AXA Week for Good 2025 Inspires Volunteerism from Luzon to Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines, August 19, 2025 — AXA Philippines turned its commitment to community into action during this year’s AXA Week for Good (AWFG), the flagship annual celebration of AXA Hearts in Action, the company’s global employee volunteering program. AWFG is a weeklong series of activities where employees nationwide unite to support causes that strengthen communities and inspire lasting change.

“AXA Week for Good reflects the passion and purpose of our people,” said Sharon Hernandez, Chief Human Resources Officer of AXA Philippines. “It’s a meaningful opportunity for employees to engage with communities, champion causes they care about, and see the direct impact of their efforts. Beyond volunteerism, it strengthens our culture of empathy, collaboration, and advocacy—values that define us as an organization.”

Across the country, 873 employees stepped up, comprising 544 first-time volunteers, 329 returning ones, and 22 non-full-time staff, all contributing time, skills, and compassion to causes that matter.

AXA employees engaged in skills-based, community-driven activities like a workshop on making Bokashi Balls which help clean and restore rivers and waterways by breaking down harmful sludge and bacteria.

A Week of Connection at AXA Headquarters

AXA’s headquarters (HQ) in Makati City became a hub of learning, compassion, and hands-on service. The NGO Fair brought together 17 partner organizations, each sharing their causes and sustainable products. Employees engaged directly with advocates, purchased goods that supported community livelihoods, and learned about initiatives in mental health, education, and environmental care.

The week featured a special podcast series, offering inspiring conversations with NGO partners. Among many others were Judith Apolinario-Follero of iVolunteer Philippines, who spoke on volunteering for personal growth; Jose Mari Hulleza of Juan for Mental Health, who shared simple, practical techniques to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being; Catherina Papio of Earthventure Inc. and Green Space Pilipinas, who helped unpack how segregation and composting can be powerful tools for environmental change; Karey Milan Balbin of the Philippine Red Cross Rizal Chapter, who discussed the life-saving power of blood donation; and Christopher Santos, founder of LifeAid Emergency Solutions Inc., who provided insights on disaster preparedness and community resilience. These stories brought to life the passion and purpose behind their work, complementing the on-site activities.

Employees took part in creative, purpose-driven workshops: the “Eco-Make Lab,” where they handcrafted macramé pouches alongside women artisans from Project Pearls under their livelihood program GROW Bulacan; “Handmade with Love,” where they produced sustainable doormats for donation to local communities; and “Learn and Pack,” where they assembled educational kits for underprivileged children, promoting both learning and environmental awareness. These hands-on experiences sparked creativity, built relationships, and deepened appreciation for the skill and care that go into everyday necessities.

The HQ-based activities brought meaningful connections to life, culminating with a heartwarming visit from children of the Payatas Orione Foundation, who spent a joyful day of storytelling, play, and discovery with AXA volunteers.

In Davao, employees came together for the “One Great AXA Walk”, a vibrant display of solidarity and wellness that reinforced the company’s message that everyone matters.

Beyond the headquarters, AXA employees participated in “One Great AXA” events, regional gatherings under the AWFG banner that combine wellness, camaraderie, and service. In Cebu and Davao, the “One Great AXA Walk” united teams across regions, reinforcing the idea that every employee is part of one nationwide movement.

AXA employee volunteers joined hands to plant trees in Siniloan, Laguna, supporting local reforestation efforts and environmental conservation.

In Siniloan, Laguna, AXA collaborated with Fostering Education & Environment for Development (FEED) to identify pressing needs. As part of the reforestation efforts in Sierra Madre, volunteers planted 1,250 seedlings, achieving more than 40% of AXA’s overall target of 3,000 trees.  Beyond donating food, school supplies, clothing, shoes, and cash—based on the community’s requests—the volunteers also shared knowledge through a financial literacy workshop on budgeting, saving, and investing, empowering residents with practical skills for a more secure and sustainable future.

This year’s AWFG brought AXA to 70% of its AXA Hearts in Action volunteer target, engaging 1,128 unique volunteers to date. Behind these figures are the personal stories, connections, and shared purpose that make the initiative a lasting force for good.

More than a yearly activity, the AWFG is considered a living expression of the company’s belief that purpose drives progress. By giving their time, talent, and heart, AXA employees reaffirmed that together, they can help build a better, more inclusive future.

For more information about AXA Philippines’ commitment to holistic well-being for all, visit https://www.axa.com.ph

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