key ingredients of Dwellbeing. It revolves around passion and compassion: empathizing with people who need it most and giving them opportunities in life.”

Secillano’s story demonstrates that purposeful enterprise, rooted in personal values, can become a powerful vehicle for lasting social change.

Mina C. Ballesteros, Executive Director, Gelacio I. Yason Foundation – Family Farm School

Mina Ballesteros earned recognition for pioneering advocacy in rural youth education through the family farm school model, which bridges agricultural heritage with formal schooling to keep rural youth rooted in and empowered by their communities. 

“Our students’ parents told us how the school transformed their children. The greater work lies in character building. We saw that growth of family farm schools can contribute to sustainable rural development,” Ballesteros said.

“Hence, we advocated for the passage of the rural farm school law. However, the farm school subsidy was not covered in the said law, so we are now lobbying for its inclusion,” Ballesteros explained, underscoring that her work does not end at the classroom door but extends into the policy arena to ensure systemic and lasting change.

Ballesteros is currently lobbying to have farm school subsidies included in national legislation. Her vision: “When the system blooms like mushrooms in the field, and integrated development happens, that is how sustainability happens.”

Beyond the HERizon: A Live Conversation

Another highlight of the program was “Beyond the HERizon,” an intimate live interview segment moderated by host Cesca Litton in which the three awardees shared the personal turning points, guiding values, and bold visions that drive their work. 

Their stories illuminated a shared conviction: that progress does not wait for perfect conditions, and that leading with courage and compassion creates ripples far beyond what any single individual can anticipate.

One recurring theme throughout the conversation was the idea that leadership is not solely about personal achievement. It is about creating opportunities for others and helping communities move forward together. 

The awardees also emphasized the power of investing in women, noting that empowering one individual can create ripple effects that strengthen families, organizations, and entire communities.

The event also reinforced the message behind #StartWithin, a core advocacy of InLife Sheroes that encourages women to begin their journey toward growth and transformation from within. 

Through mentorship programs, financial education initiatives, and coaching opportunities, the movement continues to provide women with the tools and support they need to pursue their goals and navigate life's challenges.

Seven Years Forward and the Horizon Keeps Expanding

As guests reflected on the stories shared during the program, the anniversary celebration served as a reminder of how far the movement has come and how much more can be achieved when women are empowered to lead.

“Their stories remind us that empowerment is not abstract. It is practical, it is tangible, it happens in classrooms and communities and in the everyday courage of women determined to build a better future for others,” Aguas said.

The gathering concluded with the official recognition of the 2026 InLife Sheroes and a celebratory toast led by InLife executives. Joining Aguas in honoring the awardees were Raoul Littaua, President and CEO of InLife, Noemi Azura, President and CEO of InLife Benefits, and Gae Martinez, Chief Marketing Officer of InLife.

The event also marked the opening of nominations for the 2027 InLife Sheroes Awards, inviting the public to nominate women and organizations whose stories deserve recognition and celebration. 

The call for nominations reflects the movement’s belief that extraordinary leadership can be found in every corner of society and that sharing these stories can inspire even more women to pursue their own journeys of impact.

As InLife Sheroes looks ahead, its mission remains clear: to champion women who break barriers, inspire progress, and help shape a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

Seven years forward—and the horizon continues to expand.