How does climate change affect our lives and how can young people stay prepared? Leading life insurer Pru Life UK tackles these pressing questions in its educational comic book, “Maging Handa: A Story of Adaptation and Resilience Amid Climate Change.”

Pru Life UK’s Board of Directors Chairperson Ms. Nenet Lavares (2nd from right) and VP for Government Relations & Sustainability Maricel Estavillo (leftmost), together with Dr. Renzo Guinto (3rd from left) and Manila Central University President Dr. Renato Tanchoco Jr.(2nd from left), Basic Education Department Principal Ms. Eloisa Reyes (3rd from right), and K-10 Assistant Principal Mr. Dennis Javier (1st from right).

The Philippines, highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, experiences around 20 tropical cyclones annually, with 8 to 9 making landfall. Studies link climate-related disasters to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, often worsened by social disruption, economic stress, and displacement. Up to 40% of survivors experience psychological distress within the first year, with some cases becoming a long-term health burden.

The comic book follows a classroom discussion on climate change, where a disaster response volunteer shares how Super Typhoon Yolanda profoundly affected her life and hometown. Climate change has been linked to increased rainfall and intensity of recent typhoons.

Through relatable stories and practical advice, “Maging Handa” highlights the importance of financial security, community support and mental resilience in climate adaptation

Grades 5-7 students from Manila Central University joined Pru Life UK’s reading session of its comics on climate change, health, and financial security entitled Maging Handa: A Story of Adaptation and Resilience Amid Climate Change.

To bring these lessons to life, Pru Life UK hosted a Climate Change and Mental Health learning session at Manila Central University (MCU), engaging Grade 5-7 students in an interactive discussion. “We are honored to be part of this initiative, which teaches our students how to stay prepared and resilient amid climate change,” said MCU Basic Education Principal Ms. Maria Eloisa C. Reyes.

Planetary health expert Dr. Ramon Lorenzo “Renzo”’ R. Guinto, Pru Life UK’s climate and health advocacy partner since 2020, emphasised the importance of early intervention. “Children are among the most vulnerable to climate-related illnesses and the toll on their mental well-being cannot be overlooked. Beyond the science of climate change, we’re empowering students to safeguard their health, build mental resilience, and understand the role of financial preparedness in navigating an uncertain future.”

Pru Life UK plans to distribute the comics in schools and communities nationwide and host more learning sessions to educate and empower Filipino youth and adults.

Dr. Renzo Guinto, a leading planetary health practitioner (3rd from right) led the comic book reading with Pru Life UK employee volunteers.

“The ‘Maging Handa‘ comic book is the latest in our continuing efforts to help Filipinos understand the impacts of climate change on health and well-being and financial security. Insurance and other forms of financial protection can help reduce financial vulnerability amid the worsening climate crisis. This is part of our larger commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, with more initiatives readied as we continue working toward a more secure and sustainable future,” shares Maricel E. Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Vice President for Government Relations & Sustainability.

As part of its long-term sustainability agenda, Pru Life UK has consistently led efforts to address the impacts of climate change on Filipinos. In 2021, the company conducted the pioneering study “How Climate Change Will Impact Filipino Health in the Next Decade”. Led by Dr. Guinto, it highlights actionable measures to mitigate climate change’s impact on Filipinos’ health while advocating for financial security and mental health interventions as vital adaptations to a changing environment.

Since then, the company has been engaging in a series of climate and health sessions through collaborations with various government units, non-profit organizations and local communities.

Recently, Pru Life UK, through Prudential’s Climate and Health Resilience Fund (CHRF), awarded a Php 10 million grant to CARE Philippines for the rollout of the Sustainable Health Interventions for Eradicating Leptospirosis and Dengue (SHIELD) Project in target communities in Malabon and Valenzuela City.