Students of the Muslim Filipino community in Davao gather for a group photo during the pilot Pru Life UK Adopt-a-Madrasah programme
Pru Life UK, the country’s leading life insurer, was recognised with a Bronze Stevie Award in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category at the 22nd International Business Awards for its Takaful journey, having introduced the Philippines’ first Islamic life protection offering.
Takaful, which is financial protection that is based on ta’awun (mutual assistance) and tabarru’ (donation), adheres to Shari’ah rules and principles. It aims to help bridge the gap in the country’s Islamic financial sector—particularly in investment, banking, and insurance—which affects around seven million Muslim Filipinos, the third-largest Muslim population in Southeast Asia. Through Takaful, members contribute to a common fund to guarantee mutual protection, upholding Islamic business values of transparency, fairness, and equitable wealth distribution.
“This recognition affirms our commitment to building a more inclusive financial system where every Filipino, regardless of faith, has access to protection and financial security,” said Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Sustainability and Takaful Head. “More than just a campaign, Takaful also represents our strong belief in equality and shared responsibility.”
To further promote Takaful and raise awareness of Islamic financial principles, Pru Life UK launched several community investment and educational initiatives. Among these is the Adopt-a-Madrasah Programme, which supports Islamic educational institutions or Madaris.
Through this pilot programme, Pru Life UK reached more than 450 students and teachers across three community madaris—Darul Khair Islamic Center, Maahad Talomo Al-Islamie, and Al Madrasah Al-Arabia Wal-Islamiyah in Bangkal, Davao in 2024. The Adopt-a-Madrasah programme UK has since been expanded, now featuring the donation of digital equipment such as laptops, projectors, and white screens, as well as learning sessions on Takaful, digital literacy and citizenship, climate and health, and disaster preparedness.
Another key initiative on its first year of implementation last year was the Takaful Education Roadshow, held in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro, which educated over 200 financial advisors, community leaders, and media representatives on Islamic finance and the foundation of Shari’ah principles.
Pru Life UK also introduced Takaful in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where most of the Muslim Filipino population lives, through an event held in Cotabato City in January 2025. In addition, the insurer partnered with Al Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines, the country’s first Islamic bank, to promote Islamic finance and Takaful through education and capacity-building initiatives.
The International Business Awards, part of the globally renowned Stevie Awards network, honour excellence and innovation among organisations and individuals worldwide.
